
Freehand Los Angeles
Best for travelers who want a rooftop pool, celebrated cocktail bar, and a central Downtown LA location near museums and event venues.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Freehand Los Angeles is a lively Downtown LA hotel built into a 1924 landmark, focused on rooftop pool life and social dining; read this if you want a central, energetic base for sightseeing, concerts and nightlife. Fairmont Miramar Hotel is a longstanding 5‑star property steps from Santa Monica Beach; read this if you prefer a beachfront luxury stay with full-service spa facilities and a quieter coastal setting.
Updated · about 15–16 miles apart

Best for travelers who want a rooftop pool, celebrated cocktail bar, and a central Downtown LA location near museums and event venues.

Best for travelers who want a traditional luxury hotel close to Santa Monica Beach with multiple on-site restaurants and a full spa.
When Freehand Los Angeles wins: pick Freehand if you want an active Downtown base, rooftop pool and nightlife (Broken Shaker), easy access to Crypto.com Arena / L.A. Live, and a social, design-forward atmosphere.
When Fairmont Miramar Hotel wins: pick Fairmont Miramar if you want a more traditional luxury experience on the Santa Monica oceanfront with a full-service spa, multiple restaurants, and larger meeting/event space.
Bottom line: both are established LA hotels with social appeal; choose Freehand for urban energy and rooftop vibes, choose Fairmont Miramar for seaside luxury and on-site spa/dining options.
| Category | Freehand Los Angeles | Fairmont Miramar Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Energetic, design-forward Downtown hotel with strong rooftop culture and bar scene | Classic coastal luxury with calm public spaces and full-service hotel facilities |
| Location | Downtown Los Angeles, near Crypto.com Arena, museums and transit | Central Santa Monica, within a 15-minute walk of Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier |
| Size (rooms) | 226 rooms | 297 guestrooms |
| Building / age | Housed in the 1924 Commercial Exchange Building (historic) | Longstanding luxury property (modernized over time) |
| Pools / outdoor | Rooftop pool deck with 360° city views (open 10 AM–7 PM per hotel FAQ) | Outdoor pool, hot tub and poolside areas; steps from Santa Monica Beach |
| Restaurants & bars | Four on-site outlets including The Exchange restaurant, coffee bar, Rudolph's lobby bar and rooftop Broken Shaker | Three restaurants, a bar/lounge and a poolside bar; in-house Californian cuisine at Fig Restaurant |
| Spa & wellness | No standalone spa listed; 24-hour fitness center available | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments and facials plus sauna and hot tub |
| Known for | Broken Shaker rooftop cocktail bar (James Beard finalist; Tales of the Cocktail award winner) and rooftop social scene | Beach-adjacent luxury, large meeting/event spaces and classic Fairmont service |
| Family / age policy | All ages welcome; minimum check-in age 18 for the lead guest | All ages welcome (children 17 and under stay free with existing bedding per supplier listing) |
| Parking | On-site 24-hour valet only (no self-parking), with published valet fees | Secured parking available; valet parking listed (surcharge) |
Freehand sits in the heart of Downtown LA, a short walk from concert venues, cultural institutions and transit.
Choose Freehand to be in the middle of Downtown attractions, transit and nightlife.
Fairmont Miramar positions you steps from Santa Monica Beach, Pier and Third Street Promenade.
Choose Fairmont Miramar to prioritize easy beach access and Santa Monica’s walkable coastal amenities.
Freehand occupies a historic 1924 building with rooms designed by Roman & Williams.
Freehand’s rooms emphasize character and design in a compact urban inventory.
Fairmont Miramar offers nearly 300 guestrooms in a traditional luxury hotel layout.
Fairmont Miramar’s rooms prioritize full-service hotel comforts and space for leisure travelers.
Freehand centers its food and drink around social venues, led by Broken Shaker on the rooftop.
Freehand is for guests who want lively bars and a strong rooftop dining/drink scene.
Fairmont Miramar includes multiple on-site dining options and poolside service.
Fairmont Miramar suits guests who prefer several full-service dining choices on property.
Freehand’s rooftop pool is a central social space with city views and a poolside bar.
Freehand’s pool is a rooftop social hub—choose it for skyline views rather than ocean access.
Fairmont Miramar offers an outdoor pool and hot tub as part of a beachfront stay.
Fairmont Miramar combines on-site pool facilities with immediate access to the ocean.
Freehand leans on a 24-hour fitness center and its rooftop nightlife offerings.
Freehand is for guests who value gym access plus an active evening social scene rather than a spa retreat.
Fairmont Miramar has a full-service spa and daytime wellness amenities.
Fairmont Miramar is the better pick for travelers prioritizing spa treatments and a lower-key evening environment.

Freehand — Broken Shaker on the rooftop pool deck is the standout social spot.

Fairmont Miramar — steps from Santa Monica Beach and the Pier for easy ocean access.

Fairmont Miramar — offers a full-service spa, sauna and traditional resort amenities.

Freehand — close to Crypto.com Arena, museums and multiple rail/bus links.
Fairmont Miramar is the clear choice — it’s within a short walk of Santa Monica Beach and the Pier; Freehand is in Downtown LA, about 15–16 miles inland.
Freehand — its rooftop Broken Shaker bar is a major nightlife draw and the hotel sits in a lively Downtown neighborhood.
Yes. Both properties welcome guests of all ages, though Freehand requires the lead guest to be at least 18 and charges guests 13+ as adults in some cases.
Fairmont Miramar has a full-service spa; Freehand does not list a standalone spa.
Explore how Freehand Los Angeles stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·