Revitalization is in full swing for Santa Monica's hospitality sector with two notable hotel projects making strides in development, signaling a continued investment in the area's capacity to draw tourists and breathe life into its cultural offerings. The historic Miramar Hotel redevelopment, designed by Pelli Clarke Partners, is pushing through the city's review process, having gained a nod from the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board on July 15, marking a step toward a modernized yet historically aware transformation of the landmark site which will feature a mix of hotel rooms, condominiums, banquet facilities, rodeo, and spa amenities complemented by 14,000 square feet of Public Garden Terraces, aimed at providing public access and enjoyment, according to the City of Santa Monica.

Set for further scrutiny by the Landmarks Commission this fall, the project intends to preserve the character-defining elements like the Moreton Bay Fig Tree while incorporating 42 units of desperately needed affordable housing and generating new union jobs along with substantial revenue for the city's funds, these developments are substantial and are seen as beneficial for the local economy and social fabric, as per the City of Santa Monica.

On a broader scale, the renaissance in hospitality is evidenced by recent openings and rebrandings in the sector, including Sandbourne Hotel's facelift and the Regent Santa Monica's debut, pegged as one of "Forbes Travel Guide’s 30 Most Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2024", with the latter starting to accept reservations for September, proving that Santa Monica remains a magnet for travelers, bolstered by the looming excitement of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the LA28 Olympics.