Where to Stay in Malibu, California — A Local's Guide
What to Know Before You Book
Malibu is a 21-mile stretch of coastline with very few hotels relative to its fame. That's by design — strict zoning laws have kept it from becoming the kind of place you'd find a hotel on every block. What exists here is intimate, local, and often booked out weeks in advance in summer. The options broadly break into three categories: high-end resort properties (think Nobu Hotel and The Surfrider), boutique motels directly on or near PCH, and vacation rental homes.
If you want ocean access, walking distance to the beach, and a sense of genuine Malibu character without the resort price tag, a boutique motel on the Pacific Coast Highway is your best bet.
The Best Areas to Stay in Malibu
Central Malibu (PCH near the Pier): The heart of it. The Malibu Pier, Surfrider Beach, and some of the best surf breaks on the coast are all within walking distance. This is where most visitors want to be — and where The Malibu Motel sits, at 22541 Pacific Coast Highway.
Point Dume: The northern end of central Malibu, with dramatic cliffs, a state beach, and a quieter residential feel. Slightly further from dining and the pier.
Malibu Canyon / Cross Creek: More inland, closer to hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains and the Cross Creek dining corridor. Good base for people coming to hike, wine taste, or visit Malibu Wine Safari.
Where to Stay in Malibu: Our Honest Take
We're obviously biased — but we're also locals who know this coast better than most. The Malibu Motel is a Malibu original, a landmark since 1947 (originally the Sea Esta Lodge), and the kind of Malibu beach hotel that puts you steps from the water without a resort fee or a lobby designed to make you feel like you're anywhere but here.
Our five boutique rooms range from the third-floor Malibu Shoreline (private balcony, full ocean views) to the ground-floor Cozy Hideaway. Rooms include complimentary Nespresso, Smart TV, Free WiFi, and direct access to our pool and upper sun deck. Rates from $259/night — book direct for the best price.
Things to Do Near The Malibu Motel
Surfrider Beach: A short walk from the motel — the first World Surfing Reserve on earth and the spiritual home of California surf culture. Worth watching even if you don't surf.
The Malibu Pier: Less than a mile from the motel. Fishing, ocean views, and the cleanest stretch of Pacific you'll find this close to Los Angeles.
Hiking: The Santa Monica Mountains have trails ranging from casual to serious. Solstice Canyon, Escondido Falls, and Malibu Creek State Park are all within 20 minutes.
Wine Tasting: Malibu Wine Safari and several local tasting rooms sit in the hills above PCH. A genuinely underrated afternoon.
Dining: Nobu Malibu for the occasion. Reel Inn for the fish tacos you'll remember. Malibu Farm for breakfast on the pier. We're happy to point you anywhere when you arrive.
Ready to Book?
The Malibu Motel is at 22541 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265. Call us at (310) 456-6169 or email stay@themalibumotel.com. Book direct at themalibumotel.com for the best available rate — no resort fees, no automated responses, just a real team who knows this place by heart.
