Casa Del Mar

Good vibes at the bar, great customer service, and amazing drinks. Jairo is incredible, really friendly, and makes the best drinks. I've been back three times just for him and his cocktails. Amaro is great too.

I paid for an ocean-view room and ended up with a coastal view. Inside, the yellow carpet looked grimy, the curtains didn't close properly, and there were no blackout curtains. The soundproofing was awful, and I kept hearing the neighbors overnight. The room was cluttered with overpriced snacks and things for sale. The main lounge restaurant was slightly above average, nothing special. For a five-star hotel charging $1,000 a night, the stay felt average at best and much like any other hotel. Just disappointing.

The restaurant charges quite a bit. The food was good, though nothing special, and the fitness center is small but fine for a short workout. Valet is the only parking option, and the lot is a little farther away, so getting the car can take some time. The staff handled it professionally. I loved the elegant, modern design and the location right by the Santa Monica Pier. The rooms were spacious, well kept, and had very comfortable beds. Service was consistently friendly and welcoming, and the pier, beach, and lots of attractions are an easy walk away. Highly recommend it for the design, comfortable rooms, service, and location.

The rooftop pool was our favorite spot, with a great view of the pier, ocean sounds, and room for a little privacy. The bar makes a good drink, too. We liked the rooms' retro feel, which had plenty of charm, and the layout and bed were comfortable. The walls are a bit thin, so light sleepers should be ready for that. We also enjoyed taking long walks along the beach. Service was warm and friendly, a little above what we've had at some other luxury hotels in LA.