Arrival/Check-In: After missing the entrance once and circling the block, I pulled into the Shore Hotel on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, directly across from the pier and the ocean. The valet promptly took my rental car and helped with luggage. The lobby is bright and open, with floor-to-ceiling windows, white floors and furniture, and sweeping ocean views. The hotel’s sleek, contemporary aesthetic continues throughout the property. One side of the lobby leads to the street entrance and the other opens to the outdoor pool. Complimentary coffee and citrus-infused water are available throughout the day.
The reception staff greeted us immediately — I was traveling with a friend — and offered a glass of Champagne while checking us in. They asked about newspaper delivery and any special requests, and within minutes our luggage was already waiting at the room.
Guest Quarters: The Shore Hotel emphasizes environmental responsibility: guestrooms feature eco-friendly lighting and temperature controls and follow a green cleaning program. As the first newly built sustainable hotel in Santa Monica with LEED Gold certification, it incorporates materials from sustainable forests, low-flow water fixtures, and design that maximizes natural daylight to reduce energy use.
A standout feature of our room was the balcony overlooking the pool and stretching to the Pacific. Guestrooms form a U around the pool, and I could see other guests enjoying the sun as I settled in.
The décor included pops of teal and orange. Closets lined the entrance on the left and the bathroom sat to the right. A long built-in dresser with a mounted TV flowed into a desk area. Patio doors were flanked by a comfortable chair and a floor lamp, and two queen-size beds framed a central nightstand. The bathroom was bright and well stocked with towels and featured a glass-enclosed shower; a privacy screen separated it from the sleeping area. The design was minimalist but practical.
Services/Amenities: Local artwork displayed in the on-site gift shop caught my eye. I was tempted by a photograph of the Santa Monica Pier sign but my suitcase was full, so I admired it and moved on. I appreciated that the hotel showcases local artists and brings neighborhood character into its amenities.
Blue Plate Taco provides on-site dining, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and organic meats that match the hotel’s values. Room service is offered during limited hours. Additional amenities include a heated pool, fitness center and business center, plus meeting and function space.
The valet operates via text notification. Vehicle pickup is one level underground, where a comfortable downstairs lounge with couches and chairs makes it easy to wait if your car isn’t ready.
The Experience: My stay at the Shore Hotel lasted only one night, so I couldn’t sample everything the property offers. At night the building’s glass exterior is attractively lit, giving the hotel a modern, lively presence on Ocean Avenue. The location is exceptionally convenient; I walked to nearby attractions and could see the iconic pier sign from the balcony — a pleasant spot to read while listening to the surf.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]
Shore Hotel Santa Monica
1515 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
tel 310 458 1515
shorehotel.com