Arrival/Check-In: My colleague Carly kindly gave me a ride from an evening event in Beverly Hills to the Hotel Shangri-La. Driving down Ocean Avenue, we admired the building’s Art Deco façade and the hotel’s refreshed exterior. Reopened in 2008 after extensive renovations, the Shangri-La blends classic style with modern updates throughout the public areas and guestrooms. Check-in was quick even at a late hour, and the front desk staff recommended a nearby restaurant and bar for a first taste of Santa Monica.
Guest Quarters: Before heading out for dinner and drinks, I dropped my bags in suite 406 and took a quick tour. The entry opened into a spacious combined kitchen and living area with hardwood floors. The kitchen was well-equipped with a full-sized bottom-freezer refrigerator, an oven with an induction cooktop, a microwave, a dishwasher, and a full set of cutlery, cookware, and dishware. A small table served as a convenient desk for morning work and meetings.
The bathroom was generously sized and accessible from both the bedroom and the front room. It featured a separate shower and bathtub; each had its own showerhead plus a detachable arm with strong water pressure.
The bedroom was comfortable and met expectations. An interior window overlooks the bathtub, and a separate window provided an ocean view. The updated sliding windows blocked street noise effectively, and when opened allowed access to casement windows that brought in fresh Pacific air.
Services/Amenities: The hotel’s dining and social spaces are among its highlights. Suite 700, the rooftop bar on the top floor, is popular with locals and guests alike; it was busy each evening I visited as people gathered to watch the sunset from the balcony. From there the view sweeps from Malibu past the Santa Monica Pier toward Venice, Manhattan and Redondo beaches.
I also enjoyed meals in the dining room next to the main lobby. The breakfast parfait was especially good; I only wish I’d had more time to savor it before heading to meetings. The hotel also offers the Sybaris Spa and a tranquil courtyard pool, though I didn’t have the chance to use them on this trip.
The Experience: The Shangri-La successfully marries a historic, Art Deco character with contemporary comforts. Its central Santa Monica location is convenient for airport access, dining and shopping. Attentive service, quality on-site dining and comfortable accommodations made for a pleasant stay. I look forward to returning later this spring when we host the Global Traveler Leisure Travel Awards at the hotel under the Southern California sun.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
- Turn-down service
Hotel Shangri-La
1301 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
tel 310 394 2791
shangrila-hotel.com