Arrival/Check-In: Our short visit to Los Angeles in early December began perfectly when we arrived at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica on a warm, sunny late afternoon. The hotel’s driftwood-gray siding and crisp white trim set a calm, beachside tone. Located directly on the sand just south of the Santa Monica Pier, the property felt welcoming from the moment the valets greeted us, unloaded our luggage and handed us off to the head doorman. Check-in was quick, the staff promptly answered our questions about pressing a formal outfit for the next evening and offered newspaper delivery for the morning. Within minutes a bellman had our luggage on a cart and was ready to escort us to our room.
Guest Quarters: Our king ocean-view room on the top floor looked out over the pool to palms, beach and the Pacific beyond, offering beautiful sunsets and the occasional glimpse of porpoises playing in the surf. The décor created a comfortable, homey atmosphere with soft yellow walls, white trim and dark hardwood floors accented by colorful rugs. The king-sized four-poster bed was dressed in a white duvet, plenty of pillows and a bright throw. Opposite the bed a built-in bookcase housed a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock, a minibar and a cabinet with coffee- and tea-making supplies. Shelves displayed beach-inspired knickknacks and an eclectic selection of books and games, adding a lived-in, beach-house charm.
A cozy armchair with a reading lamp sat beside the bookcase, while louvered doors opened to a balcony with wicker chairs—an inviting spot to watch the ocean. For those who need to work, the room included a large desk with ample outlets, good lighting and a comfortable chair. Hallway closets provided generous storage and led to a spacious bathroom. The bathroom combined white trim with sea-green walls, a roomy marble vanity and a large Jacuzzi soaking tub. Thoughtful touches included a scented candle and the hotel’s signature rubber orca. Frosted glass windows above the tub offered a view through to the bedroom and, beyond it, the ocean from the balcony doors.
Shutters supplies Red Flower bath amenities in a fresh “Ocean” scent and offers a “Bath and Beach Chest,” a curated selection of spa and beach products available for purchase, from lip balm to sunscreen. The bathroom also featured a separate shower, a private water closet and a 15-inch TV mounted beside the vanity, rounding out a well-equipped space.
Services/Amenities: Although our schedule kept us from using the fitness center and One the Spa, the property’s facilities look extensive and inviting. The pool area includes outdoor Jacuzzis and private cabanas around the deck. For dining and socializing, Shutters provides several on-site options. The Living Room, adjacent to the lobby, serves drinks and light fare with live music most evenings; its cozy seating groups, two fireplaces and wide windows facing the Pacific create a pleasant spot for conversation and relaxation. One Pico offers a refined dining experience for lunch and dinner, while Coast serves casual meals and drinks right by the beach throughout the day and into the evening.
The Experience: Shutters on the Beach delivers a relaxed Southern California beach experience with easy access to Los Angeles attractions and attentive service. The atmosphere combines coastal charm, comfortable accommodations and thoughtful amenities, making it a convenient and enjoyable choice for a seaside stay.
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
24-hour room service
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center (not used on this visit)
Turn-down service
Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
tel 310 458 0030
shuttersonthebeach.com