Elegant. Classic. Iconic. And… beachy. These are the first things that come to mind as you enter to the uber-romantic Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California. If you’re looking for where to stay in Santa Monica or Los Angeles, there is A LOT of competition, but seriously, if you want to do it right, Shutters on the Beach is the only way to go. It is a luxury beachfront hotel that has been around forever, and will continue to be around forever, because it is a perfect LA hotel. It’s everything you want it to be: warm, inviting, luxurious and comfortable. It’s like if Manolo Blahnik made an UGG boot (OMG that is the greatest idea ever! Manolo – get on it). By the way, if you are staying here, bring both.
What Sets Shutters on the Beach Apart
First off, the service. Oh, the service. I don’t know if you know this about me but my Dad is in the hotel industry and brought me up visiting some of the best hotels on the planet. He taught me what to look for and what it truly takes to make a hotel great. And top of the list is service – which is why The Four Seasons is one of the greatest hotel chains in the world. Anyhoo, from the moment you pull up to the Shutters valet – you are taken care of and waited on hand and foot. From the valet to the front desk, everyone seems like their job description reads “take care of Alex (or whatever your name is). Pleasant, welcoming and, most of all, unpretentious, is the name of the game for the players at Shutters.
The Rooms at Shutters
Now, imagine owning a house on the beach. All white. Cozy bookcases filled with books about the beach (or shells, if you want to go crazy). Gorgeous, shiny wood floors. Porcelain tub and marble bathroom. Sliding glass door with ever changing views of the Pacific. Yes, this is your room at Shutters. This is the dream. You live here. Well, from 4pm to 11am check out the next morning, but don’t ruin it. It is a perfect Santa Monica hotel room.
From ocean view and ocean front rooms to suites, Shutters on the Beach accommodations will help you escape. You can learn more about the rooms here!
Where To Eat and Drink
We had cocktails on their lovely balcony bar, the Living Room, overlooking the wild and crazy Santa Monica bike path which is so fun and full of life. Definitely take the time to enjoy this perch.
We had a wonderful meal outside on the bike path at Coast. The salmon tartare and calamari were major highlights. I believe I had the salmon tartare 3 times during my visit – yeah, I liked it A. LOT.
To take the romance factor to the next level, we ordered a beautiful dinner from their main restaurant, 1 Pico, to the room. It was amazing. The chef is Franc Savoy (Guy’s son) and the food is glorious! I loved the hamachi crudo and seared day boat scallops. Nom nom!
What To Do At Shutters on the Beach
The pool is absolutely lovely and, again, the service was fantastic. We rented bikes (free for an hour) and they set up lovely beach chairs for us on the sand (also free!). And they have they most fantastic Instagram wall for pics right at the front entrance. Well done!
If you’re looking for more of the best Instagrammable walls in LA, check out my post here.
My every whim was fulfilled and satisfied which made it very hard to leave. But, luckily, this place is only 3 miles from my house. So I’ll be back to the Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Oh, yes. I’ll be back.
xoxoxoxo,
Alex
