Hotel Shangri La Review

Hotel Shangri La in Santa Monica is a high-end luxury hotel built in 1939 and recently given a face-lift with a $30 million renovation. It is located on the Santa Monica bluffs a few blocks away from the Santa Monica Pier. The hotel is designed with an Art Deco flair that draws travelers to its doors. This hotel is family friendly. The historic hotel has catered to guests from all statures of life, from presidents to celebrities. Hotel Shangri La has made a historical mark in Santa Monica and still continues to do so today.

Dining in Hotel Shangri La's on-site gourmet restaurant, "The Dining Room" is a relaxing experience. Guests may choose indoor seating or eat in the outdoor dining cabana for their meals of fresh ingredients from the Farmer's Markets and complimentary coffee in the early morning. Every room has an ocean view; however, some are better than others. The outdoor pool is surrounded by cabanas and features seating around a fire pit. The elevated pool area also has an outdoor bar open during the summer months so guest can enjoy cocktails while relaxing in the black-and-white striped lounge chairs with umbrellas. A fitness facility is also provided so guest can maintain their workout schedule.

The public areas of this hotel are air-conditioned and are smoke-free. It has seven floors with 71 guest rooms. There is a video library on-site. Business amenities include a stylish rooftop meeting room offering panoramic ocean views and a 700-square foot terrace ideal for sunset receptions, conference rooms and events catering. A 24-hour front desk is available for guests' as well as a concierge desk.

The rooms are spacious and airy since it is so close to the beach and still have some of the original styling elements before the hotel was renovated. Each room is furnished with a flat-screen TV, premium satellite channels, pay movies and complimentary wireless Internet access. Added perks are, an in-room safe that can accommodate laptops, climate control and a mini bar. Amenities also include hypo-allergenic bedding, an infant bed, a rollaway bed and extra towels and bedding. Housekeeping is available as well as nightly turndown service. The bathroom features a shower and tub combination, plush Frette bathrobes and designer toiletries.

In addition, the Shangri La offers multi-lingual staff, electronic keys to the rooms, laundry and dry cleaning service, an ATM, a fax machine for guests and photocopy service. The property has a well-lit underground parking area. Valet parking is available. Pets are not allowed.

A stay at the Hotel Shangri La with its stylish chic decor and courteous staff will make your Santa Monica Beach stay, one to remember for a lifetime.