With its convenient access to the delights of L.A. and its enviable seaside location, Santa Monica is a destination that enjoys a long history as an exclusive retreat. From surfers to starlets, the city has beckoned visitors since the turn of the last century. There’s no more famous hotel to stay in while on a visit to this historic city than Shutters Santa Monica. This breezy seaside retreat with five-star luxuries draw even the most famous Hollywood stars.
Accommodation type: 5-star
No. of Rooms & Suites: 198
Pricing: starts at $780 for single rooms, at $880 for double rooms, at $3,600 for ocean view suites
High season: March through October
Nearest airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners
Awards:
• Condé Nast Traveler “Top Hotels in Los Angeles,” 2016
• American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts Member, 2016
• U.S. News & World Report “Best California Hotels,” 2015
Accommodation
For more than 20 years, Shutters Santa Monica has offered a refuge replete with incredible sea views, gourmet dining, a pool with swim-up bar and tennis courts. Built in 1993 in the Craftsman style, the hotel is only one of a few situated right on the beach in Santa Monica. In 2005, famed interior designer Michael S. Smith refurbished guest rooms and the spa. Celebrities like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts and Ben Affleck have enjoyed its alluring sea views and quiet exclusivity. Moreover, the hotel’s restaurant, One Pico, served as the setting for a scene in the 2003 film “Something’s Gotta Give.”
Full of New England-style charm from the accessories to the designer bed linens, rooms are spacious and many of them feature sea views. Hardwood floors, whirlpool tubs with separate showers, outdoor balconies and the latest technology make a stay pleasant and comfortable. Suites also include fireplaces, multiple sitting rooms, and kitchenettes.
Facilities
• One Pico — rich with seafood entrees and boasting locally grown ingredients, the menu starts with brunch offerings and moves on to include generous dinner and dessert options. The Mediterranean-inspired dishes feature handmade pasta and there’s also an innovative cocktail menu.
• Coast Beach Café and Bar — the beach is the backdrop for this laidback eatery featuring California-style tacos, seafood, burgers, salads and cheesecake.
• One Spa — using Turkish-style baths as inspiration, the Moroccan hammam includes aromatherapy along with massage and hydrotherapy. Facials, mani-pedis, waxing and body treatments are also offered.
• Fitness Center — adjacent to the spa, this wellness center includes the full complement of cardio machines, free weights, and exercise balls. There are also high- and low-impact classes in everything from high-intensity interval training to stretching.
Complimentary Activities
A range of free fitness classes is offered each day, including breath work and meditation, pilates, yoga, and boot camp-style strengthening techniques.
The hotel’s Tesla electric car is available to chauffeur guests to sites within a three-mile radius and is available on a first come, first served basis.
Travel Options
For those flying into L.A. and planning to rent a car, the hotel is approximately 12 miles from LAX. Follow signs from the airport to 405-I North. Stay on the 405 for approximately eight miles, taking Exit 53-B toward Santa Monica on I-10 West. Stay on I-10 for three miles, taking Exit 1-A to 4th Street. Turn left onto 4th Street. After a third of a mile, turn right onto Pico Boulevard. After another third of a mile, turn right onto Appian Way. Shutters Santa Monica will be on your right.
Amtrak trains run to Los Angeles Union Station, where travelers can catch a taxi to the hotel. The hotel’s concierge can aid guests in booking a hired car or limousine service from the airport or train station. There are also hotel packages that include transfer services.
Main Attractions Around Shutters Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Pier
This iconic location has lured visitors for more than 100 years and has been the backdrop for dozens of films and television shows. Shops, restaurants, amusement rides and sea views are highlights of a visit. There’s even a spot to do a bit of fishing. During the summer months, open-air musical performances and movies are free to the public. The nearby Pier Aquarium is also worth a visit. Its collection of unique California species found beneath the waves and in tide pools, including a two-spot octopus, spiny lobster, sea cucumber, moray eel, and halibut.
J. Paul Getty Villa
An astounding collection of ancient Etruscan, Roman and Grecian coins, jewelry, sculpture and other works of art are just one aspect of this fascinating museum. Roman-inspired gardens and architecture provide a pretty backdrop for more than 44,000 pieces spanning 7,000 years of Grecian and Roman history. The site is also home to a study space for students of archaeology and ethnography. There are occasional readings of Roman plays and poetry in both its outdoor and indoor theaters. Admission to the museum is free but tickets must be booked in advance.
Venice Beach
There’s no shortage of beach activities in Southern California, but the area around Venice Beach stands out for its unique artsy vibe and street performers eating fire or juggling chainsaws. Furthermore, famed Muscle Beach features weightlifters displaying their skills and is always fun for people-watching. The area is suitable for walking or visitors can rent a bike and enjoy the miles of path along the beach. Shops, ice cream parlors, small cafes and art galleries line the streets facing the stretch of sand and provide additional hours of entertainment. Moreover, there are seasonal art shows and musical performances to enjoy as well.
Final Words
Overall, miles of sandy beach, art, culture, the vibrancy of the filmmaking scene and the beauty of nature characterize any visit to Santa Monica. There’s no more iconic spot to soak in the California sunshine and luxuriate in the laidback vibe than at Shutters Santa Monica. Impeccable surroundings and unparalleled service are the rule. So if you’ve spent some time in the Santa Monica area or even stayed at the hotel, let us know all about your visit in the comments below. Sunny California has so much more to offer and another choice for you to consider is The Lodge At Torrey Pines.