Oceana Beach Club Hotel

The Oceana is one of the most beautiful and well kept resorts we’ve been too. Aesthetically pleasing and a staff to match. Lenny was exceptional as was Taylor. They made it feel like home for 4 days. Excellent location and walkability. Will be back for sure

We had a wonderful one-night staycation at this boutique-like small hotel on the bluffs at the northern end of Santa Monica. To be clear, the hotel is not on the beach and indeed, is on the inland side of Ocean Avenue. But it is nevertheless a great location that offers some ocean views and an easy path to walk to the beach on pedestrian overpaths crossing busy Pacific Coast Highway. Since the hotel is not directly in the busiest part of Santa Monica at the pier, it is fairly quiet but is only a beautiful 10-20 minute walk to all of the action. You can even try for street parking a block to the north on a residential street and avoid paying the hefty valet parking fee. If you're familiar with the layout of a traditional Southern California courtyard apartment building, the Oceana might strike a chord with its swimming pool in the middle of an atrium. But the design of the public areas and the hotel suites of the Oceana are anything but traditional or old-fashioned. Everything reflects a designer's eye and is striking in execution. From my photos, you can see the upscale, functional and comfortable furnishings of our suite. The colors are bold and pleasing, and the fabrics (including bed linens) are top notch. In recognition of our Gold Honors status, we were upgraded from a regular King to a one-bedroom lanai suite. From the small lanai, we had a partial view of the ocean in the distance. Very nice (although the lanai should really have more than a single chair). The suite had an iPad-type tablet on a charging stand at one of the nightstands, from which one could control the lighting and the thermostat. There was also a walk-in closet (which curiously lacked any lights), robes and slippers, a safe, two huge flat screen TVs (at least 60"), a Nespresso coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and a small reading nook with perhaps a hundred "real" books (not just fake book covers). One terrific design element we loved: although it appears that nearly all of the hotel's rooms have an exterior hallway (like a motel might have), the entrance to the rooms is set back and incorporates a small swing-like seat (see photo). This gives a bit of privacy to the room and adds a touch of whimsy. On the third floor where our suite was, is an oceanview terrace area with a beautiful wooden deck, a gas fireplace, and comfortable couches and chairs. Although we enjoyed seeing the sunset from the bluff across the street, it would likely be enjoyed from this terrace as well. The pool area is very nice and surrounded by comfortable padded lounge chairs. Cold cucumber- or citrus-infused water is available, along with sun screen. The hotel's restaurant is beautifully designed and one can sit inside and look out at the ocean across the street or in a nice shaded area near the pool. We felt well-cared for through email contact prior to our stay, efficient and friendly front desk clerks, and text communication if we needed anything.

-- Our "one bedroom lanai" suite did not contain a lanai, or a balcony, or an outdoor space of any kind. Was told by the front desk that only some of the "lanai" rooms actually have a lanai. What planet am I on? --- We also discovered a welcome letter addressed to a different guest upon entering the room; apart from being a privacy issue, it's sloppy work for a hotel that bills itself as "luxury" and "five star" -- I asked if we could be moved to a room that actually had a lanai, and this request was denied, despite numerous other rooms being available. I then asked to speak with the manager to discuss all of these issues, and was assured they would call my room back "right away" -- obviously, no one ever called -- We were overcharged at breakfast, and I had to send the bill back to be corrected -- The hotel is a solid mile walk from any of the popular attractions in Santa Monica (pier, aquarium, etc.) I'd recommend staying at one of the nicer hotels closer to the pier, like the Regent or Shutters on the Beach. Or at least somewhere where they understand what the words "luxury" and "service recovery" mean.

We stayed for 5 nights, and it’s been one of the best experience visiting USA. The lobby is beautiful, the location is beautiful with ocean beach views, and the staffs here are world class. Lucian has been very helpful correcting the numbers regarding the dining during the stay and clear up all the confusion. On top of that, he gave an excellent service, being super friendly, yet very professional. I really enjoy talking to him, and I’m sure other guests seem, too. We’ve also been ordering from the dining room and the meals have been delicious, whether it’s the crab cake, the caramel cheesecake, the Oceana burrito, and more. Additionally, we have always run into Lucian, and he always gives us a welcome smile! Lucian really makes the dining experience here more special, and I’m grateful to have him around in the hotel throughout our stay! Overall, a very luxury and comfortable stay! We’ll really miss this place! Hope to come back in the future! -Ploy :>

Absolutely beautiful property with a wonderful attentive staff. Weather was foggy and wet one day so we pretty much hung out in our room because it was so nice! Shout out to Nestor and David for their kindness and courtesy. Would stay there again in a heart beat! Restaurant and bar were wonderful as well.