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A Review of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
by
Jeff Voth
Santa
Monica, California is a city near and dear to my heart. It was
here in the late 70's that I attended college, graduating with
my degree in gemological studies in the summer of 1979. Surprisingly,
it would take another 25 years before I would have the opportunity
to return. Equally amazing was the fact that much of the city
was just how I remembered it.
My
old apartment building had undergone several changes on the
outside, but there was an eerie familiarity to the front lobby.
On the palm tree lined walkways surrounding the Santa Monica
Pier, people still jog or rollerblade in the early morning sun
and the at-mosphere at the waterfront is as colorful and vibrant
as ever.
What
has changed is the number of new luxury hotels dominating the
skyline up and down the Santa Monica coast.
With
its grand circular entrance and dramatic central water fountain,
the gem of the Santa Monica strip is the chic Loews Santa Monica
Beach Hotel. A Four-Diamond award winning hotel, it is located
directly on the beach, offering excellent views of the Pacific
Ocean in every direction. Here "people watching" is
taken very seriously, especially with Venice Beach a short stroll
away.
Step
inside the hotel and your eyes are immediately drawn to the
back of this magnificent, 4-story urban playground. Tall windows
reach skyward, allowing sunshine to fill the all-glass lobby.
A waterwall greets guests from behind the front check-in counter,
adding a touch of elegance to the casual attitude of the hotel.
All
340 rooms and 19 suites at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
stretch outwards from the central atrium. Together with brass
fixtures and pastel colored railings, neutral shades of white
and cream accent the surroundings. A geometrically designed
carpet offers a playful contrast to the muted tones on the wall.
Immense ceiling to floor vanilla drapes convey a sense of coziness.
For
the ultimate in convenience, each room is equipped
with three separate phones. Two provide dataport connectivity,
while the third is strategically located in the bathroom.
A 60-channel TV and in-room Internet access are available
for those rare occasions when staying in is desirable.
My
room was a one bedroom suite, with incredible views
of the Pacific Ocean from the comfy confines of a
queen size bed. Glass walls on two sides provided
excellent sightlines of the pool. Getting any work
done in this kind of setting proved most challenging.
The
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel offers two unique dining experiences
along with poolside menus and 24-hour room service.
The
brand new Ocean & Vine is a fashionable restaurant and lounge
located in the rear of the hotel. A fire-pit bar takes center
stage at this sophisticated beachfront eatery. A favorite hangout
for many of the brightest stars in Hollywood, the Ocean &
Vine serves a unique menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Nearby at the Papillon fireside lounge, guests can enjoy a glass
of their favorite California white or red wine beneath floor-to-ceiling
windows filled with images of the infamous Santa Monica Pier.
Outdoor
activities center on the long, rectangular heated pool with
whirlpool tub bordered by stately palm trees and rows of relaxing
lounge chairs. Intoxicating views of the ocean encourage lazy
days in the sun and don't be surprised to find yourself still
lounging by the pool as the moon rises over Santa Monica.
For
those looking to work out the kinks after a long day of sun
and fun, the Ocean Spa & Fitness Center provides a complete
range of body treatments with eight spa treatment rooms. The
full service fitness studio features treadmills, exercise bikes
and a Life Fitness resistance-training circuit among other equipment.
Yoga and Pilates classes are offered as well.
Knowledgeable
and friendly staff, such as "Concierge Extraordinaire"
Mr. Tavo Rivas, makes each guest feel extra special.
To receive star treatment while visiting the Los Angeles
area, look no further than the Loews Santa Monica
Beach Hotel.
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