The Huntley Hotel

This appealing hotel has a great location, only one block from the superb beach and 3rd Street Promenade, where guests will find plenty of shopping and entertainment venues. The hotel was built in 1965. Guests are welcomed at the accommodation, which has a total of 213 rooms. In the air-conditioned establishment, travellers are welcomed at the reception area with 24-hour reception and a 24-hour...

The Extras: Weekend nights are definitely a scene; if you prefer a more quiet experience, try a weeknight or stop by for breakfast, lunch or the weekend brunch.

What to Drink: The wine list includes a broad range of American and international selections, many reasonably priced--personal bottles are welcome for a $25 corkage fee. There's also a list of specialty cocktails like the cucumber squeeze.

Situated on the top floor of the Huntley Hotel, this all-day destination treats guests to panoramic views of the Pacific and beyond--on a clear day you can see as far south as LAX and as far east as Downtown L.A. Yes, it's hard to keep… Read More

"Modern" accommodations with "large" bathrooms and "beautiful" linens stand out at this "trendy" Santa Monica find with "spectacular" bay views from the "cool" penthouse restaurant and bar; "easy access" to the pier, the beach and the Third Street Promenade outdoor mall plus overall "excellent" (if occasionally "inconsistent") service lead many guests to "recommend" a stay; P.S. to avoid "noise...

When to go: Avoid only summer, when morning fog can hang over the coast and the boardwalk gets crowded.

Which room to book: Anything above the fourteenth floor on the west side is take-your-breath-away territory (doubles, $319–$449).

Amenities: 24-hour Room Service, Bar/lounge, Gym

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Even though it's in one of Santa Monica's tallest buildings (18 floors), the Huntley is a hidden gem -- tucked away behind the Fairmont on the edge of a quiet neighborhood, yet close to Third Street Promenade dining and shopping and just a short walk from the beach. I love this hotel's strikingly stylish lobby, but the coup de grâce is the 18th-floor Penthouse restaurant, bar, and lounge....

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