Worst Hotel We've Even Stayed In

We spent three horrible nights in this hotel and will never go back. The staff was horribly rude, the hotel is in poor condition and the noise is absolutely intolerable. We have stayed at all of the top hotels in Los Angeles so I feel that we have a pretty good basis for comparison. This place was worse than staying at a Motel 6 on a busy freeway. We changed rooms 3 times and were still unhappy with the noise level. In one room, the floor was vibrating and there was a very loud noise coming from below. It turned out that we were above the furnace room. In another room, we could hear everything that was going on in the lobby (music, talking, etc.). Finally, we ended up in a room where we could hear everything that was going on in the room next door. We complained to the manager who did not care in the least. Then I wrote to the President of the Leading Hotels of the World and received a reply that they knew about the noise problems and sort of apologized. Very unsatisfactory and I would never stay there again. I'd give it no stars if that was an option.

First Class Hotel

This is a first-class hotel and without doubt one of the best locations in Santa Monica. Before arriving I was concerned by some of the negative reports I'd read about "unhelpful staff." This was not my experience. All the hotel staff were fabulous in every way. The rooms are wonderful and very well equiped. The pool on the 5th floor is a great place to relax and enjoy the great views over Santa Monica beach and pier. Fabulous sunsets! I spent 7 nights here and enjoyed every minute. The only negative aspect is Los Angeles itself. I don't think that LA lives up to the expectations of many first time visitors overall. Expect constant hassle from beggars and drunks. Clearly, this is a major problem that needs to be addressed by the city authorities. Hollywood is tremendously overrated - just like Blackpool only less interesting! Venice Beach is a great place to explore on foot and the drive along Mulholland drive is a must.

Overrated

I stayed at Casa Del Mar in September, it was horrible. the staff was slow to respond and appeared distant, maybe a language problem. Although the hotel is advertised as a "non-smoking hotel", all lies. With my allergies, a total sleepness nite. Try Shutters next door or Loews, much nicer and cleaner.

The Best!

How anyone could write a negative review about this hotel is beyond me! We spent three nights at the Casa Del Mar which is a beautiful hotel, in a perfect location,and on a great beach. Our room was amazing with the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in and a wonderful view of the Santa Monica Pier and beach. The fitness center is well equipped and well worth a visit. All staff were very pleasant, courteous and accomodating. Also, don't miss breakfast in the restaurant - great food great view. I wouldn't hesitate to go back there should I have the chance. A+

Unfriendly staff

The hotel is way overated, the staff is not friendly, their rates are outrageous. Try the Radisson Huntley on second street, their staff is much friendlier.

Beautiful, But Lacking Hotel

Casa del Mar is a beautiful hotel but seriously lacking in a number of ways. While the price is reasonable by LA/Santa Monica standards, the rooms are small. While the bathrooms are well appointed, they are almost as large as the sleeping area. Also, with a hotel boasting such wonderful views of the ocean from the back, there are no balconies and only patios are available on pool level. I would suggest stopping by the hotel for a drink in the beautiful bar, and the food is great. The service is also top-notch.

There are many hotels in the Beverly Hills area that are comparable in price and offer many more amenities. And with the traffic, don't be fooled by the spin that its a short drive to Beverly Hills or Hollywood; you will need to plan about 30+ minutes.

Can't Wait to Come Back

We stayed here in July & it was fantastic. Everyone at the hotel was very nice & they weren't giving fake smiles. The (heated) pool is on the 5th floor (as I recall) and the view from the deck was amazing. The hotel is within walking distance from Santa Monica Pier and Malibu is just north along Pacific Coast Highway. LA & Beverly Hills are only a short drive away. The room, painted in a soft yellow, was large with a very nice spa-tub bathroom. Valet was a bit pricey, but convenient. The hotel was beautiful, especially at night, but expect to dish out a lot of cash to stay here. But it's well worth the money! We're from Michigan & we loved our stay here! One last thing--way too many bums along Santa Monica Beach.

Wonderful feel @ atmosphere

this is our favorite spot for an accross-town getaway. great location on beach but not too near the bustle of 3rd St.

my favorite part is the laid-back fresh feel of the rooms. i don't know, something about the colors, or is it the reading chaise, or is it the jet-tub? we get the ocean view and often don't bother leaving.

Fun at the house of the sea

The Casa Del Mar is a great hotel! Our room was great, as well... Had large living area, jacuzzi, big bedroom, and well-stocked minibar. Pool area with phone lines dedicated to service areas of the hotel were a plus. Also, ocean views were good from this elevated pool area. While the majority of the staff was warm and friendly, the clerk that checked us in was overly businesslike. Otherwise, it was great!

No Thanks

While on a business trip this week to Santa Monica, and looking for a nice hotel for a future vacation I called at this hotel for a look around and a brochure. The hotel did not inspire from the outside, a derelict lot is right next door, but inside looked fine if a little stuffy.At reception I asked the young lady for a brochure and rates. She informed me there was no brochure and handed me a rate card. No effort was made to welcome me or was I asked had I any questions.After a brief look around, I did not see a swimming pool or garden area so I ventured back to reception. This time a different older woman was on duty, after giving me the mandatory forced one second smile asked me could she help. I asked her was there a pool and she replied there was on the 5th floor, for guests! Did she think I was going to entertain all of Santa Monica at their pool?For the rate they charge they should send their front office staff to the nearest charm school as soon as possible. I will not be back.Try the Viceroy across the street, not on the beach, but staff much more friendly, and its a lot more competitive.