Very nice experience!

My husband and I spent 4 nights here last week on our first trip to Santa Monica. We found the staff to be helpful, friendly, and accommodating. We booked an oceanview suite, which we were happy with. On the 2nd day we had a bad "bug invasion" and management moved and upgraded us to an oceanview suite with balcony and jacuzzi tub for no additional charge. This was a great location - not too far from 3rd Street Promenade and the Pier. In agreement with other reviews, the soundproofing between walls and floors could be better. Overall - we were very satisfied with our experience at this hotel and would not only stay here again but recommend it to others.

Don't go for ocean view

We just arrived from Santa Barbara, and we first book to the OCEANA hotel with ocean view for $300. When we arrived, we were extremaly desapointed, our Ocean view room was hidden by a big fountain in the main patio. The room was very nice, but we were expecting a real ocean view + some privacy, which is not really possible with thin walls (very noisy could hear people speaking) ....

the ocean view is ... the harbor or the pier, but not a dream hotel..

Relaxing refuge in Santa Monica

We stayed here for three nights over the July 4 weekend and were very pleased for the most part. We had an ocean view suite with a porch and were very pleased with the room and the amenities. We always prefer to stay in inns and small hotels, and most of the higher end places in Santa Monica are pretty big. The beach is a 5 minute walk away; there is a bridge across the Pacific Coast Highway right across the street from the hotel.

You are paying for a spacious room and a great location near the beach, shopping and restaurants. Pricing is comparable to other high-end hotels in the neighborhood. The expertise of the staff was variable. Some were longtime LA residents; others were recent immigrants to the USA. Also, if you are sensitive to sound or are a light sleeper, this place does not meet the 5-star gold standard. We heard the TV next door at 130am and the 630am trip to the bathroom taken by someone upstairs. But we got back to sleep quickly each time.

Avoid Unless You Have Clout

When we arrived we were informed that our reservations had been cancelled by someone I had never heard of before. When pressed, the arrogant desk person reluctantly told me that I had been bumped because someone famous decided they wanted our room but that they would give us their "hold one in reserve" room if we wanted it.

As it was late, we decided to take them up on it.

Our initial reservation was for a full ocean view suite. What we got had no view at all and looked as if it hadn't been cleaned or indeed used in many months: the bathroom was dirty, a layer of dust covered everything and the whole place smelled of mold.

When we checked out, I was horrified to learn I had been charged for the original suite, not the hell-hole I had been given. When I complained they told me I would have to take it up with their corporate offices. To date no one has responded to the complaint.

The hotel itself isn't really anything to write home about. It is kitchy, but the staff is snooty, the facilities are marginal at best and the best thing about the establishment is the feeling of relief one feels when one leaves.

LOVED IT

My boyfriend and I stayed here from May 15th until May 18th of 2004. This hotel is the best! Extremely CLEAN and COMFORTABLE! The beds are like being at home, and the hotel is in a great residential location that has a beautiful view of the ocean and quick access to it. I can't say anymore about it, everything about this hotel is great! It's in a nice quiet area, but yet only minutes from rodeo drive and hollywood, it's an awesome get away and I will ONLY stay here when I travel to L.A. from now on!!!!

Lovely Cannes type hotel

I visit Santa Monica often and always wind up switching hotels to stay here when I try a new hotel. The notion of a viable suite where you can cook in and eat in occasionally, is well understood here and the appointments are bright and very French...the colors are great and the Inn is stylish. It is no more than 1/4 miles to the pier and has wonderful access to the ocean promenade. The linens have always been perfect. The staff is very pleasant and accommodating. It is like coming home to stay here. Yes, the pool is small but for what you get, so is the price for the area. You can park on the street easily and save the valet price too. My only honest gripe is the noise from the floor above.. esp if they have kids..stay on the top floor if you can, and get an ocean view. The pool view rooms are a bit dark. Still, to me, this is a great place for longer stays and total comfort...and very lovely too. As a seasoned traveler, you can't beat this for Santa Monica.

Would stay here again!

After spending 3 nights at the Del Coronado in San Diego, the Oceana was a welcome relief! The staff is friendly and very helpful, the suite very spacious, clean and comfortable. Valet parking was terrific even when we needed our vehicle at 4:30 AM to drive to the Tournament of Roses Parade. Located in a quiet, residential neighborhood across from the beach and within walking distance to Montana St. shops and the Third St. Promenade. Would definitely stay here again!

Don't go for a nights sleep!!

After travelling around California for three months and staying at some

amazing places we decided to end our journey at the Oceana in Santa

Monica.

We had a Ocean view room on the middle floor (Rm 221), and while the room was clean and beautifully presented the bathrobes and towels were grey and had holes in them.

The noise from the traffic and valet parking was bad enough but when

the room above us started doing their thing at 12.30 am we thought the

kids had woken up and were jumping on the bed in the next room. Not

only do they not have double glazing for street noise, but you can hear

every squeak, crack and footstep from the other rooms. And don't think

the breakfast room servive will revive you - its cold, rubbery and

overpriced.

We will not be coming back

Perfect for family trip

Great linens, aveda products, nice kitchenette... perfect studio size.

Only drawback, small pool and too far to walk to Santa Monica Pier.

Great location otherwise; near Montana Ave...highly recommend it, and I am picky!

Wonderful Stay

We had a wonderful stay. The rooms were beautifully decorated and the beds were heaven! Great location, close to the beach and downtown. The first room we stayed in was a bright red color, and I hate red, but the front desk agents found a room that was perfect for me! It was like they knew me and exactly what i wanted! Would definitely recommend. What else can i say??? The BEDS were like sleeping on a cloud!