Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

"Tell us a little bit about this place: Where is it, and what does it look like?Just two short blocks past the famous (and very busy) Santa Monica Pier sits the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, where a bronzed statue of a business suit-clad man carrying both a briefcase and surfboard greets you at the circular porte-cochère. This statue aptly sums up what the Loews is all about—mostly business and a little bit of play. Inside, a soaring atrium greets you, and at the far end of the lobby, you'll catch expansive ocean views. While the architecture is firmly of the 1980s, a recent renovation, completed in 2016, has gussied up the lobby; it's now sleek and mod with light blues and grays, and several handsome navy blue leather wingback chairs. Give us the backstory on this place. Is it part of a chain or independent?The Loews is part of the upscale Loews Hotels and Resorts brand. It has been open in Santa Monica since 1989, and has long been host to the annual American Film Market convention, where production and development deals for films are made. Tell us about the digs.The hotel’s 347 rooms and suites were also recently renovated; the new design incorporates neutral tones, including blonde wood furniture and stark white linens on the beds, with splashes of blue in the Ikat-esque carpets and throw pillows. While most rooms have small step-out balconies, only the coastline view rooms will have the true views of the beach and ocean. Is there a charge for Wi-fi—and is the quality good?Wi-fi is included in the daily resort fee. It can be a little sluggish at times in the public spaces. Tell us about the F&B.The hotel’s Ocean & Vine restaurant is ideal for breakfast and has great views of the pier, while the BarBelle is a casual lobby nook for fun drinks and dinner, from small, light plates like salads and salmon poke to corn ravioli and braised beef short rib. Who else is staying here?Because it's so close to the pier and downtown Santa Monica, including shops and restaurant on Third Street Promenade and in Santa Monica Place, the Loews is a popular spot for families. But thanks to its meetings and conventions, it’s a big draw for business travelers, too. Expect a mix of both. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?The Loews is a part of a group of luxury hotels that populate Ocean Avenue, but while it has beach views, it doesn’t have direct beach access. If that’s important to you, head to Shutters on the Beach or Casa del Mar (and expect to pay more for it). Is there anything you'd change?The pool deck is spacious, but the pool itself is a very narrow lap pool. Tell us what we missed—anything of note?If you’re traveling with kids, you can take advantage of their “Loews Loves Families” program. It gives you access to cribs, car seats, night-lights, baby bathtubs, outlet protectors, and toys. There's also a lending library of video games, DVD players, and board games. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?It’s worth it for the renovated rooms and close proximity to the pier and downtown Santa Monica." - Juliana Shallcross