Image courtesy of Shutters on the Beach
Perhaps you’re an East Coast person, or perhaps you’re a West Coast person. At Shutters on the Beach, a luxury hotel in Santa Monica, California, you don’t have to choose. The hotel gives New England-chic and Southern California breeziness.
In other words, it’s the perfect choice for the best Los Angeles vacation. (It’s no wonder the hotel earned a lauded Michelin Key.) Read on to learn more about what makes Shutters so special. Then, reach out to plan and book your stay. When you book through a me, you’ll automatically unlock VIP perks like $100 food / beverage credit, daily breakfast for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out when available.
The location — right on Santa Monica Beach — is prime
Images courtesy of Shutters on the Beach
There’s something magical and distinctly Californian about the Pacific Ocean. And Shutters’ unbeatable location allows you to really take in the ocean views. The hotel’s beach concierge will happily set up beach chairs and umbrellas, schedule surf lessons or provide boogie boards. They’ll also assist you with Shutters’ signature, bright-blue bike rentals, which you can use to cruise up and down the coast. This being Southern California, it’s easy to stay active at Shutters. The beach is your playground. Play volleyball, take a beachfront yoga or fitness class, meditate, head to the Peloton-equipped fitness center...If you need a wellness moment, the hotel delivers.
Although Shutters is directly on Santa Monica Beach, it’s a short walk (and a shorter bike ride) from the famed Venice Beach. The hotel is also a stone’s throw from the Santa Monica Pier, a whimsical delight of carnival rides, shops and treats (kettlecorn, tamales, churros...).
And if the beach isn’t your thing, not to worry: there’s an outdoor pool surrounded by cabanas and loungers, plus a jacuzzi — all with ocean views.
The epitome of Pacific chic
Image courtesy of Shutters on the Beach
Shutters is a veritable beach hotel. The breezy, sophisticated décor of the guestrooms and suites evokes that of a Cape Cod beach house: actual shutters, balconies, upholstered furniture, hardwood floors covered with handwoven rugs, a beachy blue aesthetic. You’ll especially love the handmade beds — both double and king beds — with their handsome wooden frames and headboards. Some rooms even have fireplaces, and most come with giant bathtubs.
Renowned LA-based interior designer Michael S. Smith is behind the homey, refined elegance of both Shutters and Hotel Casa del Mar, the former’s sister hotel, also in Santa Monica.
Unwind after a long day on the coast with a visit to the hotel’s ONE Spa, where dreamy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures await.
Beachfront dining that’s fresh and delicious
Images courtesy of Shutters on the Beach
The on-site restaurant, 1 Pico, is a cozy, elegant space — complete with a fireplace — that overlooks the ocean. (The name comes from the hotel’s address: One Pico Boulevard.) The menu is coastal and Mediterranean, highlighting seasonal market fare (wild fish, well-sourced meats, expertly prepared vegetables). Save room for dessert — the salted caramel sundae is a culinary feat.
Coast Beach Café is a casual spot perfect for al-fresco chips and guacamole accompanied by something chilled and bubbly. Head to the Living Room, the hotel lobby lounge, for coffee, drinks, snacks, pizza and live music. If you want a night out, take the three-minute walk to Capo, just up the street. It’s a dark, intimate, tiny Italian restaurant filled with art by the likes of Picasso and Hockney. And if you want to retreat to your room for the evening (or any time of day), I don’t blame you. Shutters’ 24/7 room service has you covered.