Fora Hotel Spotlight: Santa Monica’s Shutters on the Beach

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.

“I love working with the team at Shutters on the Beach to offer my clients a truly quintessential LA experience,” said Fora Advisor Nancy Deane, one of the property’s top bookers within Fora. She added that the “iconic gem” is also one of the area’s only hotels right on the beach.

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, connect with Fora to plan and book your stay. When you book through a Fora Advisor, 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 is also a great stop along a road trip down the California coast.) 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.

Related Article: Santa Monica’s Hidden Gems: Local Recs for Places to Stay, Eat & Drink

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.

“It really highlights the beauty of indoor-outdoor living that is one of the hallmark's of SoCal living,” Nancy said of Shutters. “If you can, splurge for an ocean-view room, as there really isn't anything like watching the sun go down after a long day on the coast.” (Although even the rooms with a partial ocean view or otherwise are gorgeous.)

Another way to unwind after a long day on the coast, we might add, is with a visit to the hotel’s ONE Spa, where dreamy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures await.

Unmatched, hyper-personalized service

Image courtesy of Shutters on the Beach

Both Nancy and Fora Advisor Alli Kozloff, another one of our top bookers for Shutters on the Beach, said that the hotel’s service has been a notable standout. In fact, Alli has clients who have returned numerous times.

“They just take it to the next level with detail,” she said of the hotel staff. “Clearly this is a gem in this area since my clients keep going back!”

Speaking of details, Alli shared that the staff asked for her clients’ specific wine blend preferences to include in their welcome amenity, for instance. Nancy added that the team organized a special tea service for her clients, a family that just got off a long-haul flight.

“The team is always up for offering our clients a little surprise and delightful moments,” Nancy said, adding how, from the moment of check-in, they go above and beyond to “really make you feel cozy and at home.”

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), we don’t blame you. Shutters’ 24/7 room service has you covered.

Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your dream Southern California vacation.