It's been a few years since I've stayed at the property, but when I was last there I thought the property upscale, but certain aspects of the rooms could have used a little freshening. As to children, I note that post # 50 mentions lots of families with "ill-behaved kids", although I don't remember that to be the case during my stays. As to location, I would think it would be great for children as the beach and the Santa Monica Pier, with its amusement park rides, are a short walk. As to elite amenities, when I stayed there the property gave a credit towards breakfast in lieu of a concierge lounge. On my birthday, they sent up a full bottle of wine and cheese tray. (They apparently knew this from my Marriott profile.) I was upgraded to a better room during both of my stays. As I mentioned above (some time ago), the property is "boutiquish" and not a cookie-cutter Marriott. (It was not built as a Marriott.) It appears not quite as upscale as the next-door Loews and the down the street Shutters, but on the other hand it's usually significantly lower in price and, of course, you get the points and elite nights. Overall, I'd recommend it.