Kacee, we were (were) considering this for a "beach stay" near LAX. What turned me off was the location...I want to walk to the beach, but not 20 minutes downhill (then Uphill). I was also turned off by the restaurant menu...everyone raved about the "guests only" restaurant, but the only menu I could find on line had maybe 3 sandwiches and 2 entrees?? And I'm always suspicious of reviews that mention the same employees over and over by name - I can barely remember who checked me in! To me they seem like "plants".

After poring over all the hotels we have status with in Santa Monica (Hilton and Bonvoy) we decided to instead stay in Marina del Rey. No, not a Hilton, NO, not the Ritz Carlton, but the brand new Residence Inn. Lower rates/points, free breakfast, and best of all a short walk to the beach where we could stroll up to SM if desired. We have stayed at the best in Santa Monica (Shutters) and all the other choices were too far (for us) from the water, or had dismal reviews (the JW Le Merigot).

I'm not sure you're also a Bonvoy person but the RI looks really nice. Praised on-site restaurant, every room very spacious (with balconies on points!), and a really great location.