Shutters on the Beach

Shutters should give lessons on how how to run a hotel. Our 3 night stay was the most enjoyable hotel experience we've ever had. The hotel is immaculate and the rooms are perfectly appointed. It feels like an interior designer with great taste went over every aspect of the hotel and it is still very homey. I want my home decorated by their decorator. Before we arrived the concierge, Bernardo Reyes, sent us a list if vegetarian restaurants in the area, set up a surf lesson which was right outside of the hotel and fabulous. When we arrived our son's wire on his braces came off and Jonathon Dyke who was concierge found a dentist to fix it in Santa Monica on a Sunday morning. The family room at the lobby area is fantastic and feels like a true home. Lots of people mingling in super comfortable spaces and plenty options. 2 fire places and comfy couches and chairs and ottomans. A pianist or ensemble played at night. Just a great feeling everywhere in the hotel. The room was perfect. Comfy beds, a beautiful fruit plate and cookies in the room which was very well received. Robes for us and our child! Pool service was personable and exceeded our expectations. Adela Lopez who served us at the pool was incredible. We talked about being vegetarian and the next day she brought us vegan mac and cheese which she made at home. It was delicious. The restaurants are first rate with a great staff and tasty food. We will definitely be back for another visit. Thanks again to all the staff. Read less

Well, the location can't be questioned when it comes to this hotel. Everything is just great ! One small thing though (if you want to be picky) - the breakfast is far too noisy if you like a quiet start of your day. Sounds and feels like a busy lunch restaurant 12.00 instead of a cosy, relaxed and low-key breakfast serving as I as a residing guest would appreciate. 1st row ocean-front double is a must - what fantastic morning & evening views ! Just make sure it's on the 2nd or 3rd floor unless you like people on the boardwalk to look straight into your room... Simply a great hotel ! Read less

the location is fabulous they do maintain the property well it does look as fresh as when i first stayed here 30 years ago $55 to park your car is an usurious cost especially when you have to wait so long for the car $150 for a breakfast for 2 when the food is adequate but unexceptional I hate being packed like a sardine on the pool deck the prices go up but the amenity does not shutters are getting greedy it is time to look elsewhere methinks Read less

I am lucky to travel the world and stay at lovely hotels as part of my job. I probably stay at 20 or five star hotels a year, so I have a broad, global comparison base. The check in was awful. A woman named Alita was belligerent when I inquired about the upgrade included with my package. We are talking about a $1500 per night suite. She said nothing else was available and "you knew when you booked this room that all of the rooms in this category face the parking lot. I dont need to be scolded a child. I have been treated more graciously at a modest Marriott. I have really taken aback. I inquired where to find a quick juice before my meeting, and she said by the windows in the lobby. I walked over and the station was closed. I asked where breakfast was, and I was told to take the elevator the ground floor. At the ground floor I walked into a conference and organizer said there was no access to breakfast. I went back upstairs, and a nice man who helps with baggage offered to guide me. There was no signage. I requested a juice and a carrot muffin. There was a wait for seats outside and they were out of carrot muffins. Ugh. When I complained to my travel agency they offered a discount on an even more expensive cottage and a spa credit. I came back around 8pm and was escorted to my room. All I wanted was to boil a cup of tea and go to bed. I asked for a tea kettle,which was provided but broken. At that point I just gave up. The suite was huge but did face a the noisy parking lot with all night light, which you could see through the closed shutters ( no sound and light proofing drapes to help). I raced out at 4am to catch my flight. Summary: no customer focus, nasty check in, no signage, big, overpriced suite facing a parking lot. Would not recommend. I travel to the top hotels and the world and the minimum I expect is a pleasant checkin. Read less