The Bar/Lounge at Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts

"Guests can relax alfresco around a fireplace beside the pool or in an Ocean Lounge that does triple duty as library, restaurant (the menu is a blend of traditional steak and lobster, and New Age bites like hamachi tuna carpaccio), and bar (whose trademark milk shakes are infused with vodka or rum)"

"The welcoming residential feel begins with a glass of bubbly in the glass-covered lobby where guests sit down to check in and extends to the colorful, designer lounge"

"Guests can relax alfresco around a fireplace beside the pool or in an Ocean Lounge that does triple duty as library, restaurant (the menu is a blend of traditional steak and lobster, and New Age bites like jalapeno tuna tartar), and bar (whose trademark milk shakes are infused with vodka or rum)"

"Across the street from the beach and a short walking distance from downtown Santa Barbara’s restaurant and bar scene, Hotel Oceana’s location cannot be beat"

"Interior designer Chris Barrett created an intimate beach cottage environment, and all suites feature game tables, multiple 50-inch high-definition plasma televisions, and private, executive work areas with high-speed wired and wireless Internet access"

"Well-trained staff are unusually accommodating, and the Ocean Lounge restaurant serves contemporary California cuisine and smart cocktails by the pool (try the 'poolside lemonade')"

"Superior to its sibling, the well-run Hotel Oceana in Santa Barbara, this place puts forth more style and a more colorful regional flair that is lacking at the larger Shangri-La and Georgian hotels"

"The Oceana Beach Club Hotel plays up the breezy laid-back charm of its seaside Santa Monica location, with airy oversized rooms awash in a retro colour palette, sweeping ocean views throughout and a see-and-be-seen poolside bar"

"The courtyard keeps it simple with blue cushioned lounge chairs flanking a heart-shaped pool"