The Bar/Lounge at Shutters on the Beach

"in the evening, sip an aperitif in the lobby's piano bar before sampling the New American cuisine at One Pico restaurant"

""New England" "charm" comes to Santa Monica by way of this "luxurious, but not pretentious" "romantic" retreat just "steps" from the sand with "yummy views", "spot-on" service and "elegant", "wonderfully appointed" rooms; the restaurant fare is "excellent", the lobby bar "perfect for people-watching" and the spa among the "best" in town, so though it's a "splurge unless you're a Hollywood celeb", aficionados maintain the "experience justifies the price tag"

"Casual sand-side eatery Coast beach café and bar is another option, as are refreshments at the Lobby Lounge"

"Inside, the common areas (like the fireside lounge with chairs and sofas upholstered in seashell colors) and the 198 rooms (all with subtle blue and yellow accents, four-poster beds, walnut furniture, and custom linens) reinforce the laid-back, summer-house vibe"

"The ocean-view pool, with its many cabanas and loungers, is a pleasant place to bask, but with the beach just down the steps, it’s hard not to grab a beach kit (complete with towels, chairs, kites, and umbrellas) and stake out a spot in the sand"

"Breezy, beach-chic rooms and suites, two highly regarded restaurants and a convivial cocktail lounge are all just steps from the sand"

"The lobby bar is a relaxed hangout with live music throughout the week"

"Here, the revamped pool, almost identical to the beachfront plunge at Casa del Mar, is small and set back from the sand and action and is ringed with ample lounge chairs"

"Slink into a lounge chair on the ocean-view deck around the pool, or treat yourself to a spa treatment"