Casa Del Mar

This is one of those tough reviews because there were a lot of good things but also a lot of not so good things about this property and our stay. First the good: - the housekeeping staff is absolutely phenomenal. In fact, they’re probably some of the best we’ve ever had. Staying in hotels over 100 nights each year, we have seen it all and this housekeeping team is among the best. So kind, accommodating and very service oriented. - the location is great! Easily walkable to the surrounding restaurants and sites. And the beach is right at your backyard. - the dining staff for lunch. Again, great team and very kind and helpful. - and the bellmen / valet team was incredible and so good. But there was a lot of not so good at this property: - we stayed in their penthouse suite along with reserving an additional 10 rooms for a retreat. The penthouse furniture was among the most uncomfortable we’ve ever experienced and very dated. We also had to call the maintenance team for clogged sinks several times and to get the TVs working. - some of the rooms our team stayed in had AC problems and smelled musty. Thankfully they were moved after asking for a new room. - when we asked for mayonnaise during lunch, we found that all the jars they brought us had expired months prior and was rancid when opened. - the bar staff in the lounge required us to have a credit card tab even though we were guests of the hotel, something we’ve never experienced in all of our travels. They were also not able to provide us with much seating as all of the seating was reserved, something that again felt odd especially having booked the penthouse suite. Read less

This hotel is absolutely lovely. The welcome from Bell Services/Valet, Brian, was very efficient and professional. Our room was well appointed with, as specified, a partial view of the sea. Lovely and bright with two large windows. Angel at Reception is wonderful. Extremely professional and exemplary customer service both during check in and throughout our stay. We stayed in 7 hotels on this trip, mainly 5 star and Angel was the most memorable and professional of all of them. The restaurant over looking the beach was perfect Jorge G’s attention to detail was fabulous. He talked about things to do in the local area, the restaurant and hotel. Everytime we went to the restaurant he would remember us and have a conversation. I didn’t get the head of Valet/Bell Services name but I just wanted to say that he really did look after us. Taking us and showing us the side door, advice about the local area and ensuring our car was returned in a very short time frame. Always friendly and professional. Thank to the team that made our stay so memorable. We will definitely return. Read less

A Remarkable Stay at Casa Del Mar: An Experience to Cherish When it comes to luxury beachside hotels in Santa Monica, the options are abundant. But after a third stay at Casa del Mar, it’s safe to say this stunning beachfront property stands a cut above the rest. With its elegant ambiance, exceptional service, and unbeatable location, Casa del Mar offers a perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and a sense of home. Having stayed at the former Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, which was also a beautiful property, I can confidently say that Casa del Mar delivers an elevated experience that surpasses other local hotels in many ways. Here's why Casa del Mar is the hotel I will undoubtedly be returning to forever now. A Warm Welcome: Exceptional Staff and Service From the moment you step through the grand entrance of Casa del Mar, you are greeted with a warm, genuine smile from the staff. The check-in process is seamless, and the front desk team exudes professionalism while making every guest feel like a VIP. The staff at Casa del Mar goes beyond the usual service expected at a five-star hotel; they strive to create a personalized experience for each guest. During my stay, I was consistently impressed by the staff's attentiveness and hospitality. Whether it was the concierge providing recommendations for the best local eateries or the housekeeping team accommodating special requests with grace, every interaction left me feeling valued and appreciated. I remember one instance in particular when I mentioned in passing to a staff member that it was my partner’s birthday. By the time we returned to our room, we found a lovely handwritten note accompanied by a small birthday cake waiting for us. It’s these thoughtful touches that set Casa del Mar apart. Additionally, the staff’s dedication to maintaining the highest level of service was evident throughout the property. Whether I was lounging by the pool, dining at the restaurant, or simply walking through the lobby, there was always someone nearby, eager to ensure that my experience was flawless. What stood out the most was that this exceptional service was not limited to one or two staff members – it was consistent across the board. Each employee at Casa del Mar seems genuinely invested in the guests’ happiness, creating an environment where you feel more like a family member than a customer. An Unbeatable Location: Beachfront Bliss One of the key selling points of Casa del Mar is its prime beachfront location. Perched right on the sands of Santa Monica, the hotel offers direct access to the beach, making it an ideal choice for those looking to soak up the California sun. Unlike some other hotels in the area, including the former Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, which is set slightly back from the water, Casa del Mar is mere steps from the beach. This proximity to the shoreline is not just a convenience; it elevates the entire experience. From my room, I could hear the soothing sound of the waves and enjoy unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Morning walks and a ride with the one-hour free bicycles along the beach an boardwalk became a daily ritual, and the sunset views from the hotel were nothing short of breathtaking. The location also makes it easy to access Santa Monica’s famous attractions. The iconic Santa Monica Pier is just a short walk away, as are a variety of shops and restaurants on the Third Street Promenade. Yet despite being so close to the action, Casa del Mar maintains a peaceful, almost secluded atmosphere, providing the best of both worlds. A Family-Like Atmosphere: A Home Away from Home What truly sets Casa del Mar apart from other luxury hotels is the sense of community it fosters. Despite its grandeur, the hotel exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The staff knows many guests by name, and there is a genuine effort to create meaningful connections. The environment is unpretentious and relaxed, and you never feel out of place, regardless of whether you're dressed for a night out or simply returning from a day at the beach. During my stay, I had several opportunities to chat with other guests, many of whom were repeat visitors. They spoke of Casa del Mar with the same fondness one might reserve for a cherished family vacation spot. This sense of camaraderie among guests is not something you often find at luxury hotels, where interactions can sometimes feel distant or overly formal. At Casa del Mar, there’s a feeling that everyone – staff and guests alike – is part of a larger family. It’s this familial warmth that makes the hotel feel less like a temporary accommodation and more like a true home away from home. Elegant Accommodations and Amenities The rooms at Casa del Mar are nothing short of spectacular. Designed with a coastal chic aesthetic, they combine luxury with comfort in a way that feels both upscale and welcoming. My room featured nice open windows with stunning views of the ocean, a spacious marble bathroom, and a bed that was so comfortable it was hard to leave in the morning. The attention to detail in the room design – from the plush linens to the carefully curated artwork – made the space feel luxurious yet personal. The amenities at Casa del Mar also exceeded my expectations. The fitness center is well-equipped, the pool area is beautiful and offers sweeping views of the ocean, and the spa is a haven of relaxation. Dining at Casa del Mar is another highlight. The on-site restaurant, Catch, offers a menu filled with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and flavors that celebrate the coastal location. The seafood dishes were particularly exceptional, and I found myself dining there multiple times during my stay. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch by the pool or a more formal dinner, the culinary experience at Casa del Mar is one to savor. Also greetings to Adrian and the team who always made every breakfast and lunch a phenomenal experience. A Lasting Impression: Eager to Return After spending 11 days at Casa del Mar, I was reluctant to leave. The combination of exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and a truly welcoming atmosphere made this one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had. While the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel offered a lovely stay for over 30 years, Casa del Mar surpasses it in several key areas: the proximity to the beach, the personalized service, and the warm, familial environment that makes every guest feel special. One of the most telling signs of a great hotel is the desire to return, and I can say without hesitation that I am already planning my next visit to Casa del Mar. It’s rare to find a place that manages to strike such a perfect balance between luxury and comfort, but Casa del Mar does just that. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, this hotel offers an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. I left with wonderful memories, new friendships, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the time I spent there. Casa del Mar is not just a hotel – it’s a destination in itself, one that I can’t wait to revisit. At last I want to take a moment to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to Charlie Lopez- Quintana as Vice President, and the both brothers who own this lovely hoten and made an extraordinary experience at Casa del Mar. Your vision, leadership, and dedication are evident in every aspect of the hotel, and it is clear that you both have poured your hearts into making Casa del Mar a true gem in Santa Monica. Read less