This hotel was formerly an apartment, built in the late 20's. The building has retained most if not all of its original architecture, fixtures, decor, etc. and it's well-maintained. The manager (Birgitta) greeted me immediately and upgraded me from a studio suite to a one-bedroom suite for a mere $10 extra! (It was New Year's Eve, so they probably had a few empty rooms that night.) She also allowed a late check-out the next day. My room had a living room with huge windows, a couch, armchair, desk, private porch/balcony, private bedroom with a king bed, private bathroom with a pedestal sink and large tub/shower, huge closets, and full kitchen! The room was incredibly spacious and peaceful and overlooked a well-manicured courtyard. My only complaint: NO PARKING! No loading zone, no driveway, no valet service, no parking lot. Keep in mind that this is downtown Santa Monica: a block from the beach, a few blocks from Third Street Promenade, and surrounded by apartment buildings. If you can't immediately find a street spot in front of the building, then you're basically forced to park illegally in a red fire zone -- or double-park in the middle of the street -- while you struggle to quickly unload your passengers and their luggage. The manager will give you a street parking permit for your car, but that doesn't guarantee you a parking spot -- you're on your own for that. You can circle around the block for the better part of 15 minutes looking for somewhere to park -- good luck! For this reason and this reason only, I do NOT recommend this place for elderly/disabled travelers or families with babies or small children.
- Embassy Hotel Santa Monica
