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The Ambrose Hotel – reviews, photos

1255 20th St, at Arizona Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Hotel amenities
The Ambrose Hotel
The Ambrose Hotel
The Ambrose Hotel
The Ambrose Hotel
The Ambrose Hotel
The Ambrose Hotel
Ranked #9 of 34 hotels in Santa Monica
4.0 of 5 stars 391 Reviews
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391 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • FREE parking(19)
  • Continental breakfast(12)
  • Friendly and helpful(6)
  • Would definitely stay(6)
  • Whole Foods(6)
  • London cab(5)
  • Third street promenade(3)
Traveller rating
    187
    144
    32
    15
    13
Only show reviews for Family (67) | Couples (103) | Business (63)
Date Rating
St. George, Utah
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
“If you can get it at a discount, go for it!”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 December 2011
6
people found this review helpful

We were able to book a premium king room for $164 through tablet.com. The usual rate is more like $225. Our room was small but clean and nicely decorated. We had a very tiny balcony--not worth paying extra for it. The bed was comfortable. The pillows were not. The shower was adequate but nothing special. And we had to run the fan to mask noise from adjoining rooms and overhead. The breakfast is excellent if you like carbs, but at least the pastries are "real," not the usual cellophane-wrapped cardboard served at hotel breakfast bars. There was also yogurt, dry cereal, and fresh strawberries. The desk clerk (Linda, I think) was outstanding. We were accidentally put in a standard room. When we pointed out the error, she was very gracious and accommodating in making sure we got the room we had paid for.

BOTTOM LINE: If you can get the room at a discount (or if you're willing to pay extra for a better-than-average hotel breakfast), this is a good bet. If you have to pay full price, there are less expensive options in town.

Room Tip: Skip the balcony. Opt for a premium king room with "balcony view." (That's apparentl...
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask ronc41 about The Ambrose Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Hong Kong, China
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Sweet Boutique Hotel”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 December 2011

We were in Santa Monica for 3 days in the end of September for a friend's wedding and while the rest of the wedding party stayed at the Doubletree, we opted for the similarly priced Ambrose. I'm glad we made that decision because the Ambrose felt much more homey. Breakfast was quite good, and we were able to park our rental car in the basement garage, making everything very convenient. Staff were super friendly and helpful with making suggestions of where to go in Santa Monica for the best Mexican food. Great stay overall!

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask christinehd about The Ambrose Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
University Place, WA
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“An oasis in Santa Monica”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We arrived several hours before check-in time, and as our room was not ready we were offerred a downgrade to a room that was available. Downgrade? The room we were given was delightful! We were on the ground floor, closest to the intersection. We had a private patio, that was a lovely place to sit with a newspaper & a cup of coffee.There was very minimal noise, as this hotel is on a tree-lined residential street. Yes, it is a very long walk to the beach. But the Ambrose has a London cab that will transport you within Santa Monica. Continental breakfast is included, and it's a pleasant meal - fresh berries, quality pastry, organic yoghurt, etc. - served in the lobby area or outside on the patio. When we return to Santa Monica, we will definitely stay at the Ambrose.

  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask 1Traveling_Spirit about The Ambrose Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Las Vegas, Nevada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“A great ambience of serenity, simplicity and great location”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 December 2011
1
person found this review helpful

When I read the reviews of Trip Advisor, I was excited at the same time had concerns about the noise and other issues that I read. After the talk I had with Alex Cortez of the front desk, he put my mind at ease and true to his word, our 2 day stay was wonderful. I would also like to commend Linda Crocker, also of the front desk for all the helpful infomation about Sta. Monica. Early check-in was available and the room in the third floor was overlooking the garden and was quiet for the most part. It felt like a cozy, serene, simple home away from home.
Great free breakfast of fresh strawberries, delicious muffins and Tazo teas. Location was great, walking distance to the promenade and Santa Monica Pier( from what I have heard from the people who walked, about 25 minute walk), Wallgreens, CVS and to Wilshire Blvd. which has restaurants that one can enjoy. The staff were helpful and friendly.
My husband and I would like to come back in the near future.
We would definitely recommend this hotel to our family and friends.

Room Tip: the third floor west side facing the garden is quiet..
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  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask jecca5268 about The Ambrose Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Prescott, Arizona
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“WORST HOTEL EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 November 2011
2
people found this review helpful

While staying at this hotel, I was checked out of my room mid-stay by a staff member even though my reservation was for a week. Apparently I was confused with another guest. My key stopped working at this time, money was withdrawn from my checking accout twice without my approval which caused over draft fees. After visiting the front desk to work thois all out, I was then mistakenly charged another fee to re-check myself back into the hotel even though I never left.
The mangager was very rude over the phone and again charged my card without my approval minus one discounted night for all my trouble. After trying to reach the owner, get in touch with her, etc. my calls were never returned. On top of this, I was not impressed with the hotel at all. I don't reccomend staying here unless you are up for terrible customer service....

  • Stayed April 2011, travelled on business
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Jennifer M about The Ambrose Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about The Ambrose Hotel

  • Ambrose Hotel Santa Monica
  • Ambrose Hotel
Address: 1255 20th St, at Arizona Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Price range (per night):* INR12,042 - 15,011

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