Fodor's Expert Review Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, California, 90401, USA
Tropical casual meets urbane at this stylized, airy seaside escape, where the cozy rooms, which all have French balconies, draw quite the upscale clientele. The mostly marble bathrooms have seated vanities and supremely refreshing aromatherapy products. The restaurant, Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue, makes the best of its indoor/outdoor ambience with a matching ocean-inspired menu and a huge wraparound bar. At the wood-paneled lounge during awards season, you'll likely catch a slew of celebs air kissing. Glamorous socializing also takes place in the pool and cabana area amid all-white armchairs and divans. Upper-floor, ocean-view rooms are brilliant at sunset.
PROS
- hip lobby and restaurant/lounge
- chic lounge and poolside socializing
- pedestrian-friendly area
CONS
- super-pricey bar and dining
- pool for dipping, not laps
- sometimes snooty ambience
QUICK FACTS
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted