Luxury Beach Hotel Review: Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica

In the heart of “Silicon Beach”, sits two sister hotels that are literally situated on the sand, just steps from the Pacific Ocean, Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar. Either is a perfect destination for beachside relaxation with residential charm.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of being gifted a Mother’s Day weekend at Shutters to visit our daughter who lives nearby. Shutters is literally like a beach house in the Hamptons transported to California. As a California native, it was a special treat to stay at Shutters.

As a child, I often rode my bike with friends from Brentwood to Venice and back long before Shutters opened. After over a year of restricted travel, sitting on my 5th-floor balcony overlooking the pool, beach, and ocean beyond felt like a real vacation.

Upon arrival, you are welcomed like family. Within a day, everyone on staff seemed to know my name. The lobby features intimate seating arrangements and cozy fireplaces. The contemporary art collection and vintage photos are tasteful and informative. Make time to walk around the hotel and soak up the beach vibe.

Of course, every room has sliding shutters on the windows, most of which open to small balconies. A rolled beach towel sits near the tub, ready for your trip to the pool or beach. Instead of a rubber duckie, you are gifted a rubber whale, an ode to seasonal whale watching.

When you are ready to explore, let the beach concierge arrange bikes, surfboards, or a beach umbrella and chair for your active or relaxing day at the beach. Oceanfront yoga offers the added challenge of balancing poses in the sand. Or walk down Santa Monica Beach towards the iconic pier. On a clear day, the view encompasses Malibu to Catalina Island. After all, the point of staying beachside is to enjoy the outdoors.

Pool, Fitness & Spa

Luxuriate with a cocktail by the pool, which is privately situated on the 3rd floor with chaise lounges facing gorgeous ocean views and private cabanas poolside. Many guests use the pool deck as their outdoor office, enjoying both the sunshine and high-speed wifi.

ONE, the Spa at Shutters, should not be missed. Despite being located downstairs, in what feels like the basement, the services are superb. My deep tissue massage was painfully effective. The dark wood looks ship-like and shell-enhanced walls are reminiscent of an underwater grotto. The fitness facility is currently by appointment per household, but with two Pelotons and plenty of cardio and weight equipment, even the fittest of guests will be challenged.

Dining Options

The dining vibe is upscale casual, with no jackets required. Masks are still required in public spaces but check the current California Covid restrictions for your travel dates. The hotel does everything possible to make the dining experience both safe and enjoyable.

Coast Beach Café offers indoor, patio, and outdoor all-day dining on the boardwalk. As an AMEX Platinum cardholder, I enjoyed a $60 breakfast credit there each day and additional amenities. The menu offerings are varied and portions generous. The credit spends quite quickly. Each day I ordered a different menu item, and each one was delicious. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are a classic and the chef has kindly shared the recipe.

Coast is also a favorite with locals for sunset cocktails.

Alfresco dining and outdoor heated options are perfect for dinner. 1 Pico Courtyard features farm-to-table California cuisine in a romantic patio with hanging lanterns and bistro lights.

Across the cul-de-sac that separates Shutters and Casa del Mar, sits the Terrazza Beachside Patio. Order a Casa Colada, served in a coconut engraved with the hotel logo. Stay for dinner and enjoy a Mediterranean-meets-SoCal feast.

My Mother’s Day weekend felt like travel at its best: relaxing, restful, and rejuvenating. The unexpected gift of French macaroons that I discovered beside my bed on Mother’s Day made for a sweet ending to a memorable stay. I look forward to returning to Shutters again for another beach escape.

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All photos are original.