I have stayed at Shutters several times and am always a bit underwhelmed by the hotel. In terms of architecture and design, it is a very clever use of valuable real estate. It is almost impossible to realize that the vast majority of rooms are actually across the street. This means several elevators, some long treks, and rooms with a mere glimpse of the water,

The rooms are very clean and beachy and are all bed and bathroom. To give the interior (and spacious) bathroom light, is has a large frosted window into the bedroom. The door to the toilet is louvered and the door to the whole thing is a slider, so there is precious little soundproofing. Every nighttime flush or glass of water is likely to wake up a companion.

The bed is very high from the floor and my child could not climb in without help. Even I practically had to take a running start. Eleven pillows and luxurious linens.

Lobby jazz at night was nice unless you wanted to talk, and weaving through the crowd is not easy. Parking is all by valet since entrance is tiny. Some mildly famous people seem to always be there.

The food is good, expensive, and also sometimes hard to obtain if crowded. While it seems family friendly I think the location is, but not so much the hotel. With a myriad of stairs and elevators, a confusing and multipurpose lobby, and a staff used to dealing with affluent adults, kids get lost in the shuffle. Few rooms have two beds. This is more of a couple's destination.

For an expensive waterfront getaway Shutters is fine for a few days. I'll be back in Santa Monica soon for a longer stay, though, and will stay someplace less complicated but equally nice.

Cape cottage type of atmosphere in a luxury hotel. Great menu with delicious fresh food along with great customer service. The lounge has original drinks that would appease anyone's palate. Enjoyed my stay very much. With that said, there were a few things I would like to see done. Venus type razors for women along with toothpaste in the toiletries cabinet. The hallway had an odor with carpets that could be replaced due to wear. I expect more for the price I paid there! The first room I had leaked water from the some type of plumbing from the tub. I would think this would be noticeable when cleaning as it puddled on the edge of the tub next to the wall. Other than that I enjoyed my stay there and the staff were professional and friendly.

I stayed in room 541, which is a standard guest room facing north with a partial view of the Santa Monica pier. The room was comfy and had a beach cottage vibe. Without doubt, this was the most comfortable hotel bed I've ever slept in. I really cannot stress enough how comfortable the bed was (I'm apparently not alone, as the mattress is available for purchase on the hotel's website). Bed linens and towels were top notch. Service was consistently outstanding and I felt truly pampered. The hotel has an terrific restuarant (One Pico) and is walking distance from other great dining choices. My sole critical note is that the hotel charges for every possible ammenity: internet (double charged each day since I use a laptop and a tablet), $30 for valet, $15 to rent a beach chair, etc. etc. That said, if you have the means, you will not be disappointed in your stay.

Shutters is a famous small hotel on Pico and Sm beach. Right next to Venice beach and Santa Monica Pier. It is a beautiful spot. Expensive, $600 to $800 a night in summer. But location location location. Food is amazing. so are staff. You are pampered.