We have just returned from a 3 night stay at this hotel. Being a family with 3 small girls, we wanted a hotel we all would enjoy relaxing at after Disneyland. We were nothing short of extremely happy. First impression- intimate, classy but colorful. The doormen were there to help us the instant we arrived, and Ysa at the front desk was very accomadating of our request to change rooms to a suite more suitable to our needs (main level, by the pool- for easy access for our kids and better supervision without being stuck at the poolside). Being from small town Canada, I was concerned with feeling out of place yet we were treated with nothing but courtesy, our every request was met with smiles and prompt service, and the staff were warm and conversational with our girls. The main room- very large, immaculately clean... wonderful colors and furnishings. Loved the shutters. Queen sized pull-out for the girls, plenty of space (of course not recommended for an adult though). A full kitchen, well stocked, we did ask for the food items to be removed and we walked to get groceries. The bathroom was very large, and the Aveda products were a nice touch. The bedroom- wow. King bed, very comfortable, walk in closet, more than enough drawer space. Great cable for catching a movie after the kids were asleep. And my favorite thing, a small private balcony with a bistro table and chairs, perfect for two- we spent a lot of time out there with a drink, talking, with a view of the park and ocean. The pool was not huge but was never crowded... extremely well kept, loved the lemon tree, very lovely place to relax. The girls had never been in a salt water pool, and given the amount of time they spent in there it was nice not to have to smell chlorine. Lots of really huge towels and a jug of water with ice and lemon always at poolside. Plenty of loungers with comfy cushioning- heaven. I went to check out the work out room and was impressed- stereo, shower, all newer equipment. Outside the hotel- Palisades Park (the foliage in this park is amazing) running alongside the bluff, then the sand and ocean. I think the girls counted 142 wooden stairs down to the walkway. Things we did within walking distance- ate at the California Pizza Kitchen, great food for all of us. Rented bikes with buggies for the girls and rode to Venice, great beach, newly renovated with a nice play park and local vendors, lots of shopping for small items, inexpensive and lots to see for all. Walked down Palisades Park to Santa Monica pier, seems like a long walk but with all there is to see along the way the girls didn't even notice (and trust me, the 5 yr old won't walk anywhere if she doesn't have to). And we loved the 3rd street promenade with the breakdancers and musicians and all the small shops- and no cars, best of all. Just a wonderful time, I can't say thank you enough to Trip Advisor for helping us find the perfect place to stay. We will definately be going back, next time with no kids, to hit the nightclubs and restaraunts we saw everywhere.

I just got back from my first visit to Santa Monica. A beautiful area, and the Hotel Oceana was the perfect spot to stay. Great location - on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. The hotel is on Ocean Avenue and is very close to Montana (shops and great neighborhood) and 3rd St Promenade (shops, restaurants, street performers). The Santa Monica Pier is also within walking distance. The room was very large, and I was in a king studio suite. You feel like you are in a Pottery Barn catalog. Nice art work; furniture; bathrooms, etc. The bed was made up beautifully and was extremely comfortable. There was a great view of the ocean and the room also have a nice kitchen so I could stock up on food and beverages. The staff was superb and friendly. The hotel common areas were very clean. I didn't swim in the pool, but it must have been warm since it was 65 degrees outside and people were still swimming. All in all a very good value considering what you get, where you are and the location. I would definitely recommend this hotel in Santa Monica and hope I can get back here to try another room type.

very nice hotel, staff tried to be helpful, but were clueless, very deluxe breakfast included--great rooms-NOTE--you do not need to valet your car-there is plenty overnight parking on the street-

I wanted a beachfront stay with my kids 7 & 11, and this was the perfect place- nice big rooms, a nice pool, a nice neighborhood- just a super place for the price, especially considering everywhere else was $5-600 in summer. Highly recommended, as was the Santa Barbara property.