We've stayed here twice - last time was September, 2004 - and it was undergoing major renovation into a 5 star Sheraton - it will no longer be a 4 point. The hotel itself is fine - our room had been completely remodeled and had a very comfortable, contemporary feel. Rooms are a little on the small side, but clean and nice. Problem is the area - hotel is on a very busy thoroughfare that is noisy - hotel is right across the street from Santa Monica High School and all that goes with that. When we came in at night, we were a bit afraid. Area is kind of seedy and there appeared to be more than a few drug deals going on across the street. Would never feel safe walking the few blocks to the Promenade or beach at night. Also, free parking is a plus, but the garage entrance and exit could only be described as treacherous at best. You can't see clearly while exiting and space is very small for manuvering around. Not bad, but you can probably do better for price.

I was very disappointed in this hotel. The exterior concerned me when I first arrived because it looked very run down. My room was shabby, the carpeting was dirty and had large stains, and the walls had water damage. It was very loud at night because the door to my room opened directly to the outside - more like motel than a 3-star hotel. I was concerned for my safety but they would not let me switch to a different room. I would not recommend this place to anyone.

My boyfriend and I stayed at this hotel from December 27, 2004 - January 1, 2005. I had visited this hotel when it was a Four Points Sheraton, and it was fine, but the recent room and hotel upgrades are FABULOUS!! The lobby is absolutely gorgeous, decorated in soothing earth tones, with a wood floor, comfy couches, and music playing throughout. It is very classy and comfortable. One night, I couldn't sleep, and very happily sat in the lobby on a couch, reading one of their terrific "coffee table" books. I felt like I was in my very own, plush living room. The renovated bar is lovely and classy as well. The guest rooms are gorgeous, and the bed is the most comfortable hotel bed that I have ever slept in.

We stayed on the 1st floor (technically, the 2nd floor, as it is the floor above the lobby), as my boyfriend is a smoker and that is their smoking floor, and did NOT experience ANY noise problems as stated by other guests (and we were staying on the same side facing apartment buildings). It was fine. We both slept very well.

The hotel staff was very friendly and hospitable. The front desk manager gave me a special rate for New Year's Eve, since we had been there all week, making the rate MUCH less expensive than other Santa Monica and LA hotels on that evening. There's no ice machine on the 1st/2nd floor, but the restaurant staff was always happy to give us ice upon request.

Some people complain about the proximity to the ocean. It is ONLY 3 BLOCKS AWAY!!! It takes maybe 10 minutes to walk to the ocean...I don't see this as being prohibitive for mobile people, plus there is a Tide Shuttle that will take you to the beach and boardwalk for FREE with token(s) from the hotel.

The hotel area is not the best, but there are lots of great restaurants, bars and shopping nearby.

All in all, we had a wonderful, relaxing stay. I plan to visit it again in the future, and highly recommend it.

We stayed at Four Points Sheraton which is now being called the Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica for 3 nights over new year 2005. It has just been refurbished (except for the pool which is an empty concrete hole in the ground). Our inter-connecting rooms were great, large with 2 queen beds in each. There is a separate liitle area for tea/coffee making & we were able to borrow a bar fridge for no extra charge. The beds were very comfortable with beautiful quilts. The black granite in the bathroom & coffee nook is very classy. Make sure to ask for a high floor. Our first night was on the second floor which was too close to the neighbouring apartment buiding. Each time they opened their balcony doors it sounded like thunder! There was also NO privacy so we kept the curtains closed all day. We moved up to the 6th floor the next day which made a big difference & we even had a view of the coast & hills. There were a few takeaway food stores on the next corner which is a must when you have a family. The room service prices are far too expensive. All in all, the rooms were excellent & the location was fine. However, if we had more funds, somewhere closer to the beach would be preferable, as it is a long walk to the Santa Monica Pier.