Stayed for 3 nights (Hotwire $137/night).

Goods points: the best beds ever!!!, free parking
Bad points: stilll somewhat outdated rooms and bathrooms; very noisy drilling and hammering starting at 8 am and ending past 9 pm - had to complain numerous times; bath plug broken; I think a little far to walk to the 3rd street area with young kids.

BTW, the beach at Santa Monica (and the whole area) is, I think, totally overrated (certainly compared to Australian beaches)

Recently stayed at Delfina. The new design is amazing- very chic and more like the boutique hotel. The room I stayed in had a gorgeous ocean view. During the day everything was a short cab ride or walk away. Highly recommend it!

My daughter and I stayed at the Delfina. I am a Starwood Preferred Guest and during our earlier trips, I stayed at the W in Westwood, which is nice, but did not make us feel as comfortable and recognized as the Sheraton in Santa Monica. The rooms are brand new and have balconies and very comfortable new beds (which felt just like the "heavenly" beds). The fact that the hotel is a couple blocks from the beach came very handy and the pool area with the cabanas was just terrific. We felt right at home and so did a couple of other families, who I was observing around us.

The front desk agents were genuinly caring and helped us with a couple of last minute arrangements.

I would recommend it to anyone travelling to LA - quality and rate-wise, too.

I've been to this hotel many times over the last couple of years for business, or when I had friends come to town to stay, but I couldn't believe it when I saw it again for the first time recently. It's suddenly this gorgeous establishment! The lobby makes you want to sit down, order a glass of wine (which you can do, thanks to the wonderful bar) and enjoy it like you would a sumptuous living room. We had appetizers and then walked out by the pool and enjoyed the new cabanas with a few friends. I can't wait to go back. Might even have to make my own little local getaway.