As everyone says, this is a new, hip, modern, chic hotel right across the highway from the beach and very near the pier. The bathroom rainfall shower is one of those best hotel experiences ever and one you won't forget. The pool area was a comfortable and happening place for a quick dip or just to hang out and relax. The staff was very helpful, friendly and efficient. For all of these reasons and more, it's easy to understand why this hotel is rated number 1 on Tripadvisor at this time.

But I'm mainly writing about the junior suite with a partial ocean view, which we booked for our 3-day stay. The reason for the "partial" view is because the junior suites are tucked into the corners of the U-shaped building which faces the beach. And the view is actually quite good once you step out onto the small L-shaped balcony. Because your room is tucked into the corner of the building though, there is only one small window and a single glass paneled door in the corner of the room. The sofa area itself is a small alcove, a little dark and not really "user" friendly as relating to the location of the main bedroom part of the room. For instance, there would be no way to watch t.v. from the sofa area. Kind of hard to explain but just keep in mind that we booked the room for the extra space but ended up not using the sofa alcove area at all. And if you were thinking of using it as a private sleeping space, that would not work either as it it just an alcove, part of the main room,. Would not book the junior suite again but otherwise, loved this place and hope to stay there again.

I stayed 2 nights at the Shore Hotel on a business trip. I didn't know what to expect as I wasn't involved in selecting the hotel. It was a delightful surprise - very hip look and feel to the place. The sleeping room and bathroom were good size, with plenty of lights and plugs in both spaces. The hotel's free wifi was very fast. While I had very limited time to be a tourist, it would be a good choice for tourists given its location across the street from the Santa Monica Pier and the 3rd Avenue Promenade. My group got an excellent price, so it was also a good value.

We are 5 Canadian men that travelled down for a sports trip and we were very happy with The Shore. Stevie and Lindsay at the front desk were both just swell. They showed genuine interest in our well being and were always eager to flash one of those million dollar smiles which considering how ugly my travel mates were, must have been hard to do. The only way they could have been any better was if they were twins. There hasn't been a team with the "one-two" punch as these girls since Gretzky and Kurri. The attitude they portrayed has made us all strive to be better people. The sun might set on the ocean but the warmest glow comes from behind the front desk at The Shore Hotel.

I'm not actually reviewing the hotel, but the restaurant, which is located at the Shore Hotel on Ocean in Santa Monica.

Blue Plate Taco opened in October 2012 and is owned by the same person who owns the Blue Plate Oysterette. It's not a taco stand, but rather a more of a high-end bistro.

There were four of us eating lunch, and it was fabulous! The waitstaff was attentive and helpful. The scene and scenery was fun, being right on Ocean. And the food...loved it, from the flight of salsas to the Dulce de Leche milkshake! I had a seared ahi, which was prepared perfectly and practically melted in my mouth. The aguas frescas were amazing (we had ours without alcohol), flavorful mixtures that were well-balanced and refreshing, not cloying.

All in all, a memorable meal. Pricey, but worth the splurge! Go there, even if you're not staying at the Shore Hotel.