We have just returned from a week at the Embassy Hotel Apartments. The hotel is located close to the beach and downtown - we were able to walk to both easily. The hotel itself reminded me of old Hollywood glamor from the 1930's - the lobby and gardens were wonderful. We had a deluxe room with a kitchen that gave us plenty of space - I do not like to feel cramped.

The staff was very friendly and helpful while we were there - they suggested lovely restaurants in a range of prices, helped us with destinations and the general layout of the Los Angeles area. Without them and the hotel, our vacation might not have been rewarding.

I have recommended the hotel to all my friends, and hope to get back to the Embassy soon.

Our experience at the Embassy was awesome. We stayed for 4 nights,in a large Studio apt., with good sized bath, seperate vanity area, three large closets with plenty of hangers, king size bed, and a full kitchen!! Our stay could not have been more delightful. This is not like a chain. It is an older building with true character and charm. It sits in a great neighborhood with a short block and a half walk to the 3rd Street Promenade. Parking is tight at times as the facility does not have designated parking spots, but you are given a parking tag to put on your vehicle. Worst case, One time, we parked a block and a half away from the Hotel. We were visiting a daughter and the facility was ideal for getting together in the morning for breakfast at our place and then congregating with her and friends at night. We had plenty of seating and with the full kitchen we could prepare whatever we needed at our leisure. Housekeeping did an excellent job and we would stay here again for our next visit.

I booked this "hotel" having read the reviews from others on tripadvisor. When I came back, I read them again just in case I had the wrong hotel. This hotel was sooo disappointing. I wanted character and I got dark, dowdy and depressing. The outside of the house and the gardens were impressive but there it sadly ended. There was no air-conditioning. Given that this is an old building, this can be excused however, the minimum to expect would be a fan in every room as standard. We stayed in a standard room in which we could hear every paper shuffling, tap turned and word uttered from the apartment next door. As our neighbours were early starters (6 o'clock every morning), this was by no means pleasant. The location is good and the rooms are clean but look elsewhere in Santa Monica. There is surely a better price and experience to be found.

I stayed at the Embassy for one night on April 10th. A girlfriend and I wanted to spend some time in Santa Monica during a "girls weekend". It's a pretty building with great landscaping and a good location. We walked to the beach and the 3rd st. Promenade but could'nt find our way back at night, so took a taxi..(could have been the beers fault!). The guy at the front desk was vey nice and even helped us with our bags. The elevator is hysterical, don't try operating it while intoxicated...or do for a good laugh. The hallways reminded us of "The Shining', but that is cool to us! We had a window in the bathroom that if we opened we could talk to our neighbor if HE had his window open...unfortunately he was shy! Stay here because it's clean and interesting and not some boring chain!