The Santa Monica Doubletree lived up to our expectations. They provided free upgrades because we were honeymooners as well.

The rooms are huge for the price and location. Only a few minutes away from the Pier and beach. Great safe LA location too. Very clean and comfortable. It was nice to have a living room area with a couch - you don't often get that in this price range. The bed and the pillows were extremely comfortable!

The room was modern and the bathroom was really clean as well.

Overall a great stay!

I love Doubletree hotels for two key reasons: 1) you get that extra bit of space (in this case, a bedroom, bathroom, and living room/kitchen area) and 2) the beds are the comfiest I have ever had the pleasure to sleep in. The Doubletree in Santa Monica certainly measured up in that department.
Location is great, easily walkable to the beach and many shops/restaurants. It is also easy to drive to other tourist areas eg Hollywood/Malibu.
The smallish pool area is OK (there's also a sauna and a small selection of workout machines) but - if you're being really picky - the view isn't up to much. A balcony would also have been nice - maybe they're reserved for the top of the range rooms here.
Overall, would definitely recommend for a short break in Santa Monica.

My husband, nine month old baby and I stayed at the Double Tree in June for four nights and were really impressed with the staff. The room was clean, bed was extremely comfortable and chocolate chip cookies didn't stop!!
We had one hiccup with the drainage in the sinks but this was fixed within half an hour of reporting it and the late checkout granted on request. The staff couldn't do enough to make our stay enjoyable.
Fabulous location for the price - only a ten minute walk to the promenade, stores and beach. We could have stayed even closer but would have paid many more $$$.
I would have no hesitation in recommending it.

We booked this hotel via Priceline and paid about $100/night. What a great deal! The suite was large and very nice. The location excellent about a 10 minute walk to the pedestrian area of Santa Monica. Parking was a bit expensive, but overall, I can not complain. Highly recommended.