The Fairmont has three buildings -- bungalows on the grounds (which looked nice) and then two buildings -- an older building (Palisades) and newer (Ocean Tower). The positive of this hotel is that the grounds are attractive and pleasant -- sitting by the pool surrounded by palm trees is lovely. That said, it is a very expensive hotel that doesn't match up to Fairmonts in other places. They are clearly trading on the Fairmont name (and charging Fairmont prices) but the overall experience is not as positive. The staff are not very helpful - I booked an oceanfront suite and got a room with six windows, one of which faced the ocean. I raised this with the front desk and was told they'd speak with the manager and get back to me. They never did. When I checked in, another guest was expressing concern about a "bait and switch" with her room. So, bottom line, I'd stay at a cheaper place in Santa Monica -- this Fairmont is not worth the money.

We chose the Fairmont Miramar as a local getaway -- we wanted a nice night in a nice hotel. The grounds are lovely - you don't feel directly on the street as you do at many of the hotels in that area. However, when we checked in we were put into a room in the Ocean Tower, when we had booked a Palisades Room. The price was the same and the room had a small balcony with an ocean view, so we didn't complain, but the room was significantly smaller than what we had booked, the refrigerator smelled, and the air conditioning vent buzzed loudly, even when the fan wasn't on. In addition, on the Saturday night we stayed there, there was a wedding playing loud music into the courtyard where our room faced, and when we inquired, we found out it was going to last until 1:30 am! That, coupled with the buzzing, was the straw that broke the camel's back -- we were not paying $340 for a hotel room when we could have slept better at home (about 10 miles away). However, the hotel did accommodate us quickly when we called the front desk and complained -- we were moved into a larger ocean front room that did not open out onto the courtyard and was blissfully quiet. There was no buzzing, the refrigerator didn't smell -- this was a lovely hotel, and what we had anticipated. We ordered room service (expensive, as is to be expected, but good oatmeal and coffee) and enjoyed our room. In addition, when I left my watch in the hotel room, it was promptly found and returned to me when I returned an hour after check out to retrieve it.

The Fairmont Miramar has the capacity to be a lovely hotel, and our stay actually turned out to be quite nice. However, look carefully at what room you are booking for a weekend stay and be firm about your requirements.

Small stuffy rooms, poor service, and unhelpful front desk is the best way to sum up this Fairmont. As a Fairmont president s club member, I expected more. Our family of 4 was wedged into a ground floor sardine can room that could not accommodate an extra rollaway cot. My son slept on the floor as we couldn't fit in the small full size beds (not even queen size). We moved the next day after much complaining into a slightly bigger room. Rooms were old outdated. Luggage didn't get delivered to the room after 1 1/2 hour wait after arrival. Front desk was rather indifferent. Had to call corporate office to complain. Aside from this the hotel was OK but at $300+ per night you would expect a little more..Never again.

Stayed at the Miramar in May 2007 on business. Room was clean and spacious with a balcony overlooking the pool. It is located just across the street from the beach and near the SM pier. Rented a car from the hotel at a decent price and visited Malibu, Hollywood and Universal Studio. Hotel service was excellent, pool was small, food at the restaurant was decent. They have a great exercise room. The enormous tree in front of the hotel entrance is something to see. I walked on the 3rd street promenade during the day and at night for shopping, eating and people watching. There are many street performers. Some are quite talented, others well, are interesting to look at. Took many morning walks around the area and always felt safe. Went to the pier an it was kinda fun. I walked to Venice beach which is about a 25/30 minute walk from the pier and saw things that I can't really describe?!? Yes, I would stay at the Miramar again if I had the chance.