The hotel itself was very nice -- our room, the lobby, patio area, pool, etc. The thing that made this JW Marriott stand out above all other hotel stays was the staff and the amazing service EVERYONE provided. The bellhop, front desk, concierge, restaurant staff at breakfast, bar staff, etc. Everybody there, together, made us feel important. We've only stayed in one other Santa Monica hotel (which was along Ocean Ave as well), but there's not a doubt in our mind that THIS JW Marriott is our new MUST STAY AT location in Santa Monica. No questions. You're within walking distance of the Pier and the 3rd Street Promenade (shopping district).

This is a very nice, unique, well designed hotel, immaculately kept, with wonderful employees, q are posh; all roouick to learn guests' names, helpful, and friendly. The rooms are large and nicely designed. Ocean-view rooms (some with balconies), all rooms quite nice and only a few blocks from the 3rd street promenade. Breakfast and lunch in the restaurant our outside on the terrace are delicious, hard-to-beat for quality, and romantically atmospheric (thanks to long-time hostess Letti!). We stay here a few days each year and they always seem to remember us and genuinely welcome us "home". Spac, fitness center, and pool are big pluses, and it's only a short walk to the "show" on the beach near the Santa Monica Pier. We look forward to our next visit!

We just returned from weekend here and I must say it doesn't get much better. The service and staff were over the top. Everyone had a smile on their face from Jessica at check in to the valet parking attendants. The ocean is right out the back and you can walk to great restaurants and shopping. The touristy Santa Monica pier is a 5 minute walk. The rooms need some new decorating but staff says they are slowing renovating hotel. Won't think twice about returning here when in Los angeles area.

After many hours researching hotels on or near the beach in Santa Monica, we chose the JW and were very satisfied. After reading some of the reviews I wasn't 100% sure this would be a wise decision but rest assured this hotel is wonderful. We stayed at Shutters on the Beach last time we in LA and wanted something in that area but not as pricey. The service at the JW was excellent, the room had a view of the pool and ocean, the bed was extremely comfortable and the location...perfect! Great fitness center with spa, steam room and suana, and plenty of treadmills and other equipment. The pool was heated (thank goodness because is was a little chilly while we were there) but unfortunately, no hot tub, which would have been appreciated with the cool, rainy weather we had.

Walking distance to the pier and promanade...plenty of restaurants and shopping. We also rented bikes a block from the hotel for $18/day and rode the great beach path to Venice Beach and up towards Malibu (the one day we had the sun). There is also a Segway tour you can take but because of the rain we didn't take a chance on that! The concierge at the JW was very helpful in stearing us in the right direction with restaurants/sites/activities...she was really great. Robert at the front desk was friendly and helpful as well (he also has a cousin that lives 5 minutes from us in Ohio!)...small world!

Highly recommend this hotel...don't believe the negative reviews...it was wonderful.