We stayed 7 nights in Room 726, a gorgeous room, very comfortable, spacious and well-appointed. The hotel is perfectly situated for access to the beaches, Santa Monica Pier and downtown, all within easy walking distance. Very friendly and efficient staff at all times and in all places, quite outstanding - thank you!
A first morning breakfast order arrived cold in our room, and as no-one from management responded to our complaint, we decided to eat out thereafter. You can get a good breakfast at half the hotel price ($50 out, $120 in the hotel) at the nearby Cora's Coffee Shoppe on Ocean Avenue.
Very pleasant outdoor terrace with small pool and jacuzzi, a great place to relax looking over the beach with the Pacific beyond. On the downside, the rooms lack balconies which is a pity in this location - and with the S Californian sunshine.
We had drinks in the next-door Shutters On The Beach (under the same ownership as the Casa). This has a little more relaxed, less formal vibe than the Casa and might well be our choice next time.
Even so, we had an excellent stay at the Casa Del Mar bar the breakfast experience and the excessive pricing of the beverages - e.g. $62 for a fairly ordinary bottle of wine, 1litre water $10. For this reason our top hotel remains The Peninsula Bangkok - sheer perfection!.