Hotel Shangri-La Santa Monica - Santa Monica, California - Historic Art Deco Beach Hotel

The boutique-style Hotel Shangri-La Santa Monica overlooks the Pacific Ocean from a bluff above Santa Monica Beach. Established in 1939, it was recently redesigned at a cost of $30 million to balance past, present, and future - an Art Deco gem that serves as a stylish haven for discerning travelers and an idyllic getaway for local celebrities.

With just 71 rooms, the Hotel Shangri-La Santa Monica emphasizes privacy, luxury and "Hollywood exclusivity.'' There are flats as well as one- and two-bedroom suites, plus a magnificent penthouse. Many rooms feature verandas and cuisinettes, and there are bathtubs in the corner suites. Wireless Internet access comes standard, as do 50- and 60-inch flat panel televisions, bath products by Natura Green, and plush robes by Frette.

All rooms are non-smoking and hypoallergenic.

To help guests relax during their stay, the Hotel Shangri-La Santa Monica offers a chic courtyard swimming pool designed to be "an oasis of urban glamour.'' By day, the primary activity here is lounging and sunning beside the cool clear water while enjoying the panorama of the Pacific coast. Private cabanas are available, too. By night, poolside parties are held every Thursday through Sunday with a local D.J. and dancing beneath the stars.

Another prized feature of the hotel is the Shangri-La Fitness Center on the first floor. It offers both cardio and strength-training equipment by Life Fitness for guest use. There are high-definition personal viewing screens to watch during workouts, iPod music and videos, and a virtual trainer. Brand new Hampton dumbbells with urethane gel handles are included among the center's free weights, and there is easy access to an outdoor exercise and yoga deck for those who like working out in the fresh air.

Other amenities that guests may take advantage of include in-room or courtyard spa services, town car and limousine transportation, laundry and valet service, and a daily morning newspaper. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier, beaches, upscale shopping, boutiques, and world-class dining, too.

The Dining Room is the Hotel Shangri-La's own gourmet restaurant, overlooking the Pacific and Palisades Park. Full American breakfasts, light lunch dishes, and hearty dinners are served daily, using the freshest ingredients from the nearby Santa Monica Farmer's Market. At the Poolside Bar, refreshing specialty cocktails and light entrees are available. There is also 24-hour in-room dining featuring everything from sumptuous breakfasts to late-night grill items. Coffee and tea are provided at the hotel's own sidewalk cafy, and cocktails can be enjoyed at the Suite 700 rooftop bar and lounge.

To cater to the needs of business travelers and event planners, the Hotel Shangri-La has a stylish, 300-square-foot rooftop meeting room and a 700-square-foot outdoor terrace that feature Pacific Ocean views. The Penthouse Suite is also available for private meetings and banquets. An array of state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment can be provided, along with catering for groups of up to 40 persons.

The Shangri-La Hotel Santa Monica is wholly owned, operated and managed by Indus Investments, Inc. Located at 1301 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401, it is in no way connected to the hotel chain known as Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. To reach the hotel from Los Angeles International Airport, get on the I-405 Freeway North and take it to the I-10 Freeway West. Exit at Fourth Street, turn right on Fourth and then go left onto Colorado Boulevard. Upon reaching Ocean Avenue, turn right and go straight for a little over a mile. The hotel is on the right, where valet parking can be found.