Like a lot of people, I often rely on the advice and suggestions of family and friends.
So when Eric Lindsay of Los Angeles e-mailed me about his recent stay with his wife at the Viceroy Santa Monica, I asked him to send me a review.
Eric is an accomplished musician and composer, and he and his wife Kylie Peppler were celebrating her Ph.D. from UCLA.
Here’s what Eric had to say about this posh waterfront hotel that opened in 2002:
The Viceroy is one of those sexy hotels that weekenders (sans the kids) flock to in order to get their Hollywood scene and beach experience in a one-stop shop. It’s only a block away from the sand, as well as walking distance to the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade. But we were perfectly content to lounge around by the pool alongside a cast of waitresses/actresses in designer swim wear, or cozy up in the bed and watch the sun set over the ocean.
The amenities in the hotel are superb. They include spa services, yoga classes, sleek interiors (and thankfully that does not mean leopard print). There’s also an an exemplary restaurant, Whist, with plenty of outdoor seating amidst palms, candles and cabanas.
Unfortunately, the lovely hedges on the property exterior do little to mask the fact that the hotel is on a very busy street corner. You can’t open your sliding door without hearing honking and sirens, and we were on the seventh floor.
But seeing as how many people are willing to eschew the soothing sound of waves in favor of catching a glimpse of Scarlett Johansson or Wilmer Valderrama by the bar, I doubt that car horns are enough to detract from this posh urban oasis for most folks.
Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.260.7500
866.891.0947
Member of the Kor Hotel Group
Rates from $359-$1,500