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Overview: Oceana Santa Monica, Hilton LXR

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Hilton’s LXR Resorts and Resorts are recognized for unparalleled, customized service in an immersive setting, which I bought to expertise for the primary time final yr on the Mango Home Seychelles. The model has since develop into one among my private favourites.

On the finish our household journey to Anaheim, we determined to spend two nights in Santa Monica earlier than heading dwelling. This gave me the proper excuse to burn a Hilton Free Evening Reward and check out the brand new Hilton LXR property there. 

Oceana Santa Monica is the the model’s first property in america, and opened in early 2021. The property is supposed to imitate that of a beachside residence, like a house away from dwelling, fairly than your conventional lodge expertise. 

Oceana Santa Monica – Reserving

I booked our two-night keep at this lodge utilizing 95,000 Hilton Honors factors and a Hilton Free Evening Reward from my Hilton Aspire Card. Our two-night keep was over a weekend, and sadly, the lodge didn’t permit single-night bookings over weekends in the summertime. 

I initially wished to make use of a Free Evening Reward from each my husband’s Hilton Honors account and my very own, however sadly the system wouldn’t permit for it. As we discovered, apparently it wasn’t one thing that neither Hilton’s central reservation line nor the lodge might do. 

The usual redemption of 95,000 factors booked me right into a Oceana Double Queen Suite, which was pricing out at $1,020 (USD) ($1,388 CAD) on the time. We worth Hilton Honors factors at 0.6 cents per level (CAD), so I used to be fairly pleased with the worth of the redemption.

One factor to take word is that the property fees a day by day resort price. This resort price covers Wi-Fi, yoga periods, bike use, water, espresso, newspaper supply, in-room streaming, a welcome reward and beverage, and use of their home automobile.

The excellent news is that resort charges are waived on award bookings.

Oceana Santa Monica – Location

Oceana is situated within the coronary heart of the residential neighbourhood in Santa Monica, simply north of the shoreline.

The closest airport is Los Angeles Worldwide Airport, which might be anyplace from a 2040 minute drive away, relying on site visitors. From Anaheim, it took us simply over an hour to get to the lodge. 

Though the property is just not really oceanfront, the seaside is definitely accessible with solely a 10-minute stroll. All you must do is cross the road, head down a ramp, after which stroll over a pedestrian bridge to get there.

Because the lodge is perched above sea degree, the property nonetheless offers direct ocean views. 

The details of curiosity within the space require a little bit of a stroll. Santa Monica’s downtown district is roughly a 15-minute stroll, and the Santa Monica pier is a 25-minute stroll from the lodge.

Be aware that the lodge offers complimentary bicycles for company to make use of, which might shorten the journey time. 

Oceana Santa Monica – Verify-in

A couple of days previous to check-in, I acquired an e-mail from the lodge asking about my arrival time and if we had any requests. I replied asking if an improve into a collection might be accommodated, and acquired the generic response that they’d do their greatest upon arrival. 

We arrived on the lodge within the early afternoon, and for the reason that lodge is simply three tales excessive, from afar you wouldn’t actually discover it. Nonetheless, as you draw shut, there’s a constructing with a leafy, ivy-covered facade, and also you’ll know that’s it. 

Oceana Santa Monica – Exterior

There’s no driveway to tug into, however fairly you simply pull up alongside the curb in entrance of the lodge, the place there’s a stand instantly in entrance of the principle entrance. A parking attendant was manning the stand once we arrived, however for those who arrive and don’t see him at first, he’s most likely simply inside the principle doorways. 

He welcomed us to the property, helped us unload the automobile, and suggested us of the parking state of affairs. 

Solely valet parking is out there on the lodge for $60 (USD) per day. Must you choose to search out parking elsewhere and lower your expenses, there’s metered parking alongside Ocean Avenue, the road in entrance of the lodge.

Oceana Santa Monica – Avenue parking

Though road parking is topic to availability, we didn’t have issue discovering parking when getting back from our actions within the late afternoon or within the night after dinner. 

Avenue parking on Ocean Avenue prices $2 per hour, as much as a most cost of $10 from 9am6pm, after which it’s free afterwards. If you happen to occur to be staying on a Tuesday, word that there isn’t any parking allowed between 79am. 

In case you’re unable to search out parking, the lodge is comfortable with you paying for valet solely on the times it’s used throughout your keep.

The doorway is sort of grand for such a small constructing, with a pleasant stone staircase main you to a set of double glass doorways.

Oceana Santa Monica – Entrance

Upon coming into the brightly-lit foyer with a cathedral ceiling, you get a right away sense of heat but stylish luxurious. There are a couple of seats organized round a espresso desk, and a hearth behind it, as if strolling into somebody’s front room. 

Oceana Santa Monica – Foyer lounge

I used to be instantly welcomed by the check-in employees, who occurred to be the supervisor on responsibility. She thanked me for being a Diamond member, and knowledgeable me about my $50 day by day eating credit score.

She didn’t make any point out of the resort price, however maybe that’s as a result of my reserving was made on factors.

After giving me some details about the property, in addition to my room key, she handed me a small bag as a welcome amenity. I later opened this to discover a small field of candies from an area Californian vendor.

Oceana Santa Monica – Welcome reward

She additionally made no point out of a room improve, so I made a decision to “suite-talk” and see if any upgrades had been obtainable. 

The conventional improve can be to a One Bed room Lanai Suite; nonetheless, these had been sadly all booked throughout our keep. I seen on the Hilton app {that a} a lot increased suite class was obtainable, specifically the Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace, so I enquired about it.

The supervisor was very useful and went into the again to see what she might do. When she returned, she suggested me usually the improve price is $500 per evening, however she was sort sufficient to supply it to us at a fraction of that value, so I accepted the supply.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace

Strolling to our suite, we handed by numerous rooms with cute French doorways and a swing simply exterior. Sadly, ours didn’t have one, but it surely made up for it with its different options.

At 800 sq. toes, this suite, very similar to the opposite 69 suites within the property, was huge. The additional area was positively welcomed by my household, and the lodge didn’t make a fuss about us bringing in a 3rd youngster.

The door opens up into the lounge, and my first thought was how spacious the suite was. The room was clear, effectively appointed, and brightly lit from the big home windows letting within the afternoon solar. 

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace front room

The suite was embellished in gentle stress-free tones, with some darkish blues and daring wall artwork so as to add a little bit of distinction. All of it contributed properly to the luxurious however cozy seaside dwelling really feel. 

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace front room

The flooring had been carpeted, and the partitions had been embellished in a textured gentle gray wallpaper, in distinction to the darker coffered ceiling atop. If you take a look at the furnishings items, they’re all very completely different in fashion and in color, however one way or the other, all of it blended effectively collectively.

I actually appreciated the quantity of lighting in our room, as as a rule, I discover properties don’t present sufficient lighting. That was not the case right here, and apart from the home windows which ushered in pure lighting, there have been lamps wherever there have been seats, along with pot lights above.

There was additionally loads of room to sit down and lounge after a day trip. In major front room space is a big velvet sofa that opens into a settee mattress, flanked by two facet tables.

One in every of these was truly a mini-fridge with drinks inside. Two armchairs on both facet of the couch make for a pleasant space to socialize, with a espresso desk within the center.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace front room
Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace front room couch mattress

In entrance of the big window overlooking the ocean is a big bench, sufficiently big to be a mattress for a youthful youngster. 

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace bench

Off to the facet of the room was one other love seat with an oval desk, the place you may have a meal. My youngest determined to make this her mattress.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace love seat
Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace love seat

Behind this was a bookshelf stuffed with books of various genres. Beside it was a cabinet that housed the minibar, which was stuffed with snacks and drinks.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace minibar
Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace minibar

If you happen to’re on the lookout for the worth listing for the minibar or their eating menus, you’ll need to scan the QR code on the espresso desk.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace menu QR code

Curiously, there isn’t any tea and occasional station within the room. Fairly, there’s complimentary tea and occasional within the foyer for all company to make use of.

Oceana Santa Monica – Complimentary tea and occasional within the foyer

Within the centre of the room is a big flat-screen TV mounted on a pole, so it might simply be swivelled to attain the fitting view. Behind the TV is a double-sliding door that opens up into the bed room.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace bed room entrance

The bed room consists of a four-post California king-sized mattress, with a darkish blue bench on the foot of it. Off to the facet, you’ll discover a dresser, which has one other flat-screen TV overtop.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace bed room
Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace bed room
Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace dresser & armchair

The setup is definitely fairly good for a mother or dad who simply wants a little bit of “me” time, whereas the children might be having fun with their time in the lounge space.

The home windows right here open up right into a small balcony the place you’ll be able to benefit from the ocean view. I truly appreciated that the balcony entry was by means of the principle bed room fairly than by means of the lounge window, away from the place the children can be sleeping.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace balcony

The evening tables on have lamps with dimmers, and the USB ports and shops are hidden from plain sight, simply behind the lamps. Curiously, there was no clock of any kind.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace evening desk
Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace USB ports & shops

On the opposite facet of the room is the closet, which has a protected inside, after which the lavatory.

The lavatory is embellished with gentle aqua and gray tones, and marble tiles. There’s a tub and bathe, which is handy for a household, however solely a single sink.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace toilet
Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace bathtub & bathe

Beneath the self-importance is a scale, which I personally choose to not use when on trip. Two bathrobes are supplied, in addition to fancy Bottega Veneta toiletries.

Though we by no means acquired a welcome drink, in our room was a second welcome amenity, which consisted of a small platter of macaroons and berries alongside a welcome word.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace welcome reward

Within the night, they supplied turndown service and left a pleasant field of sweets on the evening desk finish off the night.

Oceana Santa Monica – Penthouse Signature Oceanfront Suite with Terrace turndown sweets

Water and Wi-Fi are complimentary all through the lodge.

Oceana Santa Monica – Deluxe Double Queen Suite

I used to be ready to check out the lodge’s commonplace Deluxe Double Queen Suite. Though it’s referred to as a collection, there isn’t any separate seating or work space on this room.

Oceana Santa Monica – Deluxe Double Queen Suite room overview

It was embellished in the identical style as our suite, however at 500 sq. toes, it was round 40% smaller. I discovered that it’s nonetheless fairly spacious in comparison with commonplace lodge rooms elsewhere.

The window was additionally smaller, however nonetheless allowed in a superb quantity of daylight. The minibar was situated on the desk, fairly than having its personal cabinet.

Oceana Santa Monica – Deluxe Double Queen Suite desk & minibar

Of word for younger travelling households, there’s a massive closet that may simply match a stroller. Moreover, the lavatory doesn’t have a bath, and solely has a bathe.

Oceana Santa Monica – Deluxe Double Queen Suite closet
Oceana Santa Monica – Deluxe Double Queen Suite toilet

Oceana Santa Monica – Eating

Oceana has one major restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You may as well order meals by the pool.

We loved our breakfast right here on each mornings. Our $50 (USD) eating credit score was simply sufficient to cowl two entrees.

Oceana Santa Monica – Breakfast entree

The menu is à la carte and the meals was good however expensive, as anticipated at a lodge of this calibre.

If you happen to choose one thing a bit cheaper, you’ll be able to head all the way down to the seaside. There are a few beachside eateries that provide breakfast for a bit cheaper, however not by a lot.

Previous to our arrival, we purchased fruit, cereal, and milk for the children, they usually had been more than pleased with that.

You’ve gotten the choice to sit down exterior on a poolside deck with seating arrange, or inside of their restaurant.

Oceana Santa Monica – Poolside restaurant seating
Oceana Santa Monica – Poolside restaurant seating
Oceana Santa Monica – Indoor restaurant seating

Within the night, the lodge transforms the ocean view terrace into lounge that’s open for drinks and small bites. Sadly, we didn’t get an opportunity to get pleasure from this throughout our keep.

Oceana Santa Monica – Ocean view terrace

Oceana Santa Monica – Different Amenities

The Oceana Santa Monica has a cute heart-shaped pool within the centre courtyard of the lodge. There are loungers, sofas, and daybeds with comfy cushioning across the pool.

Oceana Santa Monica – Pool

Umbrellas are positioned between them to permit for satisfactory shade, together with facet tables.

Oceana Santa Monica – Pool lounge chairs

The facet tables are geared up with name buttons in case you’re in want of speedy service. Pool attendants make the rounds, however not too usually.

Oceana Santa Monica – Name button at pool

Towels are situated in baskets within the far nook of the pool deck, whereas a water station is situated in one other nook.

Oceana Santa Monica – Pool towels

There have been areas had been the plaster was coming off the pool edge, however a employees member was already repairing them the identical day we seen them.

There was additionally a spa and a small however well-equipped health centre with free weights, in addition to Peloton treadmills and bikes.

Complimentary yoga periods are given each morning. Generally they’re held on the ocean view terrace and different instances, they’re executed throughout from the lodge on the grass.

Bikes are additionally obtainable, and are complimentary for company to make use of. It didn’t seem they’d bicycles sufficiently small for youngsters, however for those who want them, there are a couple of bike rental retailers by the pier that had loads.

Oceana Santa Monica – Complimentary bikes

If you happen to’re heading to the seaside, employees are pleased to supply a seaside bag with towels to take with you.

Oceana Santa Monica – Seaside luggage

Oceana Santa Monica – Service

The employees are courteous and welcoming, and fairly often checked in to see if we had been in want of any help. 

Some service employees don’t converse English fluently, so there have been a few events the place we had issue speaking our requests. When this occurs, they had been all the time fast to search out somebody who might help us.

The web site makes word of a home automobile to be used underneath the inclusions for the resort price; nonetheless, nobody talked about this service to us throughout our keep.

Conclusion

We totally loved our two nights on the Oceana Santa Monica. The spacious suites supplied the comforts of a house away from dwelling, whereas the quaint pool setting gave it a resort really feel.

With a further contact of luxurious within the combine, Oceana Santa Monica is an excellent beachside retreat for {couples} and households alike.

As for service, there are some minor deficiencies, however none that considerably impacted the standard of my keep. Though I’ve but to discover a property that has employees as personable and skilled because the Mango Home Seychelles, the Oceana Santa Monica was a worthy Hilton LXR property to observe it up. 



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