Shutters On The Beach Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Shutters on the Beach opened in 1993, founded by brothers Thomas and Edward Slatkin with the vision of revitalizing the Santa Monica waterfront. It holds the distinction of being the first hotel built directly on the sand in the area in decades. Designed to evoke the timeless, relaxed sophistication of a Cape Cod or Hamptons beach house, the property serves as a refined sanctuary against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
The interior design is a highlight, famously curated by Michael S. Smith, who later became well-known for his work on the White House. The guest rooms feel like cozy, residential retreats, complete with built-in bookshelves stocked with reading material and unique, playful trinkets. The hotel also boasts a impressive art collection featuring works by iconic figures like David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein.
Beyond the design, the hotel is a hub for high-profile social interaction. Its lobby lounge often functions as a “giant living room” where guests and creative professionals gather. For those wanting a quiet escape, the guest rooms are thoughtfully planned, featuring shutters that open between the bedroom and bathroom to maximize the airy, coastal feel.
Location-wise, you are perfectly positioned right next to the historic Santa Monica Pier. You’re also within walking distance of the Third Street Promenade for shopping and dining, or the scenic Marvin Braude Beach Trail if you want to explore the coast by bike. It is an ideal spot for anyone looking to enjoy the iconic Southern California beach lifestyle in comfort.
Expert reviews
“If you ever wondered what an East Hampton mansion would look like if it were conveniently placed on the Santa Monica coastline, this would be it. Shutters is a secretive hideaway, tucked behind the busy streets of Santa Monica.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Los Angeles.
“Shutters on the Beach is right off the bike path in Santa Monica, between the Ferris wheel on the pier and the weightlifters at Venice’s muscle beach.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Los Angeles.
“Favored by celebs wanting a quiet escape, Santa Monica’s glamorous beachfront resort transports you to that cozy beach house of your dreams, with comfy throws and breezy interiors.”
“The interiors designed by Michael Smith, known for his work in the Obama White House, produced large, airy rooms in blues and whites that call to mind an oceanside mansion in the Hamptons.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Los Angeles.
“Hobnob with the occasional celebrity at this seaside American beach house in Santa Monica. Breezy, beach-chic rooms and suites, two highly regarded restaurants and a convivial cocktail lounge are all just steps from the sand. The hotel’s concierge service and amenities are all top notch.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Pool area
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
2 September 2025
Perfect getaway for the long weekend.
This hotel is absolutely gorgeous and the staff are fabulous anticipating every need. I can’t say enough good things. The pool, the view, the beach and the restaurants and room service all 5 stars.
29 August 2025
Pleasant stay
Nicely located on the beach in Santa Monica. Overall a beautiful property with all the amenities. Staff was nice.
To get to our room, we had to walk through the pool area, literally in between sunbeds and right next to the pool. Value for money was not the greatest.
27 August 2025
Beautiful seafront location with a breezy relaxed style. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Beautiful seafront property, great location. Loved the free use of bikes which we cycled down to Venice beach. Within easy walking distance to Santa Monica Pier. Super lovely comfy beds and all and amenities that you could wish for.
27 August 2025
The stay was a trip we will never forget.
My sister and I had a suite. The room was quiet and had plenty of space for us. The hotel is located on the beach, which is amazing. The outdoor patio was excellent for breakfast. We rented bikes from the hotel and rode the boardwalk to Venice Beach for some shopping and lunch. The staff went above my expectations.
We were on the first floor overlooking a parking lot. Everything else was perfect and I will stay here next time I visit.
27 August 2025
Perfection
I loved the decoration, everything was so beautifully done and the staff was just so Nice!! Location was great we loved our stay!
26 August 2025
The best holiday ever
Fantastic quality with great service
All good
24 August 2025
We had a great few days at shutters , the service , the location and place itself are beautiful
Great location, fantastic service
17 August 2025
Peaceful and relaxing great to watch the world go by.
Location, elegant , great bed and linen . Love sitting by the fireplace .
11 August 2025
Exceptional
Everything
11 August 2025
Excellent hotel . 5 star all the way without feeling stuffy. Friendly and attentive staff. Bottle water plentiful. In ro
Laid back beach vibes . Extremely comfortable .
Nothing
6 August 2025
Exceptional
An exceptional place to stay. Great location and the hotel has an intimate, beach vibe that is laid-back and welcoming. The rooms were spacious, clean and had everything you needed. The food was excellent and the pool area was also a great place to relax with friendly, attentive staff.
It can be pricey but you are paying for the location - it is situated right on the beach. Plus the afternoon care service doesn't actually start til 4pm.
3 August 2025
Fabulous
Everything lovely. Service was the most distinguishing. Pool awesome.
23 July 2025
Paradise
Location & fantastic service
Nothing
22 July 2025
Definately would stay again, the location was perfect and the hotel was beautiful.
This is the most wonderful hotel on the beach. The staff are amazing and the hotel and facilities were excellent. The rooms were excellent and so was the restaurants.
20 July 2025
Perfect stay with excellent customer service
Relaxed and comfortable
20 July 2025
Great food, great hotel, great staff
Mary and Nick at the pico restaurant were amazing, we were celebrating our 40th anniversary, and they went above and beyond. Thanks!
2 July 2025
Stylish base for Santa Monica
The bed is so comfortable. The room is very cute. The breakfast was delicious. Staff didn’t bother me, which I like. The bathroom is amazing. Overall you can’t really go wrong staying here in Santa Monica.
There were unsupervised kids splashing and playing in the hot tub. I found that surprising, given the branding of the hotel, but of course it’s not their fault. Just be mindful of that if you’re looking for a more adult/quiet experience. The pool area in general could use a refresh, honestly.
28 June 2025
Very memorable stay at Shutters on the Beach
Beautiful hotel with excellent facilities, service,food,location
Nothing
24 June 2025
Exceptional
Best location, best breakfast and everything
I felt racism by hotel customers several times.
6 June 2025
Exceptional
The location of the Hotel could not be matched. Staff are amazing and service was second to none
NOthing
1 June 2025
A wonderful stay.
Sets the standard! Every detail was perfect. We tried both restaurants and they were great. We will be back.
14 May 2025
Relaxed, beautiful and luxurious
Fantastic location. Staff were excellent. All the restaurants were wonderful.
11 May 2025
Very good
Both restaurants excellent
Bedroom could have done with a long mirror
11 May 2025
The best location for Santa Monica in a historic property!
Great location, good facilities, nice room and excellent staff
The cost of parking and how much we were charged for a simple breakfast of Granola and berries, single banana and tea.
8 May 2025
Beautiful beach location, perfect for relaxing.
Beautiful pool area, wonderfully decorated rooms.
Medical conference taking place during my stay.
3 January 2025
The staff is friendly and location is great
The location is great, view from the room is beautiful, but the access is a bit complicated
the access
18 December 2024
A jewel in Santa Monica worths to spend some extra to experience it
It’s a beautiful building with excellent service located by Santa Monica beach , excellent customer service
Everything , the food , the kindness , the rooms , the spaces , the Christmas decorations.
22 November 2024
no other place to consider if you’re in Santa Monica purely for the location and ambience
lovely location on the beach, great staff, nice food and drink, good pool area
can’t get away from noisy drivers in that location
14 November 2024
Great place to stay!!
The property is right on the beach and very well maintained. The staff is really great!!
Room location
8 November 2024
Exceptional
Best staff of any US hotel.
Nothing
29 October 2024
great place to stay
room and staff
nothing
27 October 2024
The most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in - wonderful experience from start to finish.
Amazing location right on the ocean. Staff were so friendly & helpful. As it was my 60th birthday celebration they gave us a complimentary upgrade to a Pacific View Suite, which was stunning. They also sent a birthday cake and chilled bubbly to the suite as a birthday treat. The meals were all delicious and the level of service exceptional. This hotel thinks of every detail to make the guests feel welcome & appreciated.
Nothing
10 October 2024
Perfect end to a week in California
Its a great, classic hotel
Nothing to report
6 October 2024
Hospitable
The hotel is very comfortable and the staff friendly.I love the positon on the beach, the casual friendly staff , the recomendations for dinner and the car that takes you were you want to go!
Some areas need refurbishment; stairwells especially.
30 September 2024
Amazing place, I always stay here in LA
Location, service, everything is amazing!
27 September 2024
Gorgeous
Location and style
Nothing
13 September 2024
Don’t miss it
The staff are so nice and helpful
The access to the beach is not as easy as it should be. The hotel is pricy
9 September 2024
Coastal luxury in Santa Monica
Location , facilities , ambiance - very luxurious but in an unstuffy way .
Nothing
8 September 2024
Can’t wait to go back for a longer stay!
Clean, comfortable, excellent services!
None
1 September 2024
Ideal location from which to explore Los Angeles
Excellent location, outstanding service.
28 August 2024
nice, as planned, great ending of a big vacation
great location , great services ( driver / bikes/ yoga/ welcome drinks ), great overall feeling of summery , sunny, comfy place
view of the room - impression of being in the basement
10 August 2024
Amazing accommodations and friendly staff
I loved everything... It was a phenomenal experience from the staff to the location to the room... would go back anytime. Incredible hotel.
7 August 2024
Great hotel in Santa Monica
Great decoration
The two elevator systems
6 August 2024
Great!
Location was excellent. staff lovely, knew us by name around the pool which was a nice touch. Would definitely recommend. Thanks Shutters, we had a lovely time!
28 July 2024
Lovely Hotel and incredible staff, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
Location, Staff, Facilities, relaxed atmosphere.
25 July 2024
Amazing place to stay - wish it had been longer
Lovely setting , rooms high quality, attentive staff, great pool
It was all fabulous
22 July 2024
Excellent
Very beautiful
Nothing
27 June 2024
Exceptional
location,beach, services , cleanliness
I cannot think of any
15 June 2024
Wonderful.
Charming hotel. The staff are very accommodating and very friendly. The turn down service was great. Piano bar with fireplaces in the lobby gave a romantic and cozy vibe. We loved the beautiful pool area.
Noise level from the street and adjoining rooms.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Kids' meals
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Paid WiFi
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Beachfront
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Beach
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry
- - Dry cleaning
- - Daily housekeeping
Outdoors
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Pool and wellness
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

3 September 2025
Very nice stay, nice sun deck and pool. Very good sundeck bar and service.