Review: Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts (Los Angeles Area, California)
Photo: hilton.com
About: Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
The Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts, is a luxury resort located in the heart of Santa Monica, California. Originally built in the 1950s as a motel, the property was completely renovated and transformed into a modern luxury resort in 2019. The resort features 70 rooms and suites, each individually designed with a unique, beachy vibe that reflects the resort’s location.
Photo: hilton.com
At A Glance:
- Official Website: Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Average Nightly Cost During Stay: $1,372+
- Loyalty Program: Hilton honors
- Loyalty Category: N/A
- Discount Applied: Free Night Certificate
- Room Type as Booked: Oceana King
- Room Upgrade: Ocean King Studio Suite
- Resort Fee: None on Free Night Certificate Stays
- Parking: Valet Only
Booking/Redemption
Diamond Member Benefits At Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, guests at the Oceana Santa Monica can take advantage of a range of benefits, including a $25 per person daily food and beverage credit, room upgrades, and late check-out.
Location & Parking
The Oceana Santa Monica is located on a bluff (or cliff top) above the beach, making it an ideal location for travelers looking to spend their days lounging in the sun or surfing in the waves (although it does require some effort to walk to the beach). The resort is also within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and the shopping and dining options along Ocean Avenue.
Parking options at the Oceana Santa Monica include valet parking for $55 per night. While the cost of parking can be steep, it’s not uncommon for hotels in the area to charge similar rates.
FHOP Tip: Those looking to save on parking are in luck, there are self-parking meters directly across the street from the Oceana and overnight parking is usually plentiful.
Lobby
Photo: hilton.com
Photo: hilton.com
Photo: hilton.com
Front Desk & Check-In
The staff at Oceana were unusually friendly and professional in a good way. I was instantly recognized for my Hilton Honors Diamond status and informed I had been given a room upgrade to an Ocean King Studio Suite.
Photo: hilton.com
Room Type As Booked: Oceana King
Room Upgrade: Ocean King Studio Suite Walkthrough Tour
Room Entrance Way
Room Entrance
One of the most popular room types at the Oceana Santa Monica is the Oceana King Studio Suite. These spacious rooms feature a king-size bed, a separate sitting area, and a private balcony or patio – some with views of the pool or the Pacific Ocean.
Bedroom
The bedroom was clean, but the suite was far smaller than expected. There was not a separate seating area, nor was the room a “bright space” as there weren’t any windows except for the sliding window door to the balcony.
  
Living Area
Room Amenities
In-room amenities include a 55-inch flat-screen TV, a Nespresso machine, a fully stocked minibar, and plush bathrobes.
Closet
Bathroom
The toiletry products were by Bottega Veneta, which I found to have a strong, perfume forward, masculine scent to them.
Balcony
When I opened my the curtain to the balcony, I was a little taken aback as I was sure I found the saddest little balcony in all of Santa Monica. There was no ocean or garden or even pool view – just a yellow brick wall with no furniture.
I still wonder if somehow the Oceana forgot to renovate this balcony.
Breakfast
For breakfast, I opted to use my $25 per person Hilton Diamond credit at the Sandpiper Restaraunt.
Sandpiper, unlike my room’s balcony, was a bright spot at Oceana. Again, the service was stand-out (in a good way), and the restaurant served a delicious breakfast. I went with the So Cal French Toast with strong dark coffee.
Photo: hilton.com
 
Other Dining Options
Dinner options at the Oceana Santa Monica include The Veranda, which serves coastal California cuisine in a chic, outdoor setting. The restaurant features an extensive wine list and a menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. The hotel also offers in-room dining, which includes a range of dishes from The Veranda’s menu.
For breakfast, guests can choose between Sandpiper, or The Veranda’s breakfast menu or in-room dining. The breakfast menu features a variety of options, including avocado toast, chia seed pudding, and a classic American breakfast.
For lunch, guests can dine at The Veranda or opt for poolside dining. The poolside menu features a range of light bites and refreshing cocktails, perfect for a midday snack.
The Property Interior
Sunset Terrace (Photo: hilton.com)
Swimming Pool
The resort’s swimming pool is the resort’s highlight for many guests, which dominates the center courtyard with its sleek, modern design.
The pool area features plenty of lounge chairs and cabanas, as well as a poolside al fresco spot (The Veranda) where guests can order cocktails, light bites, and even dinner.
Photo: hilton.com
Photo: hilton.com
Fitness Center
Photo: hilton.com
FHOP Tip: What’s Nearby: There are plenty of things to do nearby the Oceana Santa Monica, from dining at some of the city’s best restaurants to shopping at high-end boutiques. The resort is just a short walk from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, which is home to an amusement park and aquarium. The Third Street Promenade is also nearby, offering a range of shopping and dining options. Additionally, the Montana Avenue shopping district is a short drive away, with a mix of independent shops and well-known brands.
The Bottom-Line Review: Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Overall, the Oceana Santa Monica is a luxurious and stylish resort in a prime location. On the plus-side, I found myself to be pleased most with the resort’s excellent service and dining options. I was also pleased with its bluff-top location and Hilton Honors benefits – namely the ability to cash in a Free Night Certificate for a stay that can easily cost north of $1,000 per night.
On the negative side, I didn’t love my windowless room upgrade, and what was up with that balcony?
With that said, Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts, was not really what I expected. It was more of a small boutique hotel than a beachside resort. The centerpiece was the pool, not the surf.
Nevertheless, I can recommend it to smart urban travelers looking for a relaxing staycation in Santa Monica, or to couples or families looking for a private, low-key hideaway where they can lounge around the pool in luxury. Beachgoer surfer-types should probably look elsewhere.
Final Rating: 8 out of 10.
