Shutters Santa Monica: A New England-Style Beach Resort on the Sand

Shutters Santa Monica balcony view of the beach.

Shutters Santa Monica is a favorite retreat for celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, and Ben Affleck, who choose to stay here despite having homes less than 30 minutes away.

Why would they choose to come here?

The answer is simple: It is one of the best luxury hotels in Santa Monica and it's right on the sand.

A stay in the luxe, New England-style resort feels worlds apart from your everyday life - whether that life is 30 freeway miles or half a world away.

Exquisitely Appointed Guest Rooms

Shutters on the Beach opened in the summer of 1993, with 186 guest rooms and 12 suites. The 12 private suites are rooms that belong in a billionaire's beach house. 

The top 3 suites have full ocean views, extra large bathrooms with oversized whirlpool bathtubs, additional powder rooms, full-size living rooms with fireplaces, dining tables to seat 4 to 6 people, and additional fireplaces in the master bedrooms. 

Two of those are one-bedroom, 1,350 square foot presidential suites in the Ocean House building; the third is grand 1,500 square-foot suite in the Beach House.

Complimentary house-car transportation in the hotel's Tesla S class is available to suites and oceanfront room guests.

Even the standard guest room is a step into coastal luxury: each features beach-inspired decorative objects; many also have views of the coastline and the historic Santa Monica Pier through sliding, shuttered doors that open to a balcony.

Four poster beds, comfy lounge chairs, walnut desks and nightstands and custom-made white linens add to distinctly elegant decor. Each guest room also has a reading library, 42-inch flat screen LCD television, and expansive bathrooms with hardwood floors.

There's also a pool and jacuzzi practically hidden on the roof of the main building that's the perfect venue for a sunset dip or soak.

Shutters Santa Monica Restaurants

Shutters on the Beach has three restaurants: One Pico, the Coast Beach Cafe and Bar, and The Living Room.

One Pico is an iconic oceanfront restaurant with beach-chic design, coastal cuisine, and an extensive wine list. Managing Chef Sven Mede and One Pico's executive chef Isaac Gamba have created a market-fresh menu showcasing seasonal Southern California ingredients and fresh seafood.

The Coast Beach Cafe & Bar has an expansive balcony patio where you can enjoy comfort foods with an emphasis on dishes that speak to the seaside location.

A seat in The Living Room is one of the most sought-after spots in Los Angeles for a cocktail at sunset. Offering drinks, light meals, and early morning or afternoon tea and coffee.

A Look Inside Shutters on the Beach

Check out this video room tour by a recent Shutters Santa Monica visitor. It provides stellar views from the balcony:

Shutters Santa Monica Details

Prices begin at $725 per night. For reservations, call 800-334-9000; or call the hotel directly at 310-458-0030. You can also visit the Shutters on the Beach website here.

Discover Santa Monica's Top Happy Hour Restaurants here.

Get a list of Santa Monica's Top Luxury Resorts here.