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: A stay in the luxe, New England, Cape Cod-style resort feels worlds apart from your everyday life.
Whether that life is 30 freeway miles or half a world away.
Shutters Santa Monica opened in the summer of 1993, with 186 guest rooms and 12 suites. The suites are rooms that belong in a billionaire's beach house.
Three private suites feature 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 guestroom is a step into coastal luxury. Each room features beach-inspired decorative objects as part of the decor; 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 features 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 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 extensive wine list. The market-fresh menu showcases 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.
Last but not least: 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.
Here's a good overview of a guest room: