Shutters on the Beach

Shutters on the Beach is one of the few hotels in Los Angeles that sits right on the sand. It stands at the foot of Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, just south of the Santa Monica Pier, and guests can step from the hotel straight onto the beach path and the wide strand beyond.

The emphasis is on comfort and the beachfront setting rather than glitz, and many guests choose the hotel simply for the chance to wake up close to the Pacific. Check the hotel's website for current room categories, as the details change over time.

Dining is a strength. 1 Pico is the hotel's main restaurant, with ocean views, while Coast offers a more casual setting by the beach path, and the Living Room and Terrace are relaxed spaces for drinks, light meals and afternoon lounging. ONE Spa and a fitness centre complete the facilities.

Shutters suits couples, families and anyone who wants a classic Los Angeles beach stay without leaving the city. It is well placed for walking or cycling along the beach to Venice, exploring Santa Monica's shops and restaurants, and visiting the pier, while the Getty Center and the Westside are a short drive inland. Rates are at the luxury end of the market.

For bookings, the hotel lists a general phone number, a separate reservations line and the email [email protected]. Booking early is wise for summer weekends and holidays, when beachfront hotels fill up. The hotel works particularly well for travellers who want to combine a city break with a beach holiday, since mornings can be spent on the sand or cycling along the coast and afternoons in museums inland. Sunsets over the Pacific from the beachfront are a highlight at any time of year, and the restaurants' ocean-facing tables are popular at that hour, so book a table in advance if you want a view. In winter, mornings can be cool and misty, so pack a layer even in Southern California.

The Downtown Santa Monica station on the Metro E Line is within walking distance, giving access to Downtown Los Angeles without a car, although the journey takes some time. Main Street, with its independent shops and cafés, is a few minutes' walk south-east, and Hotel Casa del Mar, which shares a website listing with Shutters, is a neighbour on the beach.