The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica

I could not sleep because of the noise from the downstairs club. Would not go back.

I have not ever stayed at a hotel that had better quality service. Every staff person I encountered was genuinely pleasant including housekeeping staff. The only glitch that we encountered was handled in such a way as to enhance the experience rather than detract (the pool & jacuzzi area is open to 9PM, but for some reason the electronic locks would not work after 8PM on this particular day. The front desk staff found a person who could open the gates, did so in a most pleasant way and made us very happy (even making sure that we and other guests could use them later.) This hotel is dog-friendly without any fuss, the furnishings are top-notch and the food is superior at the restaurants. As an example of the attention to detail, there is a staff person who trims off the off-quality flowers from the bedding plants, and does so with great accuracy. The location is perfect for the early morning exercise of a jog or power-walk on either the beach or the promenade (my choice at 6AM when I am always up and working). I read on one site a comment about the valet parking only being a downside. But this is an upscale resort and business hotel, so that is to be expected. The facilities are a fascinating mix of the classic old original buildings of old Los Angeles and the modern tower in a non-jarring manner. The mix of clients is an interesting amalgam of international families, couples and business travelers with seemingly little if any conflict between the needs of each group. I should also note that FIG Restaurant at this hotel is a very popular and well-known restaurant in the local community. The reason is truly fine food made with fresh and reasonably local ingredients, paired with spectacular wines and with very well managed service. Fig is a sensual experience and is in the expensive class, but again it is a very good value for the money even so. They can make a romantic occasion even more so, the noise level and layout works for a business negociation and the families that patronize seem to mix in well. I should note that despite the luxury environment, they really like, welcome and cater to children and pets. My wife's service dog and the other people's pets who I saw were welcomed and they understand how to make sure there are not problems with allowing animals. I will admit I don't know that they would welcome a chimpanzee or iguana, but well behaved dogs they definitely do. This is NOT an inexpensive hotel, make no mistake - it IS a luxury hotel and resort. But the quality is something that any person who desires to experience quality would truly enjoy and appreciate. Because of the level of quality, it is a good value in its class, not just a high quality experience. I recommend this hotel.

My husband and I loved our stay here. Everything, EVERYTHING was highest standard. The staff was just so attentive, the open lounge area so inviting, the breakfast ricotta pancakes the very best. The location was perfect in relation to exercise, shopping and eating. Our balcony and view were also the best. We honestly just wanted to stay, and we will return as soon as we can. If you are considering this hotel, I can almost guarantee you will be very happy here.

I loved this hotel. Best place I've ever stayed. Every member of the staff I met was universally very welcoming and genuinely friendly but not intrusive. Location fantastic. On the beach, with ocean views; also walking distance to any kind of food in all price ranges and Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade (huge shopping area on streets restricted to pedestrian traffic).

It was great! the view was fantastic, the grounds beautiful and the service was outstanding. After 33 years of marriage, I fell in love all over again! It was very beautiful yet felt young and hip.

Great location and amenities, friendly and helpful staff. The worst thing I can say about the Fairmont Miramar was that the exhaust fan in our bathroom didn't work, but as the room had louvered doors and a breezy balcony, it wasn't an issue. If you like to jog, you have one of the great running trails right across the street in Palisades Park. My wife proclaimed the bed mattress to be the most comfortable she had ever slept on. We don't do room service so I can't comment on that. Pool/hot tub/sauna/steam room all perfectly lovely. Really, if this place disappoints you then your standards are impossibly high.

Perfect location, perfect staff, perfect everything. In fact, when our room was not ready for us when we arrived at 4 PM the house picked up an $80 food and bar tab the three of us ran up while waiting for less than an hour. THAT's service. You'll love it here.

I booked a room on their web site. When I got to the hotel, they acted like I was a valued customer, even though it was my first time there. The room was great. I kept the balcony door open and didn't need air conditioning. The service was outstanding. And the location is great. You don't have to rely on the hotel for meals. There are plenty of restaurants right in the area--and great shopping only a block away. The beach, jogging and biking paths are across the street. The hardest part was leaving.