JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot, Santa Monica

The hotel was okay. Not very far from the beach and the nightlife. The rooms were great. But then... When I checked into my room, the mini-bar checker had not yet come around to my room. It wasn't until about 2:30pm that the person checked. One item was quoted missing that the previous person had taken. Everythings seemed to go well until I checked out. It wasn't the checkout that was bad. I just failed to have someone check the mini-bar before I left. I checked out early in the morning (~7:30am). Therefore it gave the hotel plenty of time to clean my room and check someone new into it. If the new guest checked in before the mini-bar checker make their rounds, that new guest could take something and stiff you with the bill. That's exactly what happened to me. So don't get stiffed with someone else's bill. I wouldn't stay at this hotel again. Not because of what happened. There are other cheaper hotels within walking distance and if you're up for an additional 5 minutes of walking, go someplace cheaper like the Sheraton or Doubletree.

For the outdoorsy person who likes luxury, you feel pampered as you work out in their gym, run on the beach, swim in the pool, and relax in the eucalyptus steam room. At the end of the day, you enjoy drinks outside in overstuffed comfy chairs, and then have a delicious dinner in their restaurant. If you can afford it, it is a nice treat and a great way to be in LA.

We have stayed at this hotel for three consecutive summers 2001, 20002, 2003. The last time we stayed we said we wouldn't go back. The area around the pool is very small and as previously mentioned by another reviewer, very much in the shade. There is hardly any view of the sea (even though we paid for a sea view) because there is a building between you and the sea. Which also means you do not have direct access to the beach from the hotel. Parking is valet only at a cost of about $25 a night and non of the public car parks in Santa Monica allow you to park overnight. The restaurant is very expensive the food is good but at the weekend the wait to be seated can be long. The rooms are average with only one chair in a position to watch TV which when you are staying 14 nights can be a problem. Overall not up to the Marriott standard, we love Marriott and are loyal customers. The first year we went, 2001, the hotel had just been purchased by the Marriott chain so maybe they need to do pay some attention to the details.

Our stay at Le Merigot was simply fabulous. From check-in to cocktails to breakfast, we had no complaints. When we had trouble getting through to make our reservations and then complained to the manager, to our delight, he upgraded our room. The accomodations were splendid - beds were wonderful, room was bright and well appointed; the bathroom, while not big, was well designed and on the lavish side. The common spaces were attractive, especially the outdoor patio for breakfast and lunch. Our only complaint was the spa walk through -- a lot of traffic and not enough privacy. However, if you want direct, right-on-the beach access with chairs and service, you won't find it here - but an easy walk through the back and across the alley.