Perched just four block away from the beachfront of Los Angeles’ more metropolitan city, Santa Monica, Le Meridien Delfina offers a great vantage over and access to, the big draw of western LA.
Location
Slightly east of the main downtown area, Le Meridien Delfina is perfectly placed to explore all that Santa Monica has to offer. Barely a 10 minute walk to the shops, cinemas, bars and restaurants of the Third Street Promenande, everything in Santa Monica is easily accessible by foot.
The sandy Santa Monica beach is just as close, spanning miles north past the Palisades and south past Venice to Marina del Rey. For those happy on their feet, walking the beach boardwalk is a must, taking in the famous muscle beach and quirks of Venice beach. Walk back via the gorgeous Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some of the best shopping in the area.
A stone’s throw from the Santa Monica freeway, it’s easy for drivers to reach wider Los Angeles from Le Meridien Delfina, while local buses also cover the surrounding area. Set for completion in 2015, the Metro Rail Expo line is currently under expansion works to extend the line to reach Santa Monica, taking riders directly into Downtown LA, plus wider Los Angeles via connecting lines.
Rooms
We stayed in an Ocean View Room, on the ninth floor of the hotel. Facing out towards the sea, the room had its own balcony with glorious views of Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean, perfect for breakfast in your room or a romantic nightcap. Inside, the room was just as impressive.
With the whole hotel quite recently refurbished, the plush bed and in-room furniture felt luxurious and accommodating. We had a wonderful few nights’ sleep, collapsing into the supremely comfortable king-size bed while the floor to ceiling windows still kept out every murmur of Santa Monica down below.
Oversized, custom headboards made sitting up in bed an excellent alternative to eating out on the balcony, while there was ample cupboard room for clothes, Illy in-room coffee (with takeaway cups) and, of course, a flat screen TV.
Bathroom
Our modern bathroom was stylish and spacious, featuring a shower-bath and fluffy robes and towels. Wide mirrors and long counter tops mean two can easily share the dressing space, while good quality hotel products mean you can leave your shampoo and shower wash at home.
Amenities
Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica really comes into its own with its amenities. In sunny Los Angeles, the Delfina’s pool is popular amongst hotel guests but will never feel overcrowded. Showered with sun throughout the day, the pool isn’t large enough to do lengths but the perfect size for a dip to cool down. For those wanting to enjoy the pool but stay out of the sun, mini-marquees run around the out edge of the space offering guests a covered alternative to sun chairs.
The hotel’s gym is open 24 hours-a-day and features an excellent range of traditional treadmill and cross-trainer equipment, plus floor space for yoga or stretching and weights for more serious training.
For business travellers, Le Meridien Delfina’s conferencing capabilities are superb. With a number of different sized rooms available for hire, both on the top floor and the upper restaurant area, events of all sizes are catered for. The real jewel in the Delfina’s crown is the Penthouse Ballroom, featuring breathtaking coastal panoramic views and spotless decor. The club room and pool area can also be hired for events and weddings.
The hotel also offers bike rentals for guests and free Wi-Fi in the lobby downstairs, although disappointingly a fee is charged for internet access in the rooms.
Restaurants
Le Meridien Delfina offers a number of options for guests to dine in the hotel. The Zest Kitchen offers a French-inspired continental breakfast and lunch, including pastries and breads plus a grab+go service for those in a rush.
The Longitude Bar + Restaurant at the back of the lobby also offers a wider selection of continental breakfast and is the hotel’s main restaurant for evening dining. The delicious filet mignon comes recommended, although the chefs were perhaps a little too liberal with a cream sauce.
Verdict
Le Meridien Delfina is an excellent choice for those wanting to explore the wonderful metropolitan area of Santa Monica. While the beach, shopping and nightlife are just a few minutes walk away, the Delfina is an escape from the hustle and bustle, ensuring a perfect night’s sleep and relaxation by the pool. A room with a sea view and balcony is more than worth the extra expense, while the hotel’s conferencing capabilities make Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica a standout choice for business travellers too.
For reservations and more, please visit: www.lemeridiendelfina.com
Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica, 530 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405