The Ambrose Hotel in L.A.’s Santa Monica neighborhood is tucked within the picturesque residential streets of the area and away from the hustle and bustle of the promenade and Ocean Avenue. With just 77 rooms and practical amenities, like a gym with a Peloton, 24-hour organic coffee, a Tesla house car, and beach cruiser bikes, The Ambrose attracts well-polished business travelers and creatives seeking a relaxed, restorative stay.
Santa Monica conjures images of tourists in droves around the traffic-heavy streets near the beach, but The Ambrose’s laid-back atmosphere is like taking a deep breath after a busy day. The staff is exceptionally friendly; the interior and outdoor lounge areas, like The Library, living room lobby, and outdoor patio, are never too busy; and the no-frills environment lends itself to a super comfortable stay. It’s hard not to immediately cozy up near the outdoor fireplace patio with a good book and a glass of wine.
The rooms are contemporary and bright with an updated California Craftsman-style design and many feature vaulted, pale blue-hued ceilings and balconies that feel more like private residential patios. The well-sized rooms range from a traditional king, premier king, studio queen, and luxury king studio. The latter is the largest and features a sprawling terrace with a fireplace. The bathrooms are a definite highlight and offer exceptional lighting, thoughtful storage, a luxurious shower experience, and L’Occitane amenities that have you feeling fresh and pampered.
The Ambrose offers organic coffee 24 hours a day in the lobby and only offers breakfast, lunch, and some afternoon snacks. We highly recommend the delicious pastries and quiche assortments in the AM. There is also a happy hour from 5 to 7 pm each day that serves local wine and beer from Santa Monica breweries. Guests are encouraged to explore, and the hotel has a variety of partnerships, like sunset picnics with the Santa Monica Picnic Company, beach cruiser bikes, and a Tesla house car.
The Ambrose is committed to sustainable practices, as it uses non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products, low-VOC paints, energy-efficient light bulbs, and guest room energy management system smart thermostats. It has discontinued the use of plastic and participates in a carbon-offset program.
Top Takeaways
Location: Santa Monica, California
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A relaxed respite tucked within the residential streets of Santa Monica with a clean and contemporary vibe and a sustainable edge.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The daily happy hour in the living room lobby is a great touch, and encourages guests to enjoy some local sips over conversation. There are great local California wines and beer from local breweries, and even though you can’t see the sunset over the Pacific from here, it’s a nice place to unwind after a long day. The L’Occitane amenities are a nice touch and add a luxe feeling to the shower experience.
Food + Drink: There’s no full-service restaurant but breakfast is served each morning and includes an assortment of pastries, like flaky croissants and quiches, and select lunch and snack options. There is a room service menu with California-inspired cuisine and a robust mini bar, plus the aforementioned happy hour.
Amenities: The living room lobby is like chilling out in a residential-style space. There’s also the Library, a seating area with a wall of books; a patio with a fireplace; a gym with a Peloton bike; and an outdoor patio directly in front of the hotel. Guests have access to a Tesla house car and beach cruiser bikes as well.
What’s Nearby?: There are many bakeries, coffee shops, flower shops, and stores within walking distance. Just across the street is Tartine, a popular local bakery—get there early on the weekends to avoid the 20-minute wait in line. The Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and beach are all a brief walk from the hotel.
Rooms: 77
Pricing: Rates start at $299 per night.
Closest Airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
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