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Santa Monica's Huntley Doesn't Impress The NYT

Where: 1111 Second Street [map], Santa Monica, CA, United States, 90403

3/03/2008 at 9:00 AM
Tags: Santa Monica Hotel Reviews, Leah Rozen

Since the Huntley Santa Monica reopened a couple of years back, there's been um-ing and ah-ing about whether it's really up to the luxurious standard it should be. This weekend the NY Times got around to checking the place out and they were pretty harsh.

The NYT reviewer Leah Rozeen had a few complaints about the Premier Room (#1404) she got to stay in. A cramped bathroom, a broken towel rail and no new towels at turn-down time, no comfortable armchair to read in and a room layout that didn't take full advantage of the ocean view were just a few of the negatives.

The lack of a pool or spa was also a problem for Rozen, and she didn't think much of the dimly lit lobby.

On the positive side, she did approve of the Penthouse restaurant on the 18th floor, which she admitted is now a "destination hot spot". The Huntley's location is also indisputably good--close to the beach and the Third Street Promenade.

Maybe this reviewer is a touch on the fussy side, but she says she's still waiting for the "unobtrusive luxury" that should be found at a place like the Huntley, at least for the starting rate she quotes of $469--though we think you can get in for a fair bit less than that.

[Photo: Sunshine52871]

Hotel Reviews:
Huntley Santa Monica Beach

2 Comments - Add Yours by amandak

Comments

Comments on Santa Monica's Huntley Doesn't Impress The NYT

adviljunky
HotelChatter Member

Agreed (none / 0)

I stayed at the Huntley about 3 months ago and also wasn't impressed. The room was tiny, even by city standards. The hotel itself looks cool but there wasn't much of a scene in the lobby and I was definitely a bit underwhelmed. The location near the promenade is nice but that's about the biggest pro for the property. The NY Times got it right.

by adviljunky on 3/03/2008 at 10:23 AM

juliana
HotelChatter

Re: Santa Monica's Huntley Doesn't Impress The NYT (none / 0)

i go there frequently as i live up the street and my friends are always meeting at penthouse for drinks. it's a bit of a scene but the views are great and the food is excellent.

i also recommended the hotel to my in-laws and my best friend who really liked it. and the rooms were def. not $465. they were more like $265.

however, my friend did request a nonsmoking room and got a nonsmoking room that someone had puffed away in anyways. which was gross. but they hotel switched her room right away and she was happy.

the location is good if you are coming to visit moi but if you want to go to santa monica and hit the beach i would take one of the hotels along ocean...

by juliana on 3/03/2008 at 10:51 AM