The Huntley Santa Monica Review: Why I’d Stay Here Again
The Huntley Santa Monica Beach was our first stay at an I Prefer hotel, and I specifically chose it because I wanted to experience the brand firsthand. It’s often described as leaning more “luxury,” so I went in curious but realistic.
Overall? I’d absolutely stay here again.
First Impressions and Check-In
From the moment we pulled up, the staff stood out. They were attentive without being overbearing, and what really impressed me was how visible and approachable the concierge team was. They weren’t tucked behind a traditional front desk or disappearing into a back office. Instead, they were stationed at individual desks in the lobby, which made it feel more personal and less transactional.
After check-in, they immediately began addressing my husband by name. The concierge also clearly repeated her own name and told us exactly who to ask for if we needed help. She had my husband write down my name and our son’s name as well, and from that point on, she addressed all of us by name.
It sounds like a small thing, but it set the tone for the entire stay.
The Lobby and Common Areas
The lobby was beautiful. Clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed without feeling cold. Large mirrors with decorative accents made it feel intentional but still practical. It was the kind of space where you could stop to check your outfit or snap a quick photo on your way out without feeling awkward.
There’s also a coffee shop in the lobby, open from 6am to 6pm, offering pastries and specialty drinks. I had a café latte and it was genuinely good, not the usual “hotel coffee” situation.
The Room: Spacious and Comfortable
We booked a room with two beds. The website listed them as queens, but they felt closer to kings. They were large and comfortable, and the room itself was surprisingly spacious.
There was plenty of room for:
- Two large beds
- A couch
- A desk
For three people sharing a room, it never felt cramped. I was traveling with my husband and our adult son, and at no point did it feel tight or uncomfortable.
The hallways were updated, clean, and modern, which added to the overall impression that the property is well maintained.
The Bathroom: The One Weak Spot
If there was a downside to the room, it was the bathroom. It was noticeably small compared to the rest of the space and had limited counter room. We made it work, but it did feel confined.
We also ran into a shower issue on the first morning. After my son showered, the drain backed up, and by the time myself and my husband finished, the water was close to overflowing.
We mentioned it to staff on our way out and asked for extra towels. When we returned about two hours later, the drain had been fixed and the towels were already in the room.
The issue itself wasn’t a major big deal, but the response was fast and handled well.
Dining and the Rooftop Restaurant
The hotel has a restaurant on the top floor, and the space itself is stunning. The staff there matched the rest of the hotel: attentive and polished.
That said, it’s pricey.
- A beer cost $12
- Cocktails started around $18
- They didn’t have a moscato option (my favorite)
Even with a $30 off $100 dining credit through InKind, we chose not to eat there. Realistically, dinner for the three of us would have easily hit $75-$100 per person.
Beautiful space, great service, but not where we wanted to spend our dining budget on this trip.
Would I Stay Here Again?
Yes, absolutely.
For a stay that cost 18,750 points per night, the hotel felt grand, comfortable, and well run. I’d be especially interested in seeing how higher I Prefer status might impact upgrades on a future stay.
Was it better than a typical Hyatt? Honestly, probably a bit. The service felt more personal, and the room size was impressive.
While I didn’t love paying taxes and fees on an award stay, $216 for three nights in Santa Monica felt more than reasonable given the experience.
Final Thoughts
This stay made me genuinely curious to try more I Prefer properties to see how consistent the brand experience is across different locations.
The Huntley was comfortable, well located, and handled issues quickly and professionally. For us, it delivered exactly what we needed for a busy family trip.
And yes, I’d recommend it again.
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