Oceana Santa Monica Review: How I Booked a $3,462 Suite for $0 with Hilton Free Night Certificates
I just stayed in one of the most incredible hotel rooms I’ve ever been upgraded to, and it happened at Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts.
We booked two nights using Hilton Free Night Certificates – one under my husband’s name and one under mine – while visiting Santa Monica after a cruise to see our son. Normally, rooms at this property run between $1,200–$1,300 per night with taxes and fees, but the suite we stayed in was priced at $3,462 for the two nights. And thanks to the certificates, we paid $0.
Here’s a full look at our experience, from check-in to the suite, amenities, and why this boutique luxury hotel is worth a return visit.
A Bit of History Behind Oceana Santa Monica
Part of what makes Oceana Santa Monica so unique is its rich history. Originally built as an apartment hotel, Oceana quickly became known for its prime location on Ocean Avenue, private balconies, and sweeping ocean views. With only 70 suites, it has a much more intimate, boutique feel compared to the larger beachfront resorts nearby.
One of its most famous residents was Stan Laurel, of the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. In 1958, Laurel moved into apartment 203 and entertained celebrity friends like Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke, and Marcel Marceau. He also answered thousands of fan letters – many of which are still treasured by his fans today.
Knowing the property’s history added an extra layer of charm to our stay and made the location feel truly special.
Luxury Amenities at Oceana Santa Monica
Even with its boutique feel, Oceana offers a wide range of amenities for guests seeking a full Santa Monica coastal experience:
- Full-service restaurant, lounge, and bar
- Freeform courtyard swimming pool
- Full-service spa with massages, facials, hair and nail treatments
- State-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton equipment and personal trainers
- Beachside yoga and guided hikes
- Surf lessons
- Complimentary beach cruiser bicycles
- Ocean-view boardroom with smart technology
- House car for local excursions
- Airport transfer services
Whether you want to relax, exercise, or explore Santa Monica, the hotel offers everything for a luxurious stay.
Inside the Suites
Each guest suite is designed to feel more like a luxury apartment than a typical hotel room. Amenities include:
- Frette linens and Loro Piana bedding
- Bottega Veneta bath and body products
- 65-inch smart TVs with streaming
- Bluetooth-enabled hi-fi sound systems
- Nespresso coffee and espresso machines
- Smart-lighting system with iPad controls
- Fully stocked minibars
Generous room sizes and private outdoor spaces make the attention to detail even more noticeable.
Historical information and property details sourced from Traveller Made and hotel property materials.
How We Booked Oceana Santa Monica for $0
We originally booked the Oceana King room, which ranges from 400 – 525 square feet. For our dates, the room would have cost $2,778 for two nights on two Hilton free night certificates.
A few days before arrival, both my husband and I received upgrade emails from the hotel. Our reservation was upgraded to a One Bedroom Lanai Suite at 725 square feet.
When we arrived, I politely inquired (as I always do, and you should to) about any further upgrades, and the hotel surprised us again. We were upgraded to a Pacific One Bedroom Lanai Suite with a balcony, around 800 square feet. The balcony had a partial ocean view, and the room overlooked the pool area. Retail price for this room was $3,462.79 for two nights.
Sometimes it really does pay to ask nicely.
First Impressions
Oceana’s layout makes perfect sense for a hotel originally designed as an apartment style hotel. Each suite has its own private double doors from the exterior walkway, giving it a unique boutique feel.
From the moment we were dropped off, the staff made us feel welcome. Valet attendants immediately assisted with our luggage and carried it inside. Valet parking costs $17 for three hours or $72 overnight, and the hotel allows restaurant parking for guests with reservations.
Early Arrival Perks
We arrived early at 9:15 AM after disembarking from our cruise. Even though our room wasn’t ready, the concierge handled our back-to-back reservations seamlessly. If you have ever made back-to-back reservations on free night certificates and/or points from two different people, you know this can be difficult. They thanked us for being Hilton Gold members, explained the food and beverage credit, and provided temporary access to bathrooms and the Vista Lounge on the third floor.
The lounge and bathrooms were perfect for freshening up before our day in Santa Monica. Small touches like this made a big difference after a long morning of travel.
The Property
The lobby is stunning, featuring a gas fireplace surrounded by white marble tiles. The space opens up to the pool courtyard, which is spacious, inviting, and temperature-controlled. There are plenty of lounge chairs, shaded areas, and table service for food and drinks.
The third-floor lounge veranda is a highlight. Large chairs sit under an arbor with heaters overhead, offering direct views of the ocean – perfect for sunrise or sunset.
Our Room
Room 321 featured:
- Spacious living room with three couches, two chairs, a bench, and a large TV
- Coffee and snack nook plus a small fridge with drinks
- Bedroom with king canopy bed, four pillows per side, bench, walk-in closet, second TV, and tablet-controlled room features
- Balcony with table, chair, and partial ocean view
The Bathroom
The bathroom was equally impressive:
- Large vanity with hand soap, lotion, and lighted magnifying mirror
- Glass shower with convenient controls
- Plush robes, oversized towels, and slippers
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion provided
Small details like this make a stay feel truly luxurious.
Dining
The on-site restaurant is beautiful but pricey. Most entrees ranged from $69–$97. We opted to take the Hilton food and beverage credit as 1,000 points per night, which felt like better value.
Service Throughout the Stay
Staff throughout the property were friendly and accommodating. A small gesture, like letting a friend use the restroom after a brief drop-off while we had paid parking, exemplifies their thoughtfulness.
Would I Stay Again?
This was one of the nicest hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in. While Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa still holds the title for overall property luxury, the suite itself was more impressive.
Every time we visit Santa Monica, we try a new hotel, but if I have Hilton Free Night Certificates in the future, Oceana Santa Monica would absolutely be at the top of my list.
Yes, the suite would normally cost $3,462, and yes, we paid $0 – but what would bring us back isn’t the price. It’s the oceanfront location, the beauty of the property, and the attentive staff who made every detail of our stay seamless.
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