I had initially made a reservation online for Friday night which I had to cancel because I was ill. I called the hotel on Saturday morning and booked Saturday night. I arrived about an hour before the 3pm check-in time but there was no problem getting a room. Arts and Crafts style is very well done here, love the Asian influences, the designers did a terrific job everywhere. The linens were sumptuous, the bed extremely comfortable. The breakfast buffet very nice, lots of fresh berries. My only criticism of it is that if they're going to the trouble to offer high quality items from the Urth Cafe, they should have Urth Cafe coffee as well, not Starbucks. I would definitely stay there again. Loved that every room has recycling containers, I've always wished other hotels offered that.

My husband and I chose The Ambrose for our stay in Santa Monica on the occasion of our son's wedding. We could not have been more pleased.

Our premier studio included a comfortable king bed, relaxing chaise and two balconies. One of the balconies was enormous with a gas fireplace and table, chairs, and lounger. We had a very large bath with plush white robes and separate glassed in shower.

The staff was exceedingly accommodating and generous. We were allowed to use the garden and lobby for some professional photographs of the wedding party. They provided a pitcher of fresh water and drinking glasses for all us. They went well beyond anything we could have expected.

Every morning we enjoyed a lovely complementary breakfast of fresh berries, delicious pastries, and a choice of several other cereals, breads, yogurt, juices, coffee and tea. This was so much better than what is offered at other hotels.

The underground parking was more than sufficient, secure and available at all hours. The location makes it a long walk to the beach or promenade but, with your own car or use of public transportation, this is not a problem. The exercise facility, though not large was more than adequate to provide a good workout.

We feel The Ambrose provides a great value for a quality hotel

My wife & I stayed at the The Ambrose for three nights. We liked the hotel's style a lot. It's located in a quiet residential area of Santa Monica. It's within reasonable walking distance of shops, restaurtants & a great coffee spot called Peet's. It's a far walk to the beach though. You're better off driving. It's about a five-minute trip by car.

The hotel lobby is very attractive & not trendy looking. The atmosphere is pleasant & relaxed. Complimentary breakfast is served daily but get down there early. The feast ends at 9:30am & the hotel staff is adamant about enforcing that rule. Our room was large & comfortable. Overall, a nice value w/free WiFi & free garage parking. No swimming pool.

Hotel staff was okay. They were accomodating when we asked to change our room b/c of street noise. But overall, customer service was a weak spot. The service wasn't horrible but the staff wasn't attentive either. The staff should pay more attention to detail. The staff doesn't appear to be professionally trained. For example, one hotel employee was having an animated discussion on the phone while still on duty. I'll leave it at that.

Otherwise, I would recommend this hotel.

My teen daughter and I stayed here for 2 nights during some glorious October weather.

Check-in was easy and the hotel was very calm and peaceful.

The staff wasn't super friendly, but not rude either - just kind of perfunctory.

The room was gorgeous and the toiletries were yummy. The beds super comfy and the air controls were most responsive. We had gotten a little chilled and turned up the thermostat and in no time at all we were comfortable again. The room was very quiet although the streets in Santa Monica can be busy. The wireless internet connection was free and worked very well.

We loved the location and walked to several of the fun Re-Dress shops nearby. High fashionistas and stars have their stylists bring in last seasons items and it is fun to find a bargain on a nearly new designer item. I think their are 3 very reputable shops right by there. It is a bit of a walk to the pier, but we hopped in our car and found lots of parking available by the main shopping area.

I can't even remember breakfast - I think my daughter had a bagel???

Overall, a very tasteful lovely hotel - we would definitely stay again.