Sitting poolside with a view of the ocean just over the balcony railing — that's the core of the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel experience. By day, the action is in the swimming pool and the rows of lounge chairs; at night, a dip in the crescent-shaped whirlpool would be a good prelude to a drink by the fire pit while chilling to electronica. The long, palm-lined, glass-roofed lobby offers many nooks where traveling conventioneers can chill out, including the glass-walled fireside lounge, equipped with a postcard-perfect view of the Santa Monica waterfront.

The in-house Ocean Spa & Fitness offers the full gamut of massage, facial and body treatments, and the gift shop is fittingly equipped with specialty bath products. Diners at Ocean & Vine can customize dinner entrees with their own choice of sauces and side dishes; lunch is served poolside at the Blue Streak; and the Papillon Bar serves drinks and tapas until late.

Amenities

• 24-hour in-room dining and room service
• Lather body care products
• Bathrobes
• Flat-screen TV and CD player
• Coffee maker and complimentary coffee
• Minibar
• High-speed Internet access
• Two digital phone lines and three telephones
• Fitness consultations and personal training
• Beauty salon
• Concierge service
• Valet parking ($30 per night)
• Meeting space for groups of up to 900 people