Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica — Hotel in Santa Monica

This is a pretty nice Hampton Inn, but there are some major drawbacks to the property. Overall I was pleased enough with my balcony room, the helpful and friendly staff, and the delivery of my HHonors benefits.

My room had a very large outdoor balcony with two roomy, comfortable chairs and a city and partial water view. My room may have offered a pretty glimpse of the Pacific, but it was also right next to a very busy (and very loud) transit yard (see photos). The noise wasn't too bothersome, and it certainly wasn't as bad as the army of protesters with drums, horns, and megaphones that woke us all up at 6 am the next morning.

I know the hotel can't do much since it's a public street and sidewalk, but it was not fun to have angry protesters screaming all morning about unfair labor practices at the Hampton Inn. They had to lock and block the doors to the lobby, so customers were trying to eat breakfast with these protesters screaming in their faces through the windows. My Apple watch kept giving me the "Loud Environment" noise warnings while I was inside the hotel!

We had to get to our car but there was no escape, so a security guard literally had to lead us down a back, hidden employee corridor to get us to our car. We weren't scared, but it wasn't pleasant and really put a damper on our stay. It made me feel bad to be a paying guest at this hotel and while I travel to the area a half dozen times a year for business, I would think twice about staying here again until this labor dispute is settled.

The room is decorated in a very modern and sparse style, almost like an IKEA showroom with Scandanavian light woods and accents. It is clean and pleasant and fits in with the surrounding area. The wood floors were a nice touch, as was the refrigerator and microwave in the room. The bed was comfortable and everything was crisp and clean.

The hotel is within walking distance to the Santa Monica Pier and the ocean, and we took a sunset stroll. The area felt sketchy, especially near the transit yard and bus station. Lots of homeless folks hanging around in groups that would often block the sidewalk. My advice is to walk the opposite direction then cut over for a straight shot down to the ocean. The later you are out, the more sketchy it becomes. Just go in a group and be highly aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

You can safely walk down to the Promenade, and the location can't be beat if you're looking for things to do. There are hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars, and other venues steps outside the hotel's door.

Also be warned that parking is via valet only and is $50 per night (before tip). It's an expensive venture to stay at this Hampton Inn, but that's the typical ripoff parking price for downtown hotels like this.

I think this property is okay, just make sure you know and are aware of the major caveats before booking...

I was initially very excited for my stay as it was my first visit to Santa Monica. I set my eyes on this property because it seems that the location and all was ideal, and I needed to stay at a place which will feel safe as a solo traveler. I made the booking through the Agoda system, and to my horror, it seems that the system registered my booking to be 8 - 9 December, instead of 9 - 10 December (mind you, Singapore and the West Coast of US have a time difference of 17 hours!!!!!). I only discovered this error when I received the reservation confirmation in my inbox. I reached out to both Agoda and the hotel directly immediately and painstakingly explained my situation to both Agoda and the hotel directly, to which Agoda explained cannot make decision without the agreement of the property (which is understandable) The property simply lapsed in getting back to me

In the end, I had to make a new booking altogether in a very short span as the situation could not be sorted out before my stay. Even till now, the property has not replied to me directly, even though I contacted them more than once. I hence contacted Agoda again, and they reached out to the property on my behalf. Surprisingly, the reply from the property this time was very prompt and this is what Agoda said:

“The property has advised us that it would not be possible to approve said request due to the Cancellation and Change Policy in effect for this booking and the property already tagged this booking as no show and no show fee applied.”

I’m actually a fan of Hilton properties, and even enrolled in their loyalty programme. But obviously, the ‘service’ rendered (or lack thereof) from Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica has been nothing short of disappointing. The hospitality and service of the property is determined not only during the span of stay, but it also includes the pre-travel (which is precisely the booking stage). They are rigid as it is and simply recognise the dollars more than the customer’s experience. The panic I felt when I discovered that the system registered a wrong booking, was already horrifying enough and they simply chose to ignore my messages.

You know the saying that goes “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”? Well, this is a case of just the opposite - not only do I feel poorer, it left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m swearing off all Hampton branded...

Initially, I wasn’t surprised when I book the Hampton, as the #1 hotel in the area, I love Hamptons. As a Diamond Hilton Member of over 4 years, I prefer Hamptons over the other Hilton Brands. This Hampton is not like the rest (even after a cross country road trip staying in Hamptons in Iowa, Utah, etc.). I am extremely disappointed in the Santa Monica Hampton. Check-In- Approximately 6pm. Front desk team could barely look up to greet guests, answered local questions short or abrupt. Had the least amount of interpersonal interaction as possible. Something I would usually expect from a DoubleTree or Hilton. So much so, my parents asked me to ask them a question and I said I would wait until the Morning shift came in, “maybe they will be nicer.” Well, morning came and one of the same team members was at the desk from the night before. I am aware that COVID has limited the amount of staff, the same person was a bit nicer the next morning (after working at least a 12 hr shift). The Stay- I went to get ice from the 2nd floor ice machine, it is broken. I had to go to the 3rd floor. They don’t tell you the metro station is right next to the hotel. If the metro station is running, good luck sleeping. Against my wishes, my parents thought it best to “stay” rather than go to the Marriott. So, we extended 2 more days. Meaning a total of 4 nights. After 6 days on the road, every time we attempted to do laundry the housekeeping staff were using the 1 washer that was working to complete the hotel laundry. They seemed upset we were even considering using the washer and dryer at $3.50 per wash and $3.50 a load to dry. Aside from hotel disappointment, on the map it shows close to a block away from beach. It is not. It is 5 blocks away.

I will be in the area for 3 mos, other family & friends are coming to visit. Initially, I planned on paying for them to stay here, at the Hampton Inn Santa Monica. I am so glad I was able to experience for myself and will look elsewhere for them to have a great stay when they come to sunny California.

Quick recap- Rude/Overworked Staff Lack of attention to customers Loud construction Rude/Limited Housekeeping (5 days, have to ask for clean towels, TP, tissues, etc.) Subpar to most Hampton Inns in the Nation

Pros- Breakfast attended was super nice...