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Santa Monica's Le Merigot Hotel

Stay at Le Merigot in Romantic Santa Monica By the Sea

by Jeff Voth

Santa Monica by the sea is as a romantic a setting as any other in the world, including such renowned locales as the French Riviera, Niagara Falls or the Hawaiian Islands. What it lacks in terms of tranquility and solitude, it more than makes up for in others ways. Few places other than Southern California offer as many top rated restaurants, an assurance of beautiful weather and great places to relax and people watch. An evening cruise along Ocean Avenue in your favorite convertible with the sun sinking slowly into the ocean is completely quixotic.

Lobby

The Marriott family understands this of course and they have chosen to associate the JW Marriott franchise name with the opulent and seductive Le Merigot Beach Hotel & Spa. A gem on the Pacific Coast, it reigns as a supreme destination when visiting Los Angeles.

The understated drive into Le Merigot is the first clue that something unique awaits visitors inside. Valet parking attendants and doormen stand ready to greet each guest, but the lack of large formal entrance and grandiose parking lot is a sharp contrast to the many fine hotels on the boulevard.

Once inside, the casual swagger of the hotel front continues, but takes on a sophisticated edge as dramatic windows pull your eye to the rear of the hotel and your ears attune themselves to the sounds of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

A large wrought iron and blown glass candelabrum dangles overhead from the second story ceiling, suspended above white fabric wingback chairs, rich wood accented tables and comfy Tuscany colored couches. Gigantic clay pots embrace various indigenous ferns and surround them with a sprinkling of white floral accents.

Hours pass like minutes as time spent in the lobby of Le Merigot is akin to finding the best place in Hollywood to star gaze. Watch closely and you are sure to spot a significant starlet strolling past in their robe on the way to a spa appointment or just looking to grab a coffee on the terrace.

The eight-floor building houses a total of 175 guest rooms and suites, each one specifically designed to provide premium accommodations. Rooms are graciously appointed with all the creature comforts guests have come to expect from JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts. The feel is that of a seaside condominium rather than a hotel room.

My room was executive in size, featuring the exclusive Cloud 9 king size bed with rich Italian linen, down duvets and feather pillows. The carpeting underfoot was especially pleasing to the senses and warm wall colors provided a soothing atmosphere which was perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Large window frames faced the Santa Monica skyline, while side French doors escorted me towards a grand terrace. Here lounge chairs waited to cradle me in comfort as I soaked in the remaining rays of the evening sun setting over the pier.

A marble bath and spacious double sink make spending time in the bathroom a decadent experience. Of course as is the case in every JW Marriott hotel, all bathroom products are superlative and towels are plush and abundant.

For those times when you just can’t get away from the office, wired and wireless high-speed Internet access is available in every room. The connection process was easy and I was up and running in no time.

Relax by  the pool

There are three on property dining options available at Le Merigot. As the main dining room, Chezanne offers a continental breakfast menu, as well as lunch and dinner. The Le Torquet Patio Bar is a great place to enjoy the warm west coast sunshine while dining on a California style menu, or as a lively setting in which to have dinner. Of course in-room dining is available 24 hours a day.

Close by, guests of Le Merigot are free to experience various dining environments from around the world including great sushi at Sushi Roku, fine Italian dining at Il Forniao or the best in seafood at Ocean Avenue Seafood or The Lobster restaurant.

Spa Le Merigot is a full-service onsite spa that caters to the needs of the rich and famous. For those of us not in this category, it is wonderful to be pampered and kneaded in ways generally reserved for the beautiful people of Hollywood.

Services offered include body scrub and body wrap, massage, facials and manicures/pedicures, waxing and therapy baths. The friendly, professional staff at the spa is even willing to offer massage lessons, so you can take it with you on the road.

Fitness classes include Yoga, Stretch, Pilates and Swiss ball. Of course there is also a full battery of cardiovascular equipment and free weights available, along with a heated swimming pool and steam room in which to relax after a grueling workout.

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts are synonymous for spoiling their guests with star treatment. Each property offers a unique take on living the pampered life while on the road and Le Merigot is no exception. The next time you find yourself visiting the fast paced, star studded city of Los Angeles, take a drive to Santa Monica and rest easy at Le Merigot. Just don’t forget to rent a convertible and drive Ocean Boulevard as the sun sets over the pier - a must in terms of Cali vacations.

If You Go:


Le Merigot, a JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa
1740 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica , CA 90401 USA
Phone:  1-310-395-9700
Fax:  1-310-395-9200

www.lemerigothotel.com