The Huntley Hotel

The Huntley Hotel: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis in Santa Monica

The Huntley Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property in Santa Monica, offers a blend of modern elegance and laid-back coastal luxury, consistently earning high praise from guests. Its prime location, chic design, and exceptional rooftop dining experience are frequently highlighted as reasons for its popularity.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Huntley Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating it as "Excellent" or "Exceptional." Reviewers frequently commend the hotel's stylish ambiance, prime location, and dedicated staff. It's often described as a sophisticated yet relaxed retreat, perfect for those seeking a quintessential Southern California experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of The Huntley:

• Location: Situated just a block from Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade and two blocks from the beach, its proximity to major attractions, shopping, and dining is a significant draw.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel boasts a modern, design-forward aesthetic, with an emphasis on light and airy decor. The lobby, with its stylish metallic accents and natural textures, sets an elevated coastal chic tone. The Penthouse restaurant is particularly noted for its upscale retro-lounge look and vibrant atmosphere.
• Rooftop Dining (The Penthouse): The 18th-story Penthouse restaurant and bar is a major highlight, celebrated for its panoramic ocean, Malibu Mountains, and city views, as well as its delicious Californian cuisine and craft cocktails. It's a popular spot for both fine dining and a lively night out.
• Service: The staff is frequently described as helpful, friendly, professional, and responsive.

3. Room Quality

The Huntley's 204 guest rooms and suites are designed with comfort and modern luxury in mind. While some standard rooms are described as compact, they are well-equipped. Key features include:

• Comfort: Pillow-top beds with fine Italian linens, and for some, Egyptian cotton sheets, ensure a restful stay.
• Amenities: Rooms come with 60-inch HD TVs (some with rotating dual mirror/HDTV screens), smart room controls, touch lighting, and Nespresso machines.
• Bathrooms: Newly renovated bathrooms feature glass showers, Italian stone walls, and top-shelf bath products like Culti Milano or Bulgari amenities. Some suites offer open soaking tubs or oversized spa baths.
• Views: Many rooms boast inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, Malibu Mountains, or the Santa Monica cityscape.

4. Dining Experience

The cornerstone of The Huntley's dining experience is The Penthouse restaurant and bar.

• Cuisine: It offers elevated Californian cuisine with a coastal-inspired menu, featuring organic, locally-sourced meals, and vegan and vegetarian options for breakfast. Signature offerings include seafood towers, various raw bar selections, and entrees like Ora King Salmon and Dry Aged Wagyu Burger.
• Atmosphere & Views: Perched on the 18th floor, The Penthouse provides breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, creating a magical setting for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. It's known for its upscale retro-lounge ambiance with private cabanas that contribute to a private-party vibe.
• Breakfast: Breakfast is served daily with a surcharge. Guests have praised the breakfast options and food quality.
• Other options: A coffee shop/cafe and snack bar/deli are also available. Room service is offered, with both an 11 pm-6 pm spread and an all-night menu.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Huntley is consistently highlighted as a strong point. Guests frequently describe the staff as helpful, friendly, professional, and welcoming. The hotel is known for its polished, intuitive service that anticipates guest needs, from concierge assistance to a complimentary luxury SUV chauffeur service within a three-mile radius. Multi-lingual staff and a 24-hour reception and concierge are also available.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Huntley Hotel's location in Santa Monica is considered prime real estate and a major asset.

• Neighborhood: It's situated on Second Street in Wilshire Montana, a walkable area near the beach.
• Attractions: The hotel is just one block from the lively Third Street Promenade, two blocks from Santa Monica Beach, and a short walk (about 15 minutes) to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Venice Beach is a 10-minute drive away.
• Transport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately a 20-minute drive. Valet parking is available for a daily fee. A free area shuttle and complimentary bicycles are also provided, encouraging exploration of the coastal area.

7. Value & Pricing

While the exact price range can vary, the Huntley Hotel is considered a luxury property, and its prime location and amenities reflect this in its pricing. Guests generally feel the experience is worth the cost, given the upscale design, excellent service, and unbeatable location. There is a daily Hotel Amenity Fee which covers premium Wi-Fi, Nespresso, bottled water, use of beach cruiser bicycles, and the house car chauffeur service.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Noise: One guest mentioned noise from garbage collection in the mornings, advising to ask for a higher floor.
• Absence of a Pool: Unlike some neighboring hotels, The Huntley does not have a traditional swimming pool, which some guests might miss. However, it does offer a hot tub/spa tub and a relaxation patio.
• Gym Size: One review indicated the gym can be "pretty tight quarters and fills up fast."
• Wi-Fi Charges: Some older reviews mention Wi-Fi being available in public spaces for a fee, though more recent information suggests premium Wi-Fi is included in the amenity fee.

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