"I had high hopes for Oceana after various tools gave it as a more chill version of the Proper. Well, it is no Proper hotel. This is a refaced motel of some sort, a little hard to tell. The rooms are nice although they are still operating in the 1990s in terms of accessible outlets, lots of furniture everywhere but no desk area. Lighting in the bathroom is stylish and insufficient at the mirror. We were upgraded to a suite that had a pullout couch and that was great. Rooms facing the ocean have a pleasant if not grand view. The in house french restaurant (as of this writing in April 2026) had excellent mains, really excellent preparation. The starters were good. The menu prices were outrageous in the context of a meh environment and weak service. The wine list is highway robbery for predictable labels with the least expensive options starting near $200. Breakfast -- the setup here is what prompts me to write a review. Breakfast is a small buffet with predictable options set out, nothing surprising, nothing wow. $50/person plus drinks ($12 for orange juice). This is in an old room converted to have some tables in it or outside by the pool. Kids were, as I recall $29 (plus $12 for orange juice). Plus taxes & plus built in service as well as a tip line on the bill just waiting for you to add a tip on top of the big built in tip. Oh, and as is some popular now, there is a 5% health charge in addition to the service charge; the folks went out of their way to say we could have that removed -- it is just something the hotel adds, it is not an actual required fee. We went as Hilton Gold and Amex Fine Hotels. Hilton gives a $50 daily food credit and amex $100 daily so this offset the breakfast charge mostly for us, 1 adult and 2 kids with a coffee & 2 orange juices, bill with tax and service = $178.45 (minus the $150 in credits). There is a $50/day resort fee so I really think that offsets the $50 breakfast credit, they give it and they take it in one breath. And if you don't eat breakfast, you don't get the credit but you still get the $50 charge so you are behind .... My basic room was booked at $842, total charges for room including fees and taxes ends up at $1040. Then the breakfast billing described above. The hotel is fine but not grand. Front desk service is very nice. The Hilton electornic key on your phone doesn't work in the elevator so you need your key regardless. Location wise this is in a fairly quiet end of Ocean Ave - which is great and you can still walk to the core of Santa Monica in ~15 minutes. I don't think this is a $1,000/night room. Maybe I'm jaded and that is just what basic hotels cost these days -- inflation is the topic de jure and here the nickel and diming has gotten out of control. For my money I think there are better choices in the area. There rooms sleep just as well and they are more interesting."

"I had an amazing experience, mostly due to the amazing service the staff offered!! They were incredible. One of the highlights of my stay was when I was getting in the uber on my last day to go to the airport, Lenny Permutter went above and beyond to escort me and carry my luggage to the car, and offered water and coffee to me. He then helped run to get an outstanding cup of coffee to me extremely quickly, making my depart from the hotel and amazing experience. A big thank you the entire team for going above and beyond during my stay!"

"Even though my couple trip took an unexpected turn, I had an absolutely marvelous time at Oceana. Thank you so much to Laura and Eron - they were very accommodating and made sure the experience was superb from start to finish. Just over the course one night stay I was able to try several fantastic meals at the property, including the restaurant La Monique - this was truly the best risotto I tried in years. Next morning started with a refreshing yoga class - kudos to the instructor to make it doable while challenging for someone who’s never done yoga before. Beautiful pool! Spent most of the day next to it after taking advantage of the hotel bike rental. I was honestly amazed by how many amenities a relatively small property like Oceana was able to provide. Cherry on top is property’s convenient location with stunning ocean views. Can’t wait to be back!"

"Stayed here recently - gorgeous hotel! Lovely pool area & perfect location. Will definitely be returning !"

"We stayed at the oceana in Santa Monica for several days last week and find it to be absolutely exceptional in all areas, customer service, food at the new Restaurant, and breakfast as well. The fellow at the front door runs the front area like a fine toothed comb, he has a magic touch with customer service. Thank you Lenny !! We will see ya again soon. David Bryant"