DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Santa Monica

The vaulted atrium design with light wood panels in the lobby is accented by orchids and a mosaic tile floor, for a classic look that's starting to look retro. Glass elevators are a fun and unexpected addition to the design. Seating for Cafe Pronto spills into the lobby, consisting of clusters of tables, chairs, and sofas for working or having a cup of coffee. Potted snake plants and succulents provide some life and the space is well lit by the skylight. The outdoor pool is located on the third floor, but there's little in the way of landscaping or protection from the sun. The hotel draws primarily corporate guests, but nearly all the rooms are 500-square-foot suites with pullout couches and small kitchenettes with a half-size fridge, making this a fairly convenient option for families who want to be near Santa Monica Beach. Warm cookies on arrival are an especially welcoming treat. 

Doubletree Guest Suites is in Santa Monica, an urban beach town rich with shops, restaurants, and a tourist-attracting pier with games, rides, and an iconic Ferris wheel. But the hotel's non-beach location feels a bit like a no-man's land; there's not much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel except for Santa Monica High School's playing fields and the parking lot for the civic center across the street. The location isn't terrible, it's just not prime-time front and center: the Santa Monica Pier and state beach are about a 10-minute walk (or short drive but you'll pay for parking), and it's a 10-minute walk to the national chain shops and restaurants along the Third Street Promenade. Expect a 30-minute drive to Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, an enclave of wealthy living and luxury shopping in the middle of L.A.'s westside. It's anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour's drive to touristy Hollywood Boulevard and the celebrity footprints of the famous Walk of Fame at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Plan on an hour in the car to reach Universal Studios Hollywood, a movie-themed amusement park. Los Angeles International Airport is anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the city's notorious traffic. 

The hotel's 253 rooms are 500-square-foot suites with separate living room areas and bedrooms. Pullout couches and wet bars with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, sinks, and microwaves are nice for families (note that none of the suites have stoves or burners). Wi-Fi is free with the Hilton loyalty program and each suite has two 55-inch flat-screen TVs. Decor is classic, and slightly dated with patterned carpets and a neutral gold color palette. Bed configurations are available in king or two queen beds, and some suites have a boardroom for business travelers. Five of the suites have direct pool access and a few suites on higher floors feature step-out balconies. Bathrooms are spacious with imitation granite countertops; most rooms have bathtub-shower combos and toiletries. Some suites have distant ocean views, while others overlook the local high school. Note that past guests have reported maintenance and cleanliness issues. 

DoubleTree Suites has some nice features that are appealing to a sunny vacation. The most popular is the heated pool and whirlpool on the 3rd-floor sundeck. It's a pleasant spot, though there are just a few tables and umbrellas. There's also a fitness center with Precor equipment, strength-training options, and a sauna. For dining, Cafe Pronto sells Starbucks coffee and pastries in the lobby. Just next door is the Fourth Street Grille, open for all three meals and room service. There's a hot breakfast buffet there, too. Upstairs, the Jazz Loft offers happy hour and occasional live music. A small gift shop sells beach gear and souvenirs. Wi-Fi is free for Hilton loyalty members (free to sign up). Valet parking is the only option, and it's pricey -- but that's common in Los Angeles.