The Ambrose Hotel – Hotel Review

Yes, this Santa Monica hotel is a few blocks away from the area’s namesake beach. And yet, the Ambrose Hotel, set in quiet residential surrounds, still manages to punch well above its weight with cosy, homey interiors and a slew of very LA amenities. After all, who could resist the allure of an in-house Tesla for guest transportation, a Peloton-equipped fitness centre and a chill lobby bar slinging local bevvies every evening for happy hour? If you like a hotel that feels more like a home (and a free breakfast with the room rate), this is your LA crash pad. Read on for the full review.

Where is The Ambrose Hotel? 

At just under five kilometres from Santa Monica Beach, The Ambrose is more of a midtown Santa Monica spot, hemmed in by leafy streets and quiet, residential buildings. From here, the beach is ab0ut a 10-minute ride (within the catchment of the hotel’s free Tesla transportation service for guests) and about 25 minutes north of LAX Airport. 

What’s near The Ambrose Hotel?

Santa Monica Pier – the postcard-perfect hub of the Santa Monica strip – is about 10 minutes away by car from the hotel, if you’re heading there in the characteristic bumper-to-bumper LA roads. The hotel’s position a little back from the beach makes the sites of architecturally singular The Getty (less than 15 minutes by car) and Beverly Hills a little more reachable, too – you’re there in about 15 minutes if you skip traffic.

Room types 

There’s a tranquil, almost Japanese minimalism to the rooms, with hardwood floors (not all) and exposed beams of chocolate-coloured wood. A concerted effort is made in ensuring comfort, with walk-in showers, fluffy robes and L’Occitane bath products. 

The Luxury King Studio is undoubtedly the frontrunner, and worth the splash if you have the cash. The fern-fringed terrace, complete with voluminous lounge chairs and an outdoor wood-burning fireplace, is a bragging-rights place to end an LA day. Add a mezze platter ordered from the room service menu and you’re set.

Restaurants and bars 

There is no on-site restaurant but room service covers the basics between 7am-9pm, from turkey BLTs to ice-cream sundaes and, for an excessively indulgent wake-up, an affogato.

Travel for work

Each room has a solid, sizable work desk and all rooms include complimentary wi-fi. There are also a couple of stately meeting rooms and the opportunity to book rooms in sections for groups – pretty handy if you’re holding a small off-site. 

Gym 

The on-site fitness centre, equipped with of-the-moment Peloton bikes and yoga mats, is open 24 hours a day. 

Sustainability

A few key initiatives define The Ambrose’s approach to sustainability (which has had several nods from local councils). You’ll notice electric vehicle chargers, refillable water stations, smart thermostats and the participation in the EarthView program, which outlines policies across “smart meetings” with linenless tables and the elimination of single-use plastics.

Accessibility   

Accessible rooms are available in Traditional and Premium types, with roll-in showers, grab bars and audio-visual alarms. Common areas, including the fitness centre, living room and the patio are accessible, and service animals are welcome. Note: the hotel does not have a TTY (Teletypewriter) for guest use.  

What you need to know

The in-house fleet of bicycles with caramel leather seats are a great alternative to a Tesla ride if you want to scoot around the wide Santa Monica boulevards – they’re included in your hotel fee, too (based on availability).