The Bar/Lounge at Hotel Casa Del Mar

"A hopping Hollywood bar scene, a fine restaurant, and a pool with beach views are other highlights"

"The white marble bathrooms with big whirlpool tubs have frosted-glass windows that can be opened onto the bedrooms (each room's "Chill Bar" includes toiletries like gel masques and bath crystals—although they'll cost you extra)"

"The bar in the ornate and well-furnished lobby is a popular meeting spot for the bronzed and beautiful locals"

"The bar, serving lighter fare and the same beautiful beach scenery, is quite popular"

"The lobby bar gets a good crowd in both summer and winter when the fireplace roars"

"Adding cabana-style seating, wicker furniture, rattan ceiling fans, terra-cotta floors, huge potted palms, and a new lounge/bar area with two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, Smith’s revamp brings the outdoors in (finally!) and connects the hotel more closely to the beach—which, after all, is why you’re here"

"Catch Restaurant, with small plates and ocean-inspired entrees, and Terrazza, a cafe and lounge that replaced the Veranda lobby lounge in summer 2014, take full advantage of the views of the oean and Santa Monica Pier"

"Terrazza Lounge offers breathtaking ocean views with casual Italian/Cali cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner"

"The lobby, lounge and restaurant are lively with locals and business and leisure travelers, but the club vibe is more welcoming than exclusionary"

"Chill out, Riviera style, in a chaise lounge, pretending it's all really quite a strain on your busy life"