The Rates at Shutters on the Beach

"Rates escalate with the extent of the ocean view, from no view in the least expensive rooms on up through seven levels plus three levels of suites"

"Though rates hit the high-tide mark, Shutters' guests generally get what they pay for; it shares the podium with the Fairmont, just below it more cosmopolitan kin, Casa Del Mar"

"The bathrooms are large, with whirlpool tubs and a fun assortment of toiletries (available for a price), including rubber duckies"

"Amenities include hot tubs (with shuttered screens), pool, spa, sundeck, ground-floor shopping and ocean views, all for the price of $485"

""New England" "charm" comes to Santa Monica by way of this "luxurious, but not pretentious" "romantic" retreat just "steps" from the sand with "yummy views", "spot-on" service and "elegant", "wonderfully appointed" rooms; the restaurant fare is "excellent", the lobby bar "perfect for people-watching" and the spa among the "best" in town, so though it's a "splurge unless you're a Hollywood celeb", aficionados maintain the "experience justifies the price tag"