This is a great hotel! I live in L.A but wanted to treat my husband to a birthday getaway, and found some great reviews for 'Shade' on this site. Having never forked out for a weekend away in the same city as I live in before, I was dubious about how much it'd feel as if I was on holiday. But it really did feel like a vacation. The best thing about the hotel is the rooms and its location. The rooms are beautifully decorated in sage and cherry wood, and the bed is large and really comfy. The bar has all kinds of glasses for different drinks and even a blender, so in the evening (to save money) we bought alcohol from the local VONS and made our own cocktails. The best feature of the room is the huge whirlpool bath, but coming in a close second is the fantastic lighting! You can choose to light the room various colors, and by pulling the Japanese screen across the bathroom (where the lights are) you produce your very own light show. It sounds a bit gimmicky but it's actually very relaxing and creates a great mood. Hotels can sometimes feel a bit clinical, but this one was very intimate and relaxing. The balcony was also nice. Location cannot be faulted. Practically next to the beach, there is a great French cafe right next door for breakfast and nice restaurants all around. It feels pretty classy but relaxed. There's also a 'Color Me Mine' nearby, where my hubby and I painted our own souvenir mugs! This is a great place for a romantic getaway...leave the kids at home though! Oh, one last thing! The staff are extremely helpful and friendly...always a plus!
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