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benny blanco
Dobbs Ferry, New York

Enjoyable Stay at the Fairmount Santa Monica

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 31 Jul 2024
Checked in early evening from a cross country flight. Was pleasantly welcomed by staff upon checkin and was fortunate to receive a slight room upgrade which was much appreciated. I was situated on the quieter pool/north side view of the Tower building. Nice clean room. Housekeeping restocked towels daily and reset everything as if it was first arrival.

Ordered a Sazerac cocktail, the server comes over to your table to unlock a box of mysterious small potion like bottles dropping in portions of each ingredient, which is a show unto itself with dry ice smoke adding to the Theatre of it all. Was fun. Cocktail was damn good too. The outdoor patio with Koi pond provided a nice tropical / serene ambience whilst decompressing with co-workers.

Had only 1 breakfast meal at Fig. Eggs were made perfectly with soft full perfectly pillowed non burnt edges or marks.

As for location in Santa Monica, can't really beat being across the street from the Pacific and just steps/blocks away from some Mall like shopping. A nice perk of the neighborhood though is having a Hillstone restaturant cady corner from the hotel for solid eats and drinks.

Would totally perfer to stay here again if I were to return for another business trip.
Cheers.
Date of stay: July 2024
Room Tip: Order the Sazerac at the Bar if you like some theatrics in cocktail sorcery.
Trip type: Travelled on business
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel Murphy, Guest Services / Front Office at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, responded to this review
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear blancodisco,

Thank you for sharing such a detailed and positive review of your stay at the Fairmont Santa Monica! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience while staying with us.

It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the room upgrade, and we’re glad the quieter pool/north side view of the Tower building was to your liking. We’re also pleased that you appreciated the daily housekeeping service and the little touches that made your stay comfortable.

We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time spent with us at the Lobby Lounge and near the koi pond. We’ll make sure to pass along your compliments to the team at FIG regarding the breakfast. They’ll be delighted to know their efforts made a difference to your stay.

We hope to see you again in the near future.

Warm regards,

Daniel Murphy
Guest Experience Manager
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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    Reviewed 31 July 2024

    I stay in hotels about 100 nights a year. My reviews are generally positive. I don't think I have ever given a one star review previously (and maybe not even two star). This hotel really earns one star.

    The level of deferred maintenance is really incredible, and in some regards, dangerous as related to egress/ingress. As mentioned in other reviews, the elevators of the ocean tower were not working during my four day stay. On days one and two, only one of the two elevators worked so the wait times were very long (sometimes as much as 5 minutes). These were weekdays, so I assume they could have called maintenance and fixed if they wanted. On days three and four, BOTH elevators - 2 of 2 - were disabled. That meant directing people to the service elevators. One of the two worked, one did not. You share those with room service and housekeeping carts etc. They move very slowly. Plan for 10-15 minutes to get downstairs at times. I guess we were lucky however. They have large printed signs at the ready right by the service elevators...one set to direct people from the main elevators to the service ones, a whole different set saying ALL elevators are broken and to use only the stairs (there are 10 floors and I was on floor 9). The mere fact that the deferred maintenance is such that you need to print such signs to have at the ready is incredible. For people with mobility issues, its insulting and kind of dangerous - my knees would not really allow me to walk up and down 9 flights.

    The level of deferred maintenance does not stop there and as other have indicated in recent reviews, the hotel is simply way past its past due date overall. Everything is old, crumbling and dirty. The AC doesn't really work.

    Next, be aware in the ocean tower ANY odd number rooms you will be facing a parking lot they have repurposed as a night entertainment market with music. There is 100+ decibel sounds of crowds & music until 2am. It is incredibly insane that a hotel would monetize the parking lot with the attendant result that half the ocean tower cannot sleep. I am surprised zoning allows it, and wonder not just about the degredation to (I would guess required) parking including diabled parking, but moreover the noise, both for the hotel and the surrounding area.

    As to personnel, some were kind and efficient; and in multiple cases, we got sympathy (especially around the elevators in terms of employees telling us that management well knew about it, it was frustrating for them, and nothing ever gets fixed). But in other cases, not so much. The pool attendants could not be bothered to help set up towels, they just point you to the stack and you are on your own. They could not be bothered to clear wet towels from chairs that had been vacated, we did that ourselves mutliple times and brought up the last guests' towels to the bin and they just looked at us like this was not their job. So while there were a few good seeds, the service overall was extremely lacking for the star level and price point.

    The entire pre-arrival process was also deeply flawed and sort of insulting. They have a form email and I am guessing the primary purpose is to monetize you further (for example by booking hotel spa or restaurants in advance). I took time to fill out quite a few things they asked and especially wanted to coordinate arrival and departure times for transport. I got no response at all for several days. Finally on writing a second time a different person than the original author (who I never heard from again) wrote and sort of blamed me for asking about these things (the nuance being I was asking about the potential for early check-in, a published Accor platinum benefit, of which I am well aware of the terms which are basically if available...but in pointing out my arrival time soat leats they knew when I would get there and hence had my request, I got back - and again only after writing a second time - basically a rude recital of the rules in the first place). It was a crummy process that took my time, yielded me nothing, and left a bad taste in my mouth. In fairness I do have to say that on check in, they DID honor early check in. But they whole way they read me back the rules, which I well know already and was not asking for exception to, was itself really a bad approach.

    Again this was by far the worst hotel stay, and also the worst value for dollar, that I have had in hundreds of hotel stays in the last 10 years so I felt compelled to write this review with a hope that others won't fall prey to these material issues with this property.

    Date of stay: July 2024
    • Trip type: Travelled with friends
      • Value
      • Location
      • Sleep Quality
      • Rooms
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    Thank Jordan_Silber
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Daniel Murphy, Guest Services / Front Office at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, responded to this reviewResponded 2 weeks ago

    Dear Jordan_Silber,

    Thank you for taking the time to provide such a detailed account of your recent stay. I am truly sorry to hear about the numerous issues you encountered, and I deeply regret that your experience was so disappointing.

    The problems you’ve described, including the elevator issues, deferred maintenance, noise disruptions, and the overall condition of the Ocean Tower, are unacceptable. I understand how these factors contributed to a frustrating and uncomfortable stay, and I am particularly concerned about the safety and accessibility issues you mentioned.

    I also apologize for the poor experience you had with our pre-arrival communication and the service inconsistencies you faced during your stay. Your feedback about the lack of response and the handling of your requests will be reviewed carefully to ensure we address these shortcomings and improve our processes.

    Please know that we take your feedback seriously and will use it to make necessary improvements. I am sharing your comments with our management team to address the specific issues you raised and to ensure that our property and service levels meet the high standards expected.

    Thank you again for your feedback.

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 31 July 2024

    I just returned from a long weekend with friends, celebrating my birthday. The hotel was beautiful. We had a bungalow and it was roomy and well situated. While my guests did have to use a service elevator at times, the inconvenience was minor. The food was great but the best part of the stay is the staff. Whether housekeeping or food and beverage, each person was attentive. I could not have asked for a better experience.

    Room tip: pool is not as large as it seems, so get a spot early. the bungalows are roomy and well situated.
    Date of stay: July 2024
    • Trip type: Travelled with friends
      • Value
      • Location
      • Sleep Quality
      • Rooms
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    Thank wburgower
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Daniel Murphy, Guest Services / Front Office at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, responded to this reviewResponded 3 weeks ago

    Dear wburgower,

    Thank you so much for your glowing review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your friends had such a memorable birthday celebration with us.

    We appreciate your understanding regarding the service elevator and are thrilled that it didn’t detract from your overall experience. Your kind words truly motivate us to continue providing exceptional service. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another fantastic stay!

    Warm regards,

    Daniel Murphy
    Guest Experience Manager

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 24 July 2024

    We loved our stay at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica and look forward to our return. From check-in to check-out, the service was personable and very professional. We were given an upgrade and our room was spacious and peaceful. Super location:Easy access to the ocean and the city, but with a relaxing resort feel. Appreciated the car service a few times with the kind and friendly drivers. Booked directly with Fairmont.

    Date of stay: July 2024
    • Trip type: Travelled with family
      • Value
      • Location
      • Sleep Quality
      • Rooms
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    Thank rena602
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Daniel Murphy, Guest Services / Front Office at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, responded to this reviewResponded 3 weeks ago

    Dear rena602,

    Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful stay at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and that our service, location, and amenities exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the room upgrade and found our team’s service both personable and professional.

    We’re also glad you appreciated our car service and the relaxing resort feel.

    We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit to Santa Monica.

    Warm regards,

    Daniel Murphy
    Guest Experience Manager

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 18 July 2024

    Despite the friendly staff and ideal location, this hotel needs a renovation. The rooms are worn and somewhat clean. The elevator system repeatedly broke down during our stay, leaving guests unaware and stranded on the platform. The gym's equipment is outdated and rusty, likely due to infrequent inspections. The outdoor machines are especially bad. Both the gym outdoor area, pool, and outdoor restaurant could use a thorough cleaning, cockroaches alarm in the evening sitting outside by the lobby bar. Overall, the hotel’s appearance needs more attention. This old establishment could truly shine again with a makeover.

    Date of stay: July 2024
    • Trip type: Travelled with family
      • Value
      • Location
      • Sleep Quality
      • Rooms
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    1  Thank noemizurich
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Daniel Murphy, Guest Services / Front Office at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, responded to this reviewResponded 2 weeks ago

    Dear noemizurich,

    Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m glad to hear that you found our staff friendly and the location ideal. However, I’m truly sorry to learn about the issues you encountered during your stay.

    Your comments about the condition of the rooms, elevator system, and gym are concerning. We take such feedback seriously and will be addressing these maintenance and cleanliness issues with our team immediately. The problems you mentioned with the elevators and gym equipment are unacceptable, and we will work to resolve these matters to ensure a better experience for future guests.

    I’m also sorry to hear about the cleanliness concerns you had with the outdoor areas. This is not the standard we strive for, and we will review our cleaning protocols to address these issues.

    Thank you again for bringing these matters to our attention. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a much better experience in the future.

    Warm regards,

    Daniel Murphy
    Guest Experience Manager

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 18 July 2024

    I booked with AMEX Fine hotels. July 16-18 . Definitely not what I expected for over $600/nt hotel. The rooms are a good size the bathrooms are very very tiny. I was upgraded to an ocean view room, on the top floor. I would have preferred a room with adequate AC though. This was a downgrade. Remember the top floor, Heat rises ,therefore the AC will continue to run because it will never cool down the room temp to what the thermostat is set to if the hotel doesnt have adequate hvac. Management called to tell me no other room would be different and the lowest temp is 68. I wish my room temp achieved 68 degrees but it did NOT so the AC continued to run never reached the set temp of 68, stayed in mid to high 70s. I did ask that they let me know if another room was available early enough so that I could find another hotel my second night and workout something so I didnt have to Pay for another night here. I spoke with another person at the front desk besides management , so 3 people total . They didn't call me until 1pm the second day which left me no time to find another hotel or to check out in time to not pay for a second night here. It's been the worst 2 nights sleep I've had . After just reading reviews I guess the AC was down last week and probably not fully restored. This is something they should bring to your attention before you book especially if you have medical conditions. Can't enjoy the ocean front because you have to keep the blinds closed or else the room temp goes up to mid 80s. It's much cooler outside than it is inside the room. No one was of help on this matter. I will make sure this isn't one of the hotels I refer people to stay at in the future. This is not a fine hotel or a luxury hotel, worth half the cost charged. They do have a nice gym facility and spa. I used all amenities To be able to give a review. Massages were $50off if you were a guest at the hotel, and my massage was great. I tried out all 3 restaurants. Food was great and service was great in 3/3 restaurants. The bungalow is more of a trivia bar lounge area. Service was ok. all servers at the restaurants were very polite and respectful. Food was good. They opened at 5pm. I got there at 6pm and they didn't have chicken skewers in the menu. No noise to deal with inside your room. In the common areas it is always packed and there are always events going in. So it can stay busy. Get to the pool early or else you won't get a chair. There is no direct beach access at this hotel,resort fee does not include free beach chair and towels. To walk to the beach, 15minutes. It's not directly "across the street" from beach although on a map it looks to be. Overall, everyone is polite. My AC issue was never resolved or compensated, but I was proactive in discussing this issue with a few people at the desk. Can't wait to go home so I can get a good night's sleep lol. I recommend eating and drinking here, but not sleeping here. Try Hotel Proper.. and coming in Sept will be the newly sold and renovated loews hotel, renamed Regent hotel.

    Room tip: You can find nicer hotels for the same price or less. With working AC and updated rooms. Look around do more research.
    Date of stay: July 2024
    • Trip type: Travelled solo
      • Value
      • Location
      • Sleep Quality
      • Rooms
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    Thank monicabit80
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Daniel Murphy, Guest Services / Front Office at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, responded to this reviewResponded 2 weeks ago

    Dear monicabit80,

    Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback about your recent stay. I am genuinely sorry to hear about the challenges you faced, particularly with the air conditioning in your room. It’s clear that this significantly impacted your comfort and overall experience, and I deeply regret that we were unable to resolve this issue to your satisfaction.

    I understand how frustrating it must have been to have the room temperature not meet your expectations, especially given the investment you made in your stay. Your feedback about the AC issues and the response time from our team is concerning, and I will be sure to address these points with our management to ensure more effective communication and timely resolutions in the future.

    I appreciate your positive comments about our gym, spa, and dining experiences. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the amenities and services we offer, despite the challenges with the room temperature. However, I am sorry that the overall experience did not reflect the high standards we aim to provide.

    Regarding the lack of direct beach access and the resort fee details, I apologize for any confusion. We will review our communications to ensure that guests are fully informed about the actual proximity of the beach.

    Your feedback about the noise, restaurant service, and pool area is valuable and will be used to improve our operations. I am grateful for your detailed review, which helps us address these issues more effectively.

    Please contact us directly if you would like to discuss your experience further or if there is anything else I can assist with. I hope you’ll consider giving us another opportunity to provide you with a more enjoyable stay in the future.

    Thank you again for your feedback.

    Warm regards,

    Daniel Murphy
    Guest Experience Manager

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