The Ambrose Hotel Santa Monica

Excellent location with good but not great rooms and a pleasant staff. Was informed after booking for $350 on Priceline that there would be an amenities charge for bikes, car charger, and coffee and tea. I told the desk that the surprise charge was not shown on my booking info with Priceline and we were not using any of the items but they were unyielding and charged me anyway. I disputed the charge on my Amex and while the Ambrose refused to reverse the charge (I won't be staying there again) American Express graciously sent me a note paying me a credit for the amount as a valued customer. The Ambrose could take a note from American Express (a class act) as to how to treat and retain it's customers. The desk also told me there was a $30 or $40 charge for parking and that parking on the street would be very difficult. Literally pulled the car 1/2 block away and found an awesome overnight parking spot for our rental car for free. Good hotel and nice people but beware of the upcharging. I do not mind paying...just don't like these tactics.

I originally asked for a quiet room facing the alley not knowing there’s garbage collection happening at 6am at least on Wednesday. The water pressure in that room was also pretty low. Staff were nice to switch room for me on the same day. The new room has some road noise (not affecting sleep) but no longer having garbage collection noise. Water pressure is much better in this room. In general the service in this hotel is top notch, location is residential, safe, and convenient.

Lovely hotel with great rooms and a very nice lobby area inside and outside with comfy chairs and tables. Location is great, quiet. They have coffee and apples put in the morning and a beer/wine happy hour at night. Many nice little touches that make your stay so pleasant. There are bikes to use and a car that takes you to close locations. The parking garage was very convenient and clean. Loved staying here, would recommend this spot.