Very disappointed with my stay...

Liked: Location
Disliked: No hot water during my stay and very rude gentleman at reception that was no help at all

Exceeded my expectations

Liked: The rooms, pool, lounge and location. Having stayed here when it was ShangtiLa I had low expectations especially based on some reviews but found it fabulous and beautiful hotel and location - love the pool and spa open till 10
Disliked: Lack of breakfast restaurant - this is probably only thing but totally recommend Interstellar restaurant around the corner on broadway

Ideal Santa Monica base, but....

Liked: Loved the pool and location. Huge outside public space. But very chilly by 5pm. Once no longer in the sun. I think once in season this will fix itself.
Disliked: The lounge closed at 4 meaning there was no public space after 5ish to hang out with anyone under 21. Especially a problem in cooler months. The bar which opened about the same time as the lounge closed had a strict 21 age limit.Please open the lounge til 9(??)

Superb

Very good

Liked: Great sea front location. Large room with very good kitchen facilities. Stylish garden with nice pool and hot tub.
Disliked: Accessing our bath was hard as it was very deep meaning a high step in and out. As a historic building the windows are not double glazed so noise from the road and outside is fairly high.

Sonder the Beacon was beyond...

Liked: Room was amazing, as was the over all hotel including valet. Staff were super friendly and helpful. The location was so great, everything you could ever need was in walking distance.
Disliked: Just a couple things these which didn't affect our stay in anyway. Shower head needed replacing, no exhaust fan or window to open in bathroom so it was hard to clear out the steam (we travelled in winter so the showers were hot), and our quilt was a lumpy.

Poor

Liked: Great location
Disliked: Service was so bad, i felt extremely unwelcome in this hotel. I am trying to think about what was good and the only thing that was really good is location. The rest was really disappointing

Relaxing

Liked: Loved the 1920s architecture and style. Great beach sunset views from the balcony. Hot tub bath in suite and lovely pool area. Great find.

Very good

Liked: Excellent location.
Disliked: Do not book any rooms below the bar as the loud music continues until 2am