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Enjoy bottle service 1/2 price…
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Viceroy makes me go...LLLLLLLLLLuv It!
Why:
Lava-hot, Lavishly Luminous, Luscious-Luxury, Lusty-Lovers-inducing, Ludicrously-cool, Lullaby-happy, Lip-smacking Libations...any missing "L" adjectives I haven't included yet?
Insert here:__________...anything but "Lame!"
Luckily stumbled upon this magnificence 2wks ago, 3days b4 my BDay--the very 1st night here, hearts & stars sparkled in my eyes for someone. Then he whisked me into Alice Wonderland-like black/white/green poolside dream.
This charming Mr.Mysterious treated the 2of us to some creamy coffee cocktails. Weeknights: no Lines, no waiting, & plenty of room to enjoy the views w/this Mr.M
If Heaven had a Lounge, Viceroy is the total template. Except w/out Hell-ish prices of course, hence one star docked off. Still, great place to indulge your inner Devil whether w/self, date, &/or other demonic friends. ;-)
Didn't realize how sinfully the bar costs 'til read Yelp reviews afterwards. It's good to be a chick sometimes. But remember, guys w/chunky wallets: you're not paying for just drinks but an unparalleled seduction esp.if you're w/the most appreciative company.
We had made a reservation several weeks in advance to stay at the Viceroy when in town for a friend's production. We selected the Viceroy because we were looking for something fun, romantic and hip. Unfortunately we didn't actually get to stay at the Viceroy along with (3) other parties due to their computer glitch.
While they did buy us a free round of drinks and paid for our night at the Sheraton Delfina it was definitely NOT what we were looking forward to and the least they should do in my opinion. At the Delfina we got a room with a full bed (we had reserved King at Viceroy), a 2.5'x2.5' shower that illicited clausterphobia and toilet paper and linens with that scratchy feeling not the high thread count we were looking for. When I asked if the hotel they were putting us in was equal to the Viceroy they said 'YES'. They reassured me the same designer and level of quality woudl be there. WELL HELLO THAT WAS NOT THE CASE! I am a designer and the two hotels have absolutely NOTHING in common besides Owner interest. Additionally it was about 12 blocks from the beach, not walking distance so we really did not enjoy the scene we were looking for and had to take cabs to / from the promenade and beach.
I called to follow up and see if they would comp us a night so that we could try this trip over in the future and they would not. They said they will give us a discounted rate (who knows what that will be) and the cut off date is through 2009 (it's november already and heavy holiday months). We still have to pay for our flights again, I think the least they could do is give us a free room for a night and maybe have blackout dates but a 2 month window at holiday time is not very accommodating.
Stay at the Shangri La, that's what i'll do when we try to do this trip again.
review of the bar.
doesn't become busy on a weekend until 11 PM. expensive drinks (about $14 for a drink that would cost $7 at a dive bar). but, they drinks are strong, almost, but not quite, to a fault.
older crowd. I'd say the majority were over 30.
it's fairly large, with multiple indoor areas, as well as an outdoor area with pools. and no, nobody gets in the pools.
multiple bars, as well as waiters that take orders regardless of whether you standing or sitting. you can valet, but there's plenty of parking on nearby streets.
fancy interior. dress to impress. it's worth more than one visit.
In a momentary ego centric driven re-read I noted I only rated Vicky with 4 stars and I have no idea why. Maybe the dough? But I haven't been paying the bill. Hmmm... bad service? No, even though last time was a little lacking. I have no reason not to rate this spot as a total fave. I will say I despise their willingness to allow for patio smoking in the back. It's just friggin' repulsive. Nothing ruins a $20 martini more than the smell of your putrid habit. Oh, and once the music was overwhelming loud, but honestly, I still love this place. Some day... just maybe some day I'll rest my little head on one of those pillows.
You can only imagine how much I wish I were writing a review for this hotel, but alas, I am not. I… Read more »
On a business trip, I stopped here after it was recommended by a friend for drinks. I vaguely remember that my drink was good, but what I'll never forget is The Tall Drink of Water my boss got. It was the best summer cocktail I've ever tasted and wrote an email to the restaurant manager to tell them so. I never go out of my way to compliment anyone (but feel perfectly fine putting reviews galore up on here???), but it was worth my time. And I got the recipe from them as well when they responded.
People thought this was:
The hotel is beautiful, i cant believe this used to be a Best Western...
The rooms look great and the bar/patio is very nice, but the drinks are MADLY overpriced. $15 for a vodka & tonic is insane! A friend bought 4 drinks & his total was around $50, its nutty, but the atmosphere is really nice & chill and the DJ was pretty good. This is definitely a 4 star place, but they need to relax on the drink prices...
People thought this was:
I think it might have been kismet.
Yesterday, I distinctly remembered having a conversation with a schoolmate about the awesomeness that was the bar at Viceroy. I had to voice my doubts, because my usual hang outs are the casual dive bars and mysterious hole-in-the-wall joints. Then later that night, I somehow ended up at the Viceroy chillin' and illin' with my homie. I would have to admit, this place is a dazzler.
Let's start this review with the vibe. Never before have I seen such a high concentration of young, beautiful, and rich people. Sure, there was the occasional cougar here and there... but even they look well preserved. From initial inspection you would think this was a pretty pretentious place. But surprisingly, we were not out of place and we were able to strike up conversations with random drunk people. It was pretty cool.
How about that service? Top notch. We were waiting at the outer edge of the bar waiting to be served when the manager, Don, shook our hands and asked if he could take our order for us. I asked him if the bar served absinthe martinis. He said, "no, but we'll make it for you." Later that night, we ran into him again and asked if there were any late night spots we could go to for some decent grub. He recommended Swingers and told us right where it was. This guy was really sweet, helpful, and a nice gent in general. The Don is the shitz yo.
Now the drinks. I only had a sip of my friend's pomegranate martini. Not bad... fruity... yummy... it works. But it pales in comparison to the absinthe martini. That concoction will knock you out in one foul swoop. It went down smooth and it hit you hard all at the same time. I loved it. Martinis here are usually about $13 each. Special drinks, like mine are $18. Sounds a bit much, but with the absinthe martini.... you only need one drink for the night.
I'm giving the bar itself 4 stars. The place was pretty spectacular, but because of the prices for drinks it's not a place I'd want to go to on a regular basis. Great fun for groups. Advice for the guys: be sure to bring in some reliable wing-men.
People thought this was:
I came here yesterday for their summer Fridays happy hour at 3. I was pretty shocked at how many people were there. It makes me wonder, do people work in LA? I felt like i went to Vegas or something.
Gorgeous people in the pool drinking cocktails and DJ spinning a variety of music. We ordered everything on the menu, and my favorite was the Halibut Ceviche. The sliders were ok, but for 5-7 bucks for two, it wasn't worth it.
For the atmosphere, the price (drinks raise in price by the hour) and the feel of Vegas without driving there, I would give their Summer Fridays a 5 stars. Too bad it ends Aug 28.
People thought this was:
If I could give the Viceroy a --5 review I would.
Unbelievably overpriced and tacky, pushy staff. My friend had a birthday party at the Viceroy and rented one of their cabanas. They charged over $2000 ($550 for cabana + $1000 mandatory food/drink fee +20% mandatory service charge) It was ridiculous.
The event manager Sophie Embrey was an absolute pain. She promised she would leave a free valet sticker for the car & totally failed to do so. She charged $30 extra service fee & tax on comped bottle of champagne her manager sent my friend as a birthday gift!!
We could not have 1 balloon without approval & they wouldn't let my friend's guests purchase drinks towards the $1000 minimum. I would NEVER recommend the Viceroy for a private event. Not worth the money for such inflated egos!!!
Do yourself a favor and head over to the Shangri La- went over there for the first time this week & loved the DJ and the vibe at their pool side enclave.
Viceroy- total buzzkill !!!
People thought this was:
I am reviewing this based on a visit for lunch only. Normally I like to visit a place a few times before reviewing it but I dont live in the area, dont think I will be back anytime soon and it was such a nice time that I want to pump out a review for it.
LOVE the way this place is decorated. Its like old-fashioned/antique-y but new and modern all at once. From the lamps to the chairs to the plates that decorate the outside walls, nothing felt out of place. I LOVE the wall of mirrors to the left when you walk in. I love mirrors. They have the power to add instant class to any wall. The bathroom was probably my favorite: vibrant green walls, mirrors, awesome sink, just all so well put-together.
We ate outside in this awesome little cabana out by the pool. All of the staff were pleasant and helpful, although they are the reason I am knocking one star off. Towards the end of our meal a huge group of people who think they are celebrities came in and the staff quickly went into turbo service mode for them, leaving us to sit and wait and wait for our refills, check, etc. Our food seriously took at least 30 min and we had ordered before it was busy. I appreciated the time I got to sit and visit with my ladies, but we were starvin like marvin.
That being said, food was d-lish. The menu isnt huge for breakfast, but they cover all the basics: fruit, eggs, pancakes, some mexican-inspired items, I think even oatmeal. Its a little pricey, but its perfect for a treat every once in a while. I suppose if you live in the area, you already have some extra cash sitting around and probably arent too worried about price, but for us po' folk this place is a bit fancy.
All in all, I enjoyed myself and would love to check it out again if we are in the area for a day or two.
People thought this was:
Gorgeous spot for a birthday party. Although it's possible I am a bit biased, since I just had mine at Blvd3 a few weeks back and loved it. But Viceroy was a great night with chill atmosphere and stellar service.
For my friend's 27th, she did it up by the pool cabana style. The decor was very South Beach cabana. A nice transition to have both the old Hollywood modern glam inside and the laid back chill outside. Beautiful setting!
The service couldn't have been better! We were escorted in to the cabana, all the pre-ordered drinks and food were spaced perfectly, and we never had to want for anything the entire night. Not to mention, their mocha birthday cake with caramel icing was some of the best I had ever had. Seriously, like crack guys...I think I am going to have to join random b-day parties to get some more :P
The crowd and entertainment beyond our party is the only place were Viceroy fell kinda flat. The music mix left a bit to be desired, but its low-key and not particularly a dance place...which is totally understandable. However, the mix of Persian pretty sure they are self-proclaimed royalty "gentlemen", finance guys with comb-overs, and scantly dressed 40 something girls looking to score a sugar daddy for the night (we were approached by more than a few), left a bit to be desired. Don't get me wrong, there were some young professionals and fun tourists too, but over all not the Hollywood or usually filtered crowd.
The reason for three stars...our cabana attendant was supposed to let us know if we were close to reaching the limit of our tab on the cabana (which was already MIGHTY high btw), but my friend got a little bit of a surprise at the end of the night because we had went over by about 20%. She was laid back and signed off, but was a bit more generous than I would have been.
For the experience, it was a beautiful venue and amazing night with friends. (but be leery of the crowd and extra cost)
People thought this was:
Over a hundred reviews later, I got nothing new to offer here. But I love it. I love the pool area. I love the sexy vibe. I love that you can sneak a smoke here. And the people watching is good. I love it. A little pricey if you're not careful. (I don't love that so much.)
Check out a few good deals that they're offering here:
Happy Hours on Fridays
Drinks start at $2 at 2:00 and $3 at 3:00 up until 6:00.
(Even that's not original)
On Monday and Tuesday, they offer bottles of wine for $25 that they normally charge a hundo for (Suhweet). Bodega has a similar happy hour deal, but the wine selection is going to be way way better here.
People thought this was:
Cougars, chic decor, and a cool swimming pool area on a Thursday night is the culmination of factors that incorporated my time here at the Viceroy. With my companions Tim and another friend of ours (whose name has escaped me at the moment) we were off to check out this nice little lounge in LA that has "spoiled little LA girl" (word to Kanye) written all over it. The line was fairly long outside, and it took almost a good 40 minutes before we got inside.
I was surprised with the amount of older professionals that frequented this spot (aka Career oriented Cougars). Outside with the pristine swimming pools and outdoor seating with propped up tents, you would think a ton of would be Nefertiti's of Egypt would reside with their own little personal fan boy, feeding the ladies grapes. Fortunately that wasn't the case but it wasn't really hard to imagine at the same time. The service was pretty good, the drinks were stiff and pricey ($15.00 for Jack and Coke; not including tip). Overall, until I make Hollywood headlines and maybe a couple of extra zeros in my bank account, will I actually get the full Viceroy experience. Until then, I'm good with cougars trying to sniff me out as fresh meat and seeing what kind of a "high life" is expected when in the LA area.
People thought this was:
The interior design space by Kelly Wearstler is artfully done - whimsical, Hollywood Regency meets deco. The hotel itself has a very modern, fresh vibe and the location is pretty good. Overnight parking costs $30 or $35 (woops I forgot) but the 2nd car parked is only $5.
The pools could be larger in the back, but I wouldn't want to give up all that comfortable seating.
Service is pretty good, it better damn well be, for that amount of money!
People thought this was:
Great hotel, great location. The decor feels old-school (think 40s Hollywood) but without being tired or hackneyed. It feels like a hybrid of Miami Beach and Hollywood noir, with a dash of Manhattan (they have a library off the lobby, for example). The pool area is a great place to lounge, though it sometimes feels like they've tried to pack a little too much into a small area - pool chairs for sunbathing, leather easy chairs for socializing, three cabanas, sometimes a DJ station, all right next to the restaurant. Still, it all somehow works (though on weekday happy hours there can be a bit of a B&T element there).
Rooms are large and comfortable. We opted for an ocean view king. If you want a real view, make sure you get a room on or above the 6th floor, otherwise you'll be partly blocked by Casa del Mar and Shutters. But the views are great. Decor in the room continues the theme. Flat-screen t.v. (which we never used, but was nice to have). When you open the sliding glass door you get a great blast of beach air, but if you're on a lower floor be prepared to hear MTA buses roaring by as well.
Bathrooms are not usually places I comment on, but the ones at the Viceroy are gorgeous - marble floors and walls, big mirrors, big comfortable showers. Great products (again not usually something I take note of). Only hiccup is that the shower heads are subpar - they need to install some serious hardware, the ones they currently have feel like they belong in my college dorm showers.
Staff are very friendly and ready to help; the concierge in particular is a big help. They won't send you to tourist traps but really want to make sure that you find the kind of place your looking for. I grew up in L.A. and appreciated the fact that they recommended places that I would frequent if I still lived there.
All in all, two great stays. We'll be going back.
p.s. weeknight happy hour starts at 2, and drinks are priced according to the hour until 6. Nice touch.
People thought this was:
Preface: I've never stayed at the Viceroy, so this is just reviewing the nightlight it offers.
The Viceroy is cheesy. For me, the decor was jenky and trying too hard to be posh. White leather chaises, dark rooms, mirrors and green light fixtures. Drinks and food are average but over-priced. The crowd usually consists of VCs, entrepreneurs, European tourists and douchebags.
Outside of the poolside cabanas, I do not recommend the Viceroy at all.
For a similar but slightly better experience in Santa Monica, visit the Huntley Penthouse. Or if you'd trek to mid-city, I highly suggest checking out Jose Andre's Bazaar at the SLS.
I recently relocated to So Cal and stayed in the Viceroy for an extended period of time. The staff are extremely friendly, the bar is hip and trendy and Whist, the restaurant, rivaled Rustic Canyon. The stylish outside patio and pool deck has the feel of a Caribbean retreat, not that of a bustling city hotel. Great spot for a night out or a weekend getaway.
People thought this was:
The hotel is amazing, the vibe here is fun and the staff is extremly friendly. This is a great spot for a night out of drinking or a weekend getaway. The pool side cabana is cool. the views are pretty good here.
Wins all time favorite hotel from me. From the outside, its not so impressive but when you walk in, it's a different story. Sorta like "don't judge a book by it's cover". "Classic sophistication to contemporary chic" 60s French Mod.
We get out of our car and right away the bellboy came immediately to help us with our bags. Walk to check-in area and was offered 2 glasses of complimentary champagne.
I really liked the color palettes used for the hotel. Right when you walk in you see the usage of impressive range of retro colors. There's a yellow room full of books on black diagonal shelves. When you walk out to the back, you'll see poolside cabanas, dining area, and pool. Colors range from blue walls to yellow or white lounge seats.
Walked in our Grande Room and I was estatic. The room had a perfect blend of everything I wanted. Custom king bed with down comforters and pillows, plain white bedsheets(hate floral sheets), expanded sitting areas, OVERSIZED bathroom areas, IHome, bathrobes, choice of daily newspaper and Ocean View! Body and hair care products by Aromatherapy Associates.
Walking distance to Main St if you want to check out some stores and restaurants.
Next morning, we had easter brunch at Viceroy's restaurant Whist. Food served buffet-style with unlimited complimentary champagne, bellinis, and mimosas. Scones and bread served.
Eggs benedict, grits, oysters, crab stuffed avocados, devil's egg, duck salad, cheese, desserts, and more! We were even able to box up our desserts we didn't finish.
Service is beyond excellent in every aspect.
Beyond met my expectations and I will definitely consider this hotel again.
People thought this was:
I have stayed here a couple times in the past... i have always been fond of this place. I was so happy when my friends said that the place was super crowded... so we quickly left the Beverly Hills roof top hotel bar to hop over to the poolside at the Viceroy. And they were right; it totally rocked last night. The music, beautiful people, and overall great fun vibe made me have a bitter-sweet feeling in my stomach. I love San Francisco, but Santa Monica would be without a doubt my second choice for place to live. Last night was so much fun at the Viceroy:)
I've been to the Viceroy a couple times and each experience gets better.
1st time was for a tech event, the pools were covered so you could walk over them. Because it was a tech event it was definitely hard to get a feel for the hotel itself.
2nd time was for drinks on a Saturday night with the girls. The bar was crack'n, but I still wasn't super impressed. Drinks are pricey, which makes sense considering it is a pricey place.
3rd time's a charm! The bar was crack'n on a Tuesday night and despite there being an event outside, they still brought chairs for us at the bar. The cocktails are nothing spectacular; as a matter of fact, if you're looking for a good innovative cocktail I would recommend against going here. But, the wine list is nice as are the appetizers. We had the cheese & charcuterie platter and the crab cakes - both delicious!
The rooms are super cool, hallways are dark, and I love the decorations in the lobby.
Shwanky, snazzy, and sexy. Gorgeous hotel looks like a transplant from South Beach, Miami.
I visited Viceroy for some drinks and bites in their lounge area. Upon evaluation as a non-guest this place is ah-mazing. The decorating is impecable: every room, corner, side lamp, bookshelf is styled to a tee. Retro, Mod, classic, Beachy, emphasis on white w a splash of color.Their pool is huge and inviting, makes you want to jump in for an evening dip. I cant imagine how incredible the pool is during the day (even sans-beach view).
I loved the lounge area! Very comfortable and welcoming for groups to nosh, drink and mingle. Noshes=fantastic. Prices were reasonable for the portion size you receive. I ordered the crab cakes which were large, plump, and the size of 2 cupcakes. And a whole-wheat flatbread pizza dish that overflowed my plate. Clearly, I didnt need both dishes but was pleased and had a nice little table to pig out on while others sipped their drinks.
If you are looking for a zesty, upbeat lounge to sport your blazers rather then Rainbows, this is a great spot in Santa Monica!
People thought this was:
There are four things that make this hotel amazing; the staff, the nightlife, location and the ambiance downstairs in the lounge area. The staff went above an beyond to make sure we were comfortable. Can we get them a tip jar puhleaz! Also on Friday's, from 2-7pm, they feature hot summertime drink specials priced according to the hour. Yup, you could pay $2 for a glass of select vinos at 2pm and so on! Now that's a great perk!
If there was one down side to staying here I'd have to say that it might be the maid service. We noticed that our room wasn't cleaned at all one day. Granted we left the room at 11:30 am but hmmm. That just seemed odd. I'd also recommend getting a room that's on a high floor as the noise from the traffic can be annoying. Thankfully, when we mentioned that the staff was quick to change our room assignment.
Looking forward to coming back to this hip, urban, playground.
I'm not a big fan of the bar scene at the Viceroy. It generally seems like you've been dropped into an episode of Entourage. Not my favorite crowd. So when we decided to grab a room to prevent a late night DUI apres Italian Bike Night, I tentatively made a resie at The Viceroy.
I hopped on the MV Agusta and checked into the hotel around 4pm. They had special motorcycle parking...what do you know, there was another MV Agusta parked there. That was a good sign.
The check in girls were quite friendly...offered me a nice glass of champagne, upgraded me to an ocean view room and gave me a 20% discount on food and bevies during my stay. They were uber apologetic about the impending filming of "The Bachelorette" which would shut down the courtyard.
The room was large, well furnished and had a great view of the ocean. All I encountered were friendly, helpful and happy. Had a chat with Shawn the bartendar (who's MV that was in the parking lot)...another friendly person.
I will be back.
People thought this was:
I went to a private event here last week and the place is top notch! While I never entered a hotel room the lounge/poolside and interior of the main part of the hotel is amazing.
From the outside you can easily be underwhelmed but the inside is magnificent. The lounge/pool area is filled with gorgeous ladies and just has this relaxing yet elegant vibe about it that will make you not want to leave. I was there with about 320 guests and the staff didn't miss a beat with all of us in a group and that is impressive. If your hunting for a hotel in Santa Monica pick this one!
I have a crush on the Viceroy, and have since it opened. This used to be my go-to LA hotel, as I like the Santa Monica vibe much better than most other parts of town, and the Viceroy makes me feel so much cooler than I really am. I had my UCLA grad party in a poolside cabana, and it was fabulous. The restaurant is also very good. The interior design of this place is absolutely stunning - Kelly Wearstler is a genius. They used to have Acca Kappa toothpaste and Voluspa candles in the rooms, and the rooms are nice and some have great ocean views. The only turnoff here is that it's a 24/7 scene...to the point that it's stressful. Especially at night. If you don't mind that, and you want LA chic with Santa Monica chill, this is your place.
People thought this was:
This place is obnoxious. Yes, the decor is cool -- it is a little piece of Hwood right in Santa Monica -- including the overpriced + attitude part.
The bar is a total meat market, including - yes - the overpriced drinks. No happy hour in this house...ever. There are middle aged, leering men with money however, willing to buy a girl a drink if you'll go back to their room afterwards. Gross.
Good band & celeb sightings mid-week, but on the weekends it's just total idiots, paying stupid prices for valet (free! across the street!) and strutting around like - uh - whatever.
The rooms are nice and the beds comfy. Very cool bathrooms! But there are a lot of other cool places in SM for a percentage of the price and way less swagger. And this isnt even beachfront. It's Pico and Ocean. Seriously.
I loved my stay at the Viceroy. This is a beautiful hotel that is near all in Santa Monica. You'll find great shopping, beach and great restaurants nearby.
The rooms at the viceroy are beautiful and mesh the retro with the modern. They have indoor and outdoor bars that set your mood for a great night out. If you are spending the day working at your laptop by the pool be sure to order some great eats that can be found on the menu.
People thought this was:
I'll keep this short and simple, it's a good time for drinks, the music is cool (lounge music), but not really a place for dancing, unless you're hammered and dont give a fug. Tons of douchebags in blazers and easy girls looking for their sugar daddy. Staff was very friendly and valet was quick. $8 for the first four hrs, and a dollar per hour afterwards...which i dont think is too bad for the area. Drinks were pricey, ~$13 for a grey goose and soda, but when you dont have to pay (like me), it dont mean a thaaaang.
People thought this was:
Being in Santa Monica and wanting to go out, I'd heard this was the place to head to. Maybe it's time has passed, since when I got there the inside bar and surrounding area were overcrowded with people my parents' age. Which I'm not frowning on, I'll probably still be going out then too lol, and if I am I'll head here. I just felt a little out of place and like we'd invaded some sort of mature date spot.
So my friend and I headed outside to the "pool" area. Ok, why the quotes? Well, all I saw in the pool area was a square, way too green looking bath tub. Maybe at The Viceroy, that passes as a pool, I dunno. They had some empty cabanas off to the side, and a bar set up, with not many people there, so we gave that area a chance. Ordered up a couple cocktails *gag*, that 2hrs later still weren't finished and sat down to enjoy the "ambiance" or if you will "the scene".
What was the scene outside? Well, first off I felt like I was in some sort of quarantine.. it was all enclosed in plastic and smelled bad. Get that plastic off and get some heat lamps, you cheapo's. Second, it was like a sausage party quarantine.. meaning it was me and about all guys :/
Once in awhile a girl would come outside and I'd get all excited that I wasn't the only girl anymore.. and then she'd go back inside. So I decided it was time to go back inside as well. Got back inside and the place had emptied out quite a bit and the girls I'd seen outside were nowhere to be found.. still just older people. I take it, they came, they saw, they left!
The place is pretty and I like the look of it. The outdoor drinks taste of $5.00 vodka and not much else, the inside is where my 'rents should be "working things out" or "rekindling the flame/keepin' the love alive", and the outside is where the boys hangout.. and really nothing but boys. They all seemed pretty straight by the way they were looking, so if you're single and hunting this place has much to offer. And that my dears is that :)
People thought this was:
I've stayed here a couple of times, the rooms aren't large but the theme from the lobby to the pool to the rooms is very well executed. The bar is a good spot to hang out at night as well as the pool, it definitely becomes a scene as the night progresses.
It's in my top 3 places to stay in Santa Monica so if the other two are booked I'll be back.
People thought this was:
I've been here a few times and I don't know how I really feel about the place.
At times I feel like I am overpaying for too little (ie the room).
Other times I feel like I am getting a steal (the service, lounging at the pool and sitting on my favorite pool furniture while eating great grub) BUT the food and especially the drink aint cheap.
I really like the atmosphere and set up of the place.
And obviously the cameo bar makes staying at the Viceroy great as well. Not a far ride from the bar to your room, always a scene inside and out, and if you're staying you don't have to wait in the pseudo ridiculous line.
Come here with your buddies or girlfriend. Take your parents or wife to Shutters across the street :) Viceroy knows who they want to appeal to and do a pretty damn good job of it.
Ok I think I wrote myself into a 3.5 stars for now.
People thought this was:
I was just as impressed with my last stay at the Viceroy as my first stay about 2 years ago. The hotel is just small enough to seem personal, the staff is pretty helpful, and the funky decor works. Liked the champagne upon check-in!
The rooms are slightly on the small side, but comfortable. The colors in the room are soothing, spiked with bright green arm chairs white lamps. The bathrooms is luxurious feeling with marble and lots of mirrors, large towels, and good soaps.
Since the hotel is a bit of a party destination, I would recommend asking for a room higher up, facing the pool to avoid the noise. Although I noticed there are double sliding doors which do a good job of keeping the noise out. I liked that there were people in the lobby hanging out, it added life to the hotel. The "pool" is more for dipping your toes in, or having a drink nearby, not really for swimming.
Lastly the location can't be beat, only across the street from the beach.
I felt like Malibu Barbie sitting in the adorable white leather chairs with a big silver, embroidered filligree V on them, with mod glass tables, and twall patterned plates, mirrors, or ivory cameos mounted on the wall. The emerald [okay, kelly] lighting... etc. Love the decor, clearly! Kinda smelled odd in the bar, but our drinks were good and the bartender was super nice once he saw us! I had a Cucumber [though I wish I had actually asked for it without the mulled cucumber, I know...]. It was delightful... something with St. Germain in it. Yum! Would totally go back, though cocktails are $13 a pop.
um, can i move here, please? i want to be one of those trashy actresses that lives in hotels and and drinks champagne all day. here. at the viceroy please.
i can't believe how incredibly NICE the people were that worked there. i mean, seriously, NICE. the service was truly amazing. i wasn't expecting that for such a hip LA hotel. here's how my stay was kicked off, i walk into their playfully cool lobby, sit in one of those adorable kelly green chairs, and am checked in by one of their adorable reception boys who kindly offers me a welcome glass of champagne. why yes, i will have a glass of bubbly, thanks.
on fridays, they have a happy hour from 2-6, where the drink price matches the hour. ie, $2 drinks from 2-3, $3 drinks from 3-4. and the bar bites are only $3 each the whole time. we took advantage, of course we did, and yay for the pulled pork sliders.
the rooms are oh so hip, super clean, and comfy. and the husbands only complaint was that the bed was a little too soft. (worked for me tho)
the only surprise was that the pool area was smaller than it looked online and not all the chairs get sun, so you need to be strategic. but it is a very chic area--with covered cabanas, and outdoor dining area, and the most comfy loungers. extra points for big fluffy towels. again, we were graciously taken care of. even when we only wanted pitchers of water no one gave attitude and they continued to check on us.
a group of us had the sunday brunch as part of a wedding party and it was fantastic. totally worth the $40. the spread had the traditional omelet bar, the eggs bennie and french toast. but they also had some amazing, healthy salad options, the beet salad with pistachios & goat cheese being one of my favorites. and if i turned my head my mimosa glass was suddenly full again. you dont really have to ask for much here, but if you do, they are only happy to oblige.
i turned to my friend katie at brunch and said, this must be what it feels like to be rich. to which she so aptly replied, it feels good.
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*IF BORAT WROTE MY REVIEW OF THE VICEROY*
When I go to La Lay to meet my next wife Pamela Anderson, I was stayed here at Viceroy. It nice place (hi-five!). They have many chairs with cushion. In Khazakhstan, 5 star hotel have seat made of goat. It nice but goat not hold still.
Back in US and A I have drink at Viceroy bar and look at people. I think see movie people because the men they wear blue jeans and white sneaking shoes and yet the women they go crazy. The very nice women who look even better than top movie star of Khazakhstan.
This hotel fancy but all white and green and I read that famous designer Kelly Wurlitzer she design interior to look like living room in movie 2001. She hang many plates on walls. It like my grandmother house but in future if she have money.
They even have a swimming of water pool in the back with even more chairs! They have many chairs all everywhere the hotel. They also have elevator for taking to room. The buttons light up when you touch them! This place very nice.
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The Viceroy bar and pool are supposedly the place to be seen in LA. It works in that regards. But the question I'd have to ask is do you really want that in a hotel? The rooms are nice, but the rooms in every hotel in that nook of Santa Monica are nice. It's close to the beach, but a little bit of a hike into the Promenade and the restaurants there. The pool is beautiful (you've seen it featured in such commercials as the Dwayne Wade/Charles Barkley "Who's in your 5" commercial), but it's more for lounging about than swimming.
Herein lies my real problem with staying at The Viceroy. A co-worker and me were staying there for work. We went out for dinner, grabbed a few drinks and caught a cab back to the hotel around midnight exhausted (we were working). Problem 1) when we got out of the cab we got separated because there was a long line to get into the hotel bar. Not such a bad thing, it happens. Problem 2) When I got to the main door, the maitre d' asked me if I was a hotel guest. I showed him my key card and he let me in. My co-worker, however, forgot her key card. The maitre d' wouldn't let her in. I had come back down to get her.
If you're looking for the opportunity to see Lindsay Lohan snort lines of cocaine poolside, then this is the hotel for you. But meh, I'm not in my 20s anymore and that kind of excitement seems a little lame to me. The Intercontinental is just as nice, closer to the Promenade and a little bit less exclusive. I'd rather stay there.
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This was the hotel my wife and I stayed at the night of our wedding. We just came back for a night for our 5 year anniversary and it was even better than the first time. It was so dark and mysterious inside. They take care of the property and staff are always helping you. You feel very special here. The rooms are great. The shower is huge and could probably use a dual shower head, one isn't enough. Nice breakfast place downstairs. This place will cost you some bucks, but for special occasions and the location it can't be beat. Be sure to spend some time poolside at night near a bar, the candles, and music. You will be getting some that night! YEAH!
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A couple of us met up outside the Viceroy's pool area for cocktails and appetizers in honor of my friend's birthday.
Outside, we found cabana style seating, candles galore, pop music blaring from a surround sound stereo, pretty male waiters, leather (pleather?) couches and pillows, glass tables, plants, beautiful outdoor dining tables...and a decorative mural of plates on the wall.
The inside lobby of the hotel is also very eclectic and modern - chic. I can only imagine the price tag for a night's stay -- ouch!
But it's Santa Monica... oceanfront view, steps from the SM Pier and sandy beach -- and you're probably sleeping on silk sheets with silk worms weaving away as you count the sheep. I can only wish to be able to drop a car payment on a night here.
Now, onto the beverages and food; Vanilla Stoli and Diet Coke = $16!!!!
Whaaaat? Would have been nice to know the price BEFORE ordering the second cocktail.
The Kobe burger with pomme frittes was very good...for $20.
Cooked medium, topped with a garlic-mayo sauce, bleu cheese and bacon served in a soft bun. Definitely worth the price.
Overall, I had a pleasant time celebrating my girl's birthday, eating $12 creme brulee with raspberries and sipping $16 cocktails. I was sooo LA last night.
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I've been lucky enough to stay at the Viceroy for more nights than I have digits. Times a few.
I love Kelly Wearstler's decor, the yummy 24 hour room service (I hope the tuna tartare is still on the menu because it kicks butt), perfect beds, plenty of storage, and the views. If you're facing the basin, the only bad parts are looking at the parking lot (you can look up, you know) and hearing the pool area (if you're too low bring earplugs); the good part are the sunrises.
My only issue is with the doucheyness of the scene in the bar and at the pool at night. I can snarkily roll my eyes at it except when I wake up at 1:30am with an asthma attack, an empty inhaler, and call the valet to get my car so I can race to the drug store, only to get downstairs and have to wait for 15 minutes while a variety of douches of all shapes, sizes, and genders (I consider the girls that like these guys douches themselves), drunkenly obtain their cars to go back to their homes in The Hills before I get my rental.
Here's the thing: Guests cars should be out within 5 minutes and should always be prioritized over the douches. It's like a douche penalty.
Anyway, the customer service (outside of my one issue above) rules. I've always been treated amazingly well by the employees to the point of one of their sales staff going far out of their way to help me secure a hotel room when Santa Monica seemed entirely sold out.
This, in an of itself, made up for almost dying from douche.
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Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Category: Hotels
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Category: Hotels
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Category: Hotels
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Category: Hotels
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Category: Lounges
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