Embassy Hotel Apartments050

A stay at the Embassy Hotel Apartments in Santa Monica, "Marmont of the West," is like visiting a good friend in the 1920s. At this Moorish inspired Mediterranean revival hotel, which was once an apartment building, you won't get the bells and whistles of valet parking or a bellhop at the ready for your luggage, but you get a quiet walk through the front courtyard, filled with birds of paradise, sweet smelling grasses, and a huge banana tree bearing fruit.

You also get a very warm and personable greeting from Thea at the front desk or Brigitta, the manager, both of whom are willing to spend lazy moments with you oohing and ahhing over the glass doorknobs, carved oak doors, or Malibu tile throughout the building. You get decorative details at every turn that feel historic, artistic, and filled with care. You get high ceilings, wooden beams, soft loveseats, and the wonderful sense that you've walked into some beautiful past.

"Sounds great," you might think, "But a historic place like that with so many beautiful touches probably prefers quiet romantic couples or single travelers." Not so. Quite the contrary. Brigitta raises a hand to her heart and gushes, "I love when families visit! I welcome the children first!?" And she'll tell you stories of her own son and you'll instantly get it that she loves sharing the beauty of the place with anyone, young and old.

Embassy Hotel Apartments offers a multitude of room choices for families of all sizes. Even the smallest of rooms, the Bachelors, would easily be roomie enough for a couple with a baby. And the largest of rooms, the two bedroom suite, could sleep a family of six.

We stayed in a studio - think large, airy California studio as opposed to a NYC studio. We instantly loved the tall ceilings, solid oak wood doors, beautiful light fixtures and wall sconces and the charming, old-fashioned radiators.

The room sports a beautiful wrought iron bed underneath coke bottle glass windows, which provide lovely subdued light. Two other large windows not only provide light, but actually open to let in fresh air. Other furniture includes a desk and a love seat with a matching chair. Wine, gold, beige colors are soothing set against the lovely dark wooden ceiling beams. A cable television also offers HBO and on-demand movies. Free internet service is provided. Rollaway beds and pack 'n plays are available by request.

The retro-style bathroom is immaculately clean, with a shower/tub combination, beveled glass mirrors, and windows that open. A small vanity area outside of bathroom is quite useful for moms who want to put on makeup while the kids are in the bath. Two huge closets and full-length mirrors are also helpful.

One of the best family features is the full-size kitchen - complete with oven, stove, toaster, microwave, coffee pot, large refrigerator, dish wear, pots, pans, and table. The glass door cabinets offer a lovely touch.

There are a variety of rooms; the staff can help you choose which is best for your family.

There's no pool or fitness center. No business center or room service. But you get to sit in the courtyard with your children watching a red-throated hummingbird bathe in the fountain. And you take an easy walk down the residential streets of Santa Monica to the pedestrian-only promenade where you can get some bagels and listen to street musicians with your kids. You get to travel to the heart of Santa Monica, but feel as if you live there.

Embassy hotels is not for everyone, but if you're someone who wants to offer yourself and your family a taste of a charming era that is full of graciousness and warmth, it's the place for you.