Loews Santa Monica Beach offers oceanfront relaxation.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel opened in 1989 as the first beachfront hotel in Los Angeles. The city resort has the Pacific Ocean on one side and the colorful cityscape of Santa Monica on the other. Catering to business, leisure and meeting travelers alike, this four-diamond beachfront property features a new oceanside restaurant, fitness and health spa, and an array of nearby activities and attractions, according to John Thacker, Regional Vice President and Managing Director.

The hotel redecorated its building exterior, and completely remodeled the hotel entrance, lobby, lobby bar, Arcadia Ballroom and all 340 guestrooms with help from Santa Monica-based Hirsch Bedner Design Company in 2001.

"With our entertainment-based clientele, we want to offer a home-away-from-home atmosphere and bring a fresh look to the beach," said Thacker. "'The contemporary California casual ambiance we've created gives guests a comfortable place to conduct business or escape from work for a few days." The breezy updated design features 45-foot high palm trees inside the four-story atrium lobby with flowing fabric draped from the ceiling. Seating areas are composed of comfortable sofas arranged to accommodate a quick side meeting or an afternoon cocktail. Shopping is available with the addition of 1700 Ocean Jewelers, a fine jeweler located in the lobby. Complementing the hotel's vibrant look is the exterior color scheme of continental cream-yellow with blue awnings. Guests enter the circular drive and are welcomed by a soothing fountain in the center surrounded by fresh flowers of the season. The porte cochere has been replaced with a grand yellow canvas awning over a brushed aluminum revolving door flanked by two sets of double doors.

GUESTROOM MAKE-OVER COMPLETE

Guestrooms received a dramatic facelift with new drapes, wall coverings, furniture and bedding in warm, residential tones, mirroring the hotel's fresh spirit. Staying at the forefront of guest conveniences, guestrooms are workspace-friendly, outfitted with contemporary executive desks, floor lamps, artwork and Internet capabilities.

The Palm Suite, the hotel's 2,192-square-foot presidential suite, features a fresh California ambiance with an upscale residential feel. The suite is endowed with a formal dining room, oversized living room, a Yamaha baby grand piano and a spacious outdoor patio. Plush bathroom amenities include his and hers showers, new state-of-the-art whirlpool with a ceiling filling faucet, skylight, color television and bidet. Most of all, the Palm Suite offers over-the-top, front row views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica beaches and Santa Monica Pier.

The perfect location to combine business with pleasure, the hotel offers 17,000 square feet of meeting space, including a chandeliered ballroom that accommodates up to 900 guests reception-style; a junior ballroom: and multiple conference breakout and hospitality rooms. Functions range from black-tie balls to carousel cocktail parties at the Santa Monica Pier, just two blocks away.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel has recently upgraded its poolside experience. The new oasis creates an ambiance of comfort and beauty without ever having to leave the hotel. Upgrades include expanded seating options with 20% more chaise lounges and additional portable space heaters that allow pool deck parties to happen under the stars. Expanded/upgraded poolside food and beverages menus and offerings include a full-service cabana that meets the needs of any sunbather. New poolside bistro/bar seating is a warm teakwood that invites guests to sit and sip all afternoon, and new music choices liven up the area.

Ocean and Vine, the hotel's new restaurant (opened in January 2005), is now complete with an ultrachic lounge, revamped bar area, and fireside vignettes--the perfect place for flights, feasts, and fireside chats. Serving farm-fresh cuisine with exquisite wines and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offers panoramic views and the option to dine al fresco on the garden patio.

"We've invested more than $1million on Ocean and Vine to bring a fresh, innovative vibe to Santa Monica's shoreline," said Paul Maddison, Director of Food and Beverage. Leading the culinary operations is renowned

Chef Gregg Wangard, whose seasoned career spans the globe. His classic technique and use of the freshest ingredients has earned coveted acclaim and loyal clientele. Guests will enjoy approachable food, interactive menus and personalized service that consistently exceeds expectations.

Ocean and Vine will take advantage of the hotel's California casual ambiance and central location with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the colorful cityscape of Santa Monica on the other. Upon entering, guests will be drawn to the central oversized fire pit, and plush circular couches that invite them to sit and sip for hours. The Papillon lobby bar and fireside lounge faces the ocean and pool. Guests can unwind over martinis and light fare amidst panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows. Specialty cocktails include the hotel's signature line of seasonal cocktails.

RELAX, REJUVENATE AT THE SPA Guests looking for ways to relax and recharge do not need to look far--Ocean Spa & Fitness

Center has everything to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. The 6,000-square-foot spa is adjacent to the hotel lobby and features six treatment rooms, including four for dry massage and two wet/multi-use skin care rooms. A cardiovascular room offers treadmills, bikes, cross trainers and a cardio theater. A fitness studio features yoga and Pilates classes and a full-service beauty salon offers cutting-edge hair styling and complete nail care services.

Luxurious locker room facilities include steam and dry saunas, showers and bath amenities with pre- and post-treatment relaxation areas. A guest convenience center offers beverages, Pevonia and other spa products, as well as resort wear. Outdoor facilities include a heated swimming pool perfect for laps and Jacuzzi, and several walking/jogging trails.

Spa services include a full range of body treatments, from wraps and polishes to aromatherapy salt glows. Specialized facials for men and women are available. Several massage therapies, from Swedish and Shiatsu to aromatherapy and reflexology are offered along with complete salon, services from hair and scalp treatments to nails and waxing.

Spa packages are available for hotel guests, who can enjoy the fitness studio and spa facilities without charge. Limited local memberships are available for $105 each month with a $105 initiation fee. Membership fee includes access to fitness studio and classes, steam and sauna, pool and Jacuzzi, and reduced rates on spa services.

PERSONALIZED FITNESS PROGRAMS

Also based at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel's fitness center and spa is a one-week "Way to Wellness" individualized training and personal fitness program offered through State of the Heart Fitness[R]. The intensive one-week "Way to Wellness" getaway is a comprehensive, customized program that helps participants achieve balance through exercise, proper nutrition and stress management.

"Way to Wellness" provides education, coaching and support--elements sorely lacking in most traditional fitness programs. With these tools, participants are more likely to achieve desired results while establishing the building blocks necessary to live a life of health and fulfillment along the way.

"Our goal is to create a positive experience for people of all levels--physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually--so they are able to jump-start their fitness regimes and learn how to successfully integrate wellness into their lives," explains Lisa Brisse, exercise physiologist and cofounder of State of the Heart Fitness.

"With our one-week wellness getaway, we teach our clients how to focus on body, mind and soul so they gain more energy, reduce stress and provide the tools to lead a more fulfilling life."

Keeping in step with Loews Hotels' Good Neighbor Policy, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is integrally involved with local organizations like Meals on Wheels, Ocean Park Community Center, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, John Muir Elementary School, P.S. Arts, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and many others.

For information and reservations, guests can contact Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel at [phone], toll free (800) 23-LOEWS [[phone]], e-mail [e-mail] or check www:loewshotels.com.