I just realized, I share with all of you boutique hotel picks everywhere but my home state  – California. Well, in light of the fact I will be down in Los Angeles very shortly, to spend an entire week of promoting my books and research for my next book :), I decided to include one of my favorite spots to stay while in the Santa Monica area. In fact, you might just run into to me if you are in Los Angeles – details to follow shortly.

In the meantime, Shutters is a uniquely fun property to stay. A place some may consider overpriced, but it is definitely worth every penny.  There are also some amazing deals on every travel site possible for the property, and also some on the hotel’s own website here, so consider the hotel for sure – especially for a romantic weekend getaway and who knows, you may very well run into some celebrity while you are there.  I also love the fact 3rd street is walking distance as well as the newly renovated Santa Monica shopping mall with high-end shops and boutiques. Also close are the Santa Monica Pier, Malibu, The Getty Villa, beach towns along the coast and fine restaurants, and if you happen to be a fan of UCLA like I am, that’s near by too.