WARNING: According to the front desk this place do...

WARNING: According to the front desk this place does not have a set check-in. I arrived at 4:30 pm only to be told that my room was not ready. Over the phone I was told by the hotel staff that check-in is at 3:00 pm and I even knew who I spoke with. However the gentleman at the front desk acted as if he had no idea who I was talking about and was not apologetic nor was he helpful. I asked him for an approximate wait time and he brushed me off and said he didn't know. He told me that the hotel doesn't have a set check-in time. I've stayed at hotel chains including Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz Carlton's, Montage, St. Regis and never have I heard such a ridiculous statement. I don't have a problem with my room not being ready as long as you own up to it and treat your guests in a respectable manner.

Luckily I happened to have my email confirmation on my iPhone which I had to re-wait in line for another 15 minutes to get help from another gentleman. As soon as he saw the email confirmation a room happened to magically pop up. I don't expect this kind of service from a world class hotel brand such as the Fairmont.

On top of being disappointed by the lack of service the rooms are extremely small and the decor is outdated.

Next time I stay in Santa Monica I will give Loews and Shutters a try.

PS They charge $40 a day guest valet parking