What a pleasant surprise! Silvio started our stay with an upgrade, 202---which was easily twice the size of our original(had 2 beds and a sofa). The location was perfect & across the street from the beach, pier, and everything else in Santa Monica.
Parking wasn't a huge challenge, there were multiple lots around us. But be sure to plan for the parking expenses. All in all-I would give it a 4.5 out of a 5.
The "only" drawback is that you're directly on top of a bar & lounge that produces considerable noise. This isn't really a problem especially if you're going out that night.