April 2011
My wife and I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel extensively and we actively seek out upscale boutique hotels. We have enjoyed Halcyon and Landau in London and the Lord Byron in Rome. All have figured out the importance of attention to detail, particularly the little things. Shade has that down to a science. Your location is amazing as well, 20 minutes from LAX and walking distance to all the pubs and restaurants you could imagine. We loved Cafe Pierre and a little dive bar called Erkels around the corner. From upscale French to dollar Dodger Dogs, it does not get any better. The Bloody Mary's in your lobby bar were a thing of beauty as was the breakfast spread. We did not even rent a car this weekend, everything we needed was less than a 15 minute walk. Shade is one of our favorite hotels in the world. The attention to detail and quality of service is equal to any Ritz or Four Seasons...Actually, I prefer Shade. We will return ASAP.
Thanks again,
Nick Puglin
September 2010
Shade was as advertised - a luxury boutique hotel offering stellar service and accommodations. The rooms are roomy and well appointed, and the staff are attentive and knowledgeable. Although I was hoping to stay on the beach, I can say the 2 - 3 minute walk to the beach was always more interesting than inconvenient. The dining opportunities are many, varied and again within walking distance. The complimentary breakfast and bicycles were a nice surprise. Given my taste - smaller, more intimate hotels in trendy areas - Shade definitely rates a return stay.
Brian Hoover
July 2010
I had stayed at Shade for a bachelorette party, in the past, and thought it was the perfect single's get-away. It's tucked along a quiet, tree-lined street in one of the best beaches in Los Angeles--Manhattan Beach. But, it's also walking distance to some great restaurants and bars. But, as ideal as it was for a single's weekend, I have to admit, I enjoyed it even more after I got married and my husband planned a romantic Valentine's Day retreat! We had champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries awaiting us and an incredible dinner that night. In the morning, we strolled down to the beach for a walk and returned to the venue for a delicious breakfast. I am a huge fan of Shade. I have been there for evening drinks with friends and even on my first date with my husband for a glass of wine. It's sophisticated, yet laid back. I've rubbed elbows with professional basketball players there without even realizing it. It's a refreshing change from some of the trendy LA hotels that lack the warm, laid back feel that Shade exudes!
Debbie Goldberg
July 2010
Shade Hotel is one of those hotels you will never forget! My husband and I stayed there last spring to get away for a few days, and it was wonderful. The hotel itself is very cool - lots of very cool looking people go there and work there. The staff is very helpful, but they give you your space. The wines at the bar are great; if you drink wine you will be impressed! Manhattan Beach is a cute town with lots of shops and places to eat. Ask the staff at Shade where to eat - we did and all of our meals were great! The hotel has a hip, relaxed vibe with a hint of sophistication. We really enjoyed our time at Shade and will go back. I say check it out!!
Karen Varacek
June 26, 2009
One comment - overall probably the best boutique hotel experience I've ever had!
Brian Roepke
January 2009
Beautiful! Your standards, taste, quality, and attention to fine detail far exceed any other luxury hotel. Not overstated or too ornate - you and your team created an exceptional experience, thank you for a journey to true elegance.
We usually stay at another boutique hotel when we come to Manhattan Beach - and decided to try Shade this time - it was a great change! I already recommended Shade to two friends - and will continue to!
Jacquelyn Russum
July, 2008
Shade was a fantastic experience from start to finish! With a background in the visual arts, I am always aware of architecture and design elements. Every aspect of Shade is beautiful in an elegantly understated way - From the floral arrangements in the Zinc Lounge to the river rock flooring in the shower.
I can’t imagine a better place for a business stay, a weekend retreat or a romantic adventure! The hotel is designed on an intimate human scale, yet, our room felt absolutely private. The small simply appointed patio was an extra treat.
The rooms are gorgeous, comfortable and playful all at once. Every detail seems to have been attended to. Stretching out on the king sized bed with its comfy duvet was one of those wonderful ahhh experiences. Discovering the sliding shoji screens that surround the Jacuzzi and the mood lighting possibilities led to a quick change in our plans for the evening!
The entire staff was marvelous. Each person greeted us with a smile and what seemed to be a heartfelt inquiry into our wellbeing.
We ate dinner and breakfast at the Zinc restaurant. We were absolutely delighted with both the quality and the presentation of our meals. I’ve actually had thoughts of stopping by at a later date just to enjoy the restaurant (I live in LA).
Weeks later, I am still sighing over my all-too-short stay at Shade.
Patricia Blair
March 25, 2008
Roland and I want to thank you for all your help in making his 40th birthday party a success. I've been bombarded by emails and calls from those who were there on Saturday saying that they loved the food, the drinks and the overall atmosphere of Shade and best of all, they had a great time. Everything just worked out great and your staff was the best.
From the bartender, to the security, to your servers; You all made it a success. Thank you for being there every step of the way and helping pull everything together for us. And thank you for your wonderful suggestions on the food and the overall atmosphere. You two make planning an event effortless in my book.
But the best part is seeing Roland very happy surrounded by his friends and family who were all happy to be there and celebrating with him. Thanks again for everything!!
Best regards,
Rosa Guaderrama
March 7, 2008
On behalf of the Donegan family and their guests, I would like to thank you and all the staff of Shade Hotel for all your efforts on the occasion of the funeral reception honoring Dr. Patrick Donegan on February 12th. You and your excellent staff took everything into consideration and in a caring comforting manner helped us through a difficult time.
The ambience was intimate and luxurious and was impressive to all in attendance. The world class food is still a topic of discussion and we received many phone calls praising us for such wonderful food and surroundings. One such friend of my Father's said to me, "You did your Dad proud".
The Shade experience turned out to be a very special and unique celebration of our Father's life.
Sincerely yours,
The entire Donegan Family
March 18, 2008
Your property is truly top-notch… The property location was amazing, the rooms were clean and well-designed, the lobby/bar was a combination of classy and hip, the sky deck would be ideal for a reception, and the food was absolutely delicious. What impressed us the most, though, was the friendliness, professionalism and knowledge of your staff. They went out of their way to help us, ask how we were doing, help with transportation, etc. We were very, very pleased with our stay.
Thank you for the experience.
Nikki West
Helms Briscoe
April 23, 2007
Cannot tell you how much my guests and I enjoyed our visit...I stay at all 5 star hotels and yours should be rated 5+...
Paul Lipschutz
Board Chairman
Waterpure International
April 4, 2007
Thank you for a truly terrific stay…After 20 years in the hotel business, we can get somewhat jaded and robotic in operating and serving guests…It is great to know that you have nothing robotic about service and quite frankly a refreshing sense of service and genuine hospitality…with a little beach worked in!
Ralph Grippo
Vice President & Area General Manager
The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
April 2, 2007
We will most definitely be back for more of Shade...scale of 1-10; we all agreed it was a 10!
Jeff Gore
Stride & Associates
March 16, 2007
On behalf of the Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council I want to thank you for putting on a spectacular event for the Tri-City Luncheon. Your professionalism, completeness, set up and service were outstanding.
City of Manhattan Beach
March 11, 2007
I love this place and will be back. Everyone treats me as family.
Debbie
