Guerlain Spa at the Regent Hotel, Santa Monica, CA

July 2025

Website: https://www.guerlain.com/us/en-us/c/spa-regent-santa-monica-beach.html

How to get there: This spa is at the Regent Hotel on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica.  It is just through the main entrance to the right.  

Reason for going:  I found and feel in love with Guerlain fragrances last year in London. I was excited when I heard Guerlain Spa would be coming to the Regent hotel. The major renovation was completed September 2024.   It had been on my radar for a while and I was due for some self-care. 

Booking process: It was easy enough to book online through their website. I also called a few times to make adjustments to my booking. The front desk staff was always helpful, professional, and friendly.

Session booked: I ended up booking a one hour relaxation massage.  I had wanted a 90 minute deep tissue but with the $395 price point it was out of budget for me. 

Communication prior to booking:  Great.  After speaking to the front desk staff I would receive an email with my updated booking confirmation.  The day before I received a call confirming and alerting me to the 24 hour cancellation policy.  They also sent a waiver with the confirmation booking to be completed at least 48 hours prior to session. I was told when booking to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to appointment to enjoy the spa facilities. They did leave out the part that I could have enjoyed the outdoor pool while there.

Reception/ checking in:  The front entrance is stocked with Guerlain fragrances and make-up to purchase.  I enjoyed a nice lunch on the hotel patio, at Orla before arriving about 90 minutes prior to my booking at the spa. I had to wait a few minutes to check in then was shown to a seat and given a hot towel and lotion for my hands.  I was taken back to the spa and given a tour of the facilities.

Wait time: After enjoying the sauna and whirlpool. I went to the lounge about 15 minutes prior to my appointment but since there was no clocks in there I had to go back to where the steam room, whirlpool area to check the time. I started to wonder where my therapist was.  She was only a few minutes behind. A clock in the waiting area would have been helpful so I didn’t have to backtrack or wonder what time it was while I waited. 

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Facilities:  Very nice.  The whole spa is light, bright, airy, clean, with a minimalist design. It was immaculately clean. Beautiful tile work flows throughout.  I was comfortable except for the waiting room lounges. They look great but are too firm and funny designs that aren’t very relaxing to sit/ lounge on. I also noticed the benches in the dry sauna were a little loose and could use some tightening. I enjoyed the lemon strawberry water, teas, and light snacks they had available. 

Intake process:  There wasn’t one.  There was a release to sign a couple days before the session but otherwise no written or verbal intake was taken.  I wasn’t asked about accidents, injuries, medications, etc

Therapist: Camela was lovely. I found her personable, professional, and excellent as a therapist.  I felt heard about what I would like more focus on.  She did find a way to implement her own techniques for my benefit even though the massage was a set routine. She had five year experience under her belt which is always enough to see someone is confident in their skills and knowledge but not burnt out. 

Session: The session was excellent.  I had the Imperial Relaxation sixty minute massage. It had soothly work between both hands where they were in sync but doing different strokes. I found it very relaxing and similar to a Swedish massage. It was different from any massage I have received in flow and combinations.  I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it. The only issue was that it was too short! I especially loved the work on my neck, arms, head and face at the end. I could always use an hour of just that. 

The down side I found here was face cradle.  The hole in the table instead of an adjustable face cradle always poses a problem for me.  It puts a lot of pressure on my neck, face, and jaw.  The modification with a towel under my forehead helps slightly but after about ten minutes that really starts to hurt my forehead. I wish they would do away with these and add the separate, adjustable face cradles like the Earthlite tables and majority of ones here in the states.

I like that there was a sink in the room and the therapist could wash her hands after working on my feet before moving on. I wish  this was standard in all treatment rooms.  

The music did keep stopping throughout my session. I think it was a connectivity issue. 

Checking out:  I had to wait a bit for a couple people to be checked out prior to me but wasn’t too long. I was asked if I wanted to leave the set 22% gratuity or change it.  I felt that was fair so left it as is. 

I took advantage of the make-up refresh when I came to the front to check out.  The make-up artist was lovely and I chose my eyes as the area of focus. This was such a nice addition to refresh after a couple hours relaxing. Melanie, the make-up artist also does full make-up application for special occasions.  I would revisit for just that. 

Cost:  The sixty minute relaxation massage was $190.  This was an introduction rate. The hour relaxation massage is usually priced at $240. The prices are pre-tip.

What was done well:  So much was done well.  I felt pampered and valued here as a customer. I really enjoyed that it wasn’t too crowded and enjoyed the clean, newly renovated interiors. The therapist was skilled and the front desk staff helpful and professional.

Needs improvement: I only found very small things like the lack of intake forms, face cradle, loose benches, uncomfortable lounge chairs, and cost not ideal. The whirlpool could also be a lot hotter. It was only lukewarm. It would have been nice to know about having access to the outdoor pool and makeup refresh after the treatment before arriving. I only found out about these by asking questions. I also think an ongoing “locals” price would be more enticing for repeat bookings.

Would I rebook or go back: Absolutely!

Rating: 92/100