Bait and Switch
We had one night to spend in SoCal before attending a weekend wedding, so we wanted a special place to celebrate our anniversary. Having flown all the way from South Florida, we arrive at this hotel, excited to begin our journey in a "top" rated property. The "Junior Suite" room was booked well in advance (through Hotels.com, which of course the hotel blamed), with special instructions for an ocean view, and that is was for an anniversary. Well, upon our arrival, the front desk informs us that we have been "upgraded" to a "Family Suite", implying that this was better than what we had requested. Well, the "Family Suite" was on the bottom floor, below grade, no ocean view or balcony and stuck in a corner near the exit. We went back to the front desk and said that this was not in fact and "upgrade" and that we want what we orginally paid for....they said "oh, I sorry, we are sold out". This was unacceptable, and a HUGE disappointment for me and my husband. They agreed to refund our money, and we proceeded to go down the street to Tower 23, who not only accomodated us with a 3rd floor, ocean view room, but brought us a welcome cocktail to our room. 
My advice:
Don't count on Pacific Terrace Hotel to honor ANYTHING in a room request and don't set your self up for the chance of getting your special experience ruined.