Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [128]
Casa Malibu Inn (Map; 310-456-2219, 800-831-0858; casamalibu@earthlink.net; 22752 Pacific Coast Hwy; r $130-470; wi-fi) This ‘California Dreamin’ beachfront getaway on exclusive Carbon Beach was just bought by Oracle boss Larry Ellison, so it’s anybody’s guess what’ll happen to this (thus far) reasonably priced 21-room hotel where Lana Turner used to stay. For now, though, you can still let the crashing surf lull you to sleep.
Malibu Beach Inn (Map; 310-456-6444; www.malibubeachinn.com; 22878 Pacific Coast Hwy; r from $325, ste from $725; wi-fi) If you want to live like a billionaire, stay with one. Hollywood mogul David Geffen has plunked megabucks (chump change to him) into giving this intimate hacienda the deluxe treatment. It’s right near his private house on Carbon Beach and has 47 superdeluxe ocean-facing rooms sheathed in soothing browns and outfitted with fireplaces, a handpicked wine selection and Dean & Deluca goodies.
Santa Monica
A great choice for first-timers, families, artsy and outdoorsy types, Santa Monica is central and gives you lots to do besides the beach. Smokers, though, might feel more comfortable elsewhere (see boxed text, Click here).
BUDGET
HI-Los Angeles/Santa Monica (Map; 310-393-9913, 800-909-4776, ext 137; www.lahostels.org; 1436 2nd St; members/nonmembers dm $28/31, r without bathroom $70; ) Near the beach and Third Street Promenade, this hostel has a location that’s the envy of much fancier places but is low on character and charm. Its 200 beds in single-sex dorms and bed-in-a-box doubles are clean and safe but gregarious types looking for a party vibe are probably better off in Venice or Hollywood.
Sea Shore Motel (Map; 310-392-2787; www.seashoremotel.com; 2637 Main St; r $100-140, ste 150-250; wi-fi) These friendly, family-run lodgings put you just a Frisbee toss from the beach and right by the cafés and indie boutiques on happening Main St (expect some street noise). The tiled rooms are basic but attractive enough, and families can stretch out comfortably in the modern suites with kitchen and balcony in a nearby building.
Bayside Hotel (Map; 310-396-6000, 800-525-4447; www.baysidehotel.com; 2001 Ocean Ave; r $100-210, child under 10 free; wi-fi) With a price tag this modest you know you’re not getting the Ritz, but if you value location over luxury, it ain’t a bad crash pad. Sure, rooms are basic and long in the tooth but who cares when you’re watching the sunset, cold beer in hand, from your ocean-view room.
Travelodge Santa Monica (Map; 310-450-5766, 800-231-7679; www.travelodgesantamonica.com; 3102 W Pico Blvd; r incl breakfast $110-180, child free; wi-fi) There’s plenty to like about this chain entry next to a Trader Joe’s supermarket and steps from restaurants and a funky coffee shop. Rooms are large and spotless (many have kitchenettes) and there’s a courtyard with gas barbecue and picnic tables. The beach is about 2½ miles away, but the bus taking you there stops right outside.
MIDRANGE
Cal Mar Hotel Suites (Map; 310-395-5555, 800-776-6007; www.calmarhotel.com; 220 California Ave; ste $160-205, child under 10 free; wi-fi) The look of this place may be hopelessly stuck in the disco decade, but it’s hard to complain if a moderate tariff buys you an apartment-style kitchen suite close to the beach and hopping Third Street Promenade. A fabulous choice for families and space-lovers, even if noise insulation isn’t the greatest (request an upper-floor unit). Parking costs $10.
Embassy Hotel Apartments (Map; 310-394-1279; www.embassyhotelapts.com; 1001 3rd St; r $170-385) This hushed hideaway is embraced by gardens and delivers 1920s charm by the bucket. A rickety elevator takes you to light-flooded units oozing old-world flair. There’s no air-con but rooms are equipped with modern kitchens. The relative paucity of hotel services makes this place better suited for do-it-yourselfers.
Channel Road Inn B&B (Map; 310-459-1920; www.channelroadinn.com; 219