Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [129]
Ambrose (Map; 310-315-1555, 877-262-7673; www.ambrosehotel.com; 1255 20th St; r incl breakfast $220-270; wi-fi) This sustainable boutique hotel beautifully blends Craftsman and Asian aesthetics and goes the extra mile when it comes to being green. Standard amenities in the spick-and-span rooms – some with balconies and fireplaces – include recycling containers alongside the gamut of electronic gadgets. Breakfast is an organic gourmet affair.
Georgian Hotel (Map; 310-395-9945, 800-538-8147; www.georgianhotel.com; 1415 Ocean Ave; r $230-300, ste $295-530; wi-fi) This eye-catching art deco landmark with its snug veranda for breakfast and sunset lounging has decor so Great Gatsby-esque that wearing a straw boater wouldn’t feel out of place. The rooms, in soothing earth tones, are surprisingly modern. Cute factor: the rubber duckie in the tub. Parking costs $21.
TOP END
Viceroy (Map; 310-260-7500, 800-622-8711; www.viceroysantamonica.com; 1819 Ocean Ave; r $390-475; ) Behind the hulking exterior, Hollywood glamour meets the seaside at this hip, urban outpost with a campy British Colonial design theme and a color palette from dolphin-gray to mamba-green. All the usual hot-spot trappings are here as well, from poolside cabanas to Italian designer linens, plus a bar and restaurant bustling with socialites. Parking is $20.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel (Map; 310-458-6700, 800-235-6397; www.loewshotels.com; 1700 Ocean Ave; r $210-480, ste $610-2650; ) This fine hotel does everything to put you in the mood for a beach vacation, from the palm tree–lined lobby and fireside lounge to the glass-covered indoor–outdoor pool and sunny rooms decked out in classy, contemporary style. Kids love the Fisher-Price welcome gift, making new friends during supervised activities and raiding the DVD and Game Boy closet. Parking costs $28.
Venice & Marina del Rey
Venice is funkyville and Marina del Rey is all about the yacht harbor. You can have the time of your life in either, and they’re pretty close to LAX to boot.
BUDGET
Hostel California (Map; 310-305-0250; www.hostelcalifornia.us; 2221 Lincoln Blvd; 6-/30-bed dm $21/17, d without bathroom $50; wi-fi) Social types from around the world give high marks to this converted winery for its friendly staff, although standards of cleanliness seem to fluctuate. It’s well linked by bus to LAX and the beach. The budget-challenged can shack up in the 30-bed dorm and boil their ramen in the communal kitchen. Passport/out-of-state ID and onward airline ticket required at check-in.
Venice Beach Cotel (Map; 310-399-7649; www.venicebeachcotel.com; 25 Windward Ave; dm $25-30, r with/without bathroom $80/60; wi-fi) Among LA hostels, this pert little number does the best job in combining amenities with location. Just half a block from the Venice Boardwalk and the beach, it’s a top-rated, friendly, safe and clean jumping-off base drawing a United Nations of travelers (passport required). Free coffee and boogie boards are nice perks but internet access costs about $4 per hour.
MIDRANGE
Venice Beach Suites & Hotel (Map; 310-396-4559; www.venicebeachsuites.com; 1305 Ocean Front Walk, Venice; r $120-280; wi-fi) Everything’s just beachy at this good-value place that scores big for its bend-over-backwards-to-help staff, the free bottle of wine at check-in and bevy of beach toys for rent. It’s an older place, so if you don’t like historic charm, ask for a newly remodeled room. Kitchen suites are big enough for dinner parties. Parking costs $20.
Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn (Map; 310-823-5333, 888-823-5333; www.bestwestern-jamaicabay.com; 4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey; r $160-250; wi-fi) Fronting