Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [130]
Inn at Playa del Rey B&B (off Map; 310-574-1920; www.innatplayadelrey.com; 435 Culver Blvd, Playa del Rey; incl breakfast r $175-285, ste $305-425; wi-fi) A gorgeous rambling cottage, this quiet and impeccably run inn has clean rooms with a contemporary feel (some with balcony or fireplace) and overlooks a bird sanctuary. You’re close to the beach and marina, so ditch the car and hop on a free bicycle, then brag about your day’s adventures at the evening wine reception. Sensational breakfasts, too.
Inn at Venice Beach (Map; 310-821-2557, 800-828-0688; www.innatvenicebeach.com; 327 Washington Blvd, Venice; r incl breakfast $180-260; wi-fi) Close to the beach, the Venice canals and bars and restaurants, this value-conscious motel sports brightly hued rooms with a good range of amenities. All wrap around a central courtyard perfect for munching your free muffins in the morning. Parking costs $4.
Venice Beach House (Map; 310-823-1966; www.venicebeachhouse.com; 15 30th Ave, Venice; r without bathroom $145, with bathroom $195-225; ) This ivy-draped B&B in a 1911 Craftsman bungalow is a genteel retreat from the Venice Boardwalk hubbub, which is a mere block away. If early-20th-century vintage living appeals, you won’t mind the slightly faded elegance of the nine rooms, some with shared bathrooms. Romantics should snatch the James Peasgood room with twin Jacuzzi. Parking costs $12.
South Bay Beaches
Those not used to the frenetic energy and multicultural hodgepodge of big cities may feel less overwhelmed in the clean, quiet and affluent communities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and, to a lesser extent, Redondo Beach. Manhattan Beach is also quite close to LAX.
Budget
Surf City Hostel (Map; 310-798-2323, 800-305-2901; www.surfcityhostel.ws; 26 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach; incl breakfast dm $25, d $60; wi-fi) Steps from the sand, this convivial hostel puts the ‘fun’ in funky. Halls, dorms and rooms are splashed with cool murals, but clean freaks won’t be too impressed. We do like the kitchen and long list of freebies (tea, coffee, linen, wi-fi, bodyboards, storage). If you’re looking to spend your days beaching and your nights partying, this is your place.
MIDRANGE
Best Western Redondo Beach Inn (Map; 310-540-3700, 800-780-7234; www.bestwestern.com; 1850 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach; r $100-195; wi-fi) This well-kept Med-style property is a fine choice for wallet-watching nomads. Room decor is typical motel-issue (think flowery bedspreads and draped windows) but you won’t miss any of the basic comforts and amenities. The beach is about a half-mile away – be there in minutes by renting a hotel bicycle.
Sea View Inn (Map; 310-545-1504; www.seaview-inn.com; 3400 N Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach; r $125-265; wi-fi) Rooms are nothing special and the four-block steepish trek to the beach is a calf-stretching workout, but otherwise this friendly, rambling property has a lot going for it, including free bikes and beach chairs and boogie-board rentals. The nicest rooms have ocean-facing balconies; the quietest ones face the alley.
Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club (Map; 310-379-8481, 800-468-4292; www.hotelportofino.com; 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach; r $170-320; wi-fi) This ’60s oceanfront property next to the Redondo Pier recently went from drab to fab and now blends urban sophistication with nautical lightheartedness. Definitely get an ocean-view room with a balcony for watching the sunset and an adorable (if noisy) sea-lion colony. Marina-facing views overlook not only boats but also a power plant, partly hidden behind a Wyland whale mural. Parking is $15.
Belamar Hotel (Map; 310-750-0300, 888-235-2627; www.belamar.com; 3501 Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach; r $190-220, ste 300-780, child under 12 free; wi-fi) If it were