Got visitors from out of town, or a visitor to Los Angeles yourself? With a beachside location, ample restaurants and bars, and plenty to do, Santa Monica is a prime home base for visitors looking to explore the city or hit the beach. Read on for where to stay if you're making the trip.
Wyndham Santa Monica At the Pier
A trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Santa Monica Pier, and those that choose to stay at the Wyndham Hotel are fortunate to be three minutes from the beach. The pet-friendly hotel encourages guests to take full advantage of its amenities, including the outdoor heated pool, fitness center, business meeting rooms and more. If you want to take it up a notch and get a room with a beachfront view, make sure to contact the hotel before booking your reservation. Rooms start at $230 / night.
Oceana Beach Club Hotel
For something a bit more occasion-worthy, there's the Oceana Beach Club Hotel. Visitors have given the facility a 4.5 rating, thanks to the great location and "fantastic service" offered by hotel staff. During your stay, choose to take a 20-minute bike ride to the Santa Monica Pier, take a 20-minute drive to Westwood for a tour of UCLA's expansive campus, or head to the Third Street Promenade for world-class shopping. The 70-room hotel features an outdoor pool, spa services, a fitness center and in-room child care; rooms start at $345 / night.
Bed & Breakfast Near The Beach
To get a local experience, book a night at June's bed-and-breakfast, located only six blocks from the beach and Main Street. There, you'll have a private room and bathroom, as well as access to beach towels and a boogie board for beach-goers. In the morning, June provides breakfast items, including coffee, tea, fruit, yogurt, cereal, toast and eggs for visitors. Rooms on Airbnb start at $105 / night.
Charming Home By The Pier
If short-term rentals are more your speed, this new apartment features two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a full kitchen, an in-house washer and dryer and wireless Internet. Start your day with a coffee on the balcony, which offers views of the park, then take a short stroll to the Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier. If you want to bike along the beach, the owner has a bicycle available for guests. Rooms start at $170 / night.
Newly Renovated Apartment
Located six blocks from the Pier, this newly renovated space features a two-bedroom apartment on 5th Street and Broadway, has two bathrooms, two bedrooms, cable TV, an in-house washer and dryer and a free parking spot on offer. Guests have given the home a 4.5 rating, thanks to the responsive host, clean space and convenient location. Rooms on Airbnb start at $145 / night.