Accommodations
Bayside Hotel
2001 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Map
My idea of a vacation hotel. Old school.
Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn
4175 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (888) 823-5333
Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn
Map
A nice enough place though don’t let the picture of windsurfing outside the place fool you: That’s off Mother’s Beach, a marina backwater that ALWAYS gets the worst water quality ratings from Heal the Bay.
Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Map
from $420
At $420 a night Casa Del Mar is a tad rich for my blood—I’ve never been up to one of the rooms (though I’ll wager plenty of people who work the posh bar/restaurant have).
Golden Star Motel
710 Rose Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 399-1208
Map
Quintessential old school motel on the outside, no idea what goes on inside. Shame it’s at Lincoln instead of the beach. Of course, there’s always nearby La Cabana.
Holiday Inn Express
737 Washington Blvd
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Holiday Inn Express
Map
Doesn’t look like much from the outside. On the other hand, hanging out inside a Holiday Inn for anything other than sleep while in SoCal doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Hostel California
2221 Lincoln Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
Hostel California
Map
A former winery, one assumes the hostel to be cheap of friendly (’cause it sure ain’t purdy). Young travelers do hang out lounging in the sun out back by the rental bikes, playing guitar and writing post cards.
Hotel California
1670 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Map
To my knowledge, the hotel has zip to do with the Eagles’ song. Though it does have a weird vibe.
Jolly Roger Hotel
2904 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 822-2904
www.jollyrgr.com
Map
No, the waterfall doesn’t cascade into some swanky cocktail bar swimming pool. Then again, how many hotels sport Tudor-look exteriors, parking lot palm trees and a pirate-flag name?
Le Merigot-a Jw Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa
1740 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Map
Le Merigot
Someone needs to get this place a shorter name. Shmancy place on Ocean.From $310.00
Lincoln Inn
2447 Lincoln Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
Lincoln Inn
From $79
Sort of “No tell motel”-y to me. But I regularly misjudge things…