California - Santa Monica hotels

Planning 2 "beach" days this September. Must see 3rd Street Promenade and want a comprehensive tour of Hollywood, Malibu, etc. Santa Monica seems to be the answer. Anyone have any thoughts on Loews Santa Monica? Decent area? Other hotel suggestions in $200 per night price range? Thanks! Charli

If you can get the Loews for $200, go for it! It's a lovely hotel - great rooms (just a bit on the small side) & wonderful restaurant, plus the great location. Pop over to Shutters for drinks on the patio, but I think you'll be very happy with the Loews.

There are a lot of fab upscale hotels next to Loews (Shutters, Casa del Mar, LeMerigot, Viceroy); all are probably above $200, but worth checking into to see if any have discounts. You won't go wrong w/ any of them. If you're a Hilton person, there's also a Doubltree that would get you into that range but obviously not as nice as the upscale ones.

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Sharon

Casa del Mar and Shutters are very nice but I think are more in the $400-500/night range. I've stayed at Loews and if you can get it for $200 (not unheard of, but rare) then that might be your best bet. The feel of it is really sort of half way between a big chain and a boutique hotel.

Many thanks for your replies! Looks like it'll be Loews for us. Charli