Le Meridien is ok... but it's a bit of a hike from the pier and touristy part of Santa Monica. The area immediately adjacent to the hotel is very low key residential. But if you plan to spend a lot of time near the beach, I would stay there... walking to the beach/pier is much easier than driving.

Andaz is near the heart of the Sunset strip so lots more to see and do. Plus the view from the room is pretty good. But be aware that traffic in that part of town is a cluster f@@k 20 hours a day.