Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
70
Tips More Important Advice on Accommodations
The prices given in this topic do not include stat e and city hotel taxes, which run
from 12% to 17%, depending upon which municipality the hotel is based in.
Most hotels in densely populated parts of the city charge for parking (with in-
and-out privileges). Also, some provide a free airport shuttle; if you're not rent-
ing a car, check to see what your hotel offers before you call a cab.
lounge; concierge; health club & spa; heat ed outdoor pool and whirlpool; r oom service; Wi-Fi ($13 per
day; in lobby). In room: A/C, TV/DVD, hair dryer, Internet ($13 per day), minibar.
Georgian Hotel Finds This eight-stor y Ar t D eco beauty offers luxur y com-
forts, loads of historical charm, and a terrific oceanvie w location, just acr oss the str eet
from Santa Monica's beach and pier , with prime O cean Avenue dining just steps away .
Established in 1933, the G eorgian was popular among H ollywood's golden age elite; it
even had its own speakeasy, rumored to have been established by Bugsy Siegel. A wonder-
ful veranda with handsome teak furnishings and unobstructed ocean views opens onto a
light and air y lobby. Two swift antique elev ators lead to guest r ooms that ar e an ideal
blend of nostalgic style and modern-day amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi Internet
access and flatscreen TVs in all the suites. The hotel has an unobstructed coastal vista, so
most rooms have at least a par tial or full ocean vie w; the best vie ws are above the third
floor. The rooms facing the ocean can be a bit small and noisy , so ask for a Malibu view
for the best of both worlds. The back-facing rooms are best for light sleepers—be sure to
request one that has a city vie w.
1415 Ocean Ave. (btw. Santa Monica Blvd. and Broadway), Santa Monica, CA 90401. & 800/538-8147 or
310/395-9945. Fax 310/451-3374. w ww.georgianhotel.com. 84 units. $250 double; fr om $450 suite. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $21. Amenities: Lobby bar; concierge; exercise room; room service. In
room: TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
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Hotel Shangri-La The iconic Art Deco hotel, originally built in 1939, under-
went a $30-million r enovation and reopened in 2009, just in time to celebrate its 70th
birthday. A hodgepodge of modern fixtures, geometric patterns, and bright accents bring
the silver-and-white rooms to life. O ther additions include an elev ated swimming pool
with luxe cabanas, indoor/outdoor r ooftop lounge, and a dining r oom, which sour ces
much of its ingr edients from the local farmers' market. Overlooking Ocean Avenue, it's
not the quietest building on the block; however, a set of double windows—the outer ones
remaining from the original 1930s structure—help to keep some of the noise at bay. All
rooms feature kitchenettes with stainless steel appliances and spacious bathrooms outfit-
ted with both soaking tubs and rainwater sho wers.
1301 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 90401. & 877/999-1301 or 310/394-2791. w ww.shangrila-hotel.com.
71 units. $245-$395 double; from $795 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $33. Rates include conti-
nental breakfast. Amenities: Restaurant; rooftop bar; concierge; elevated pool; r oom service. In room:
A/C, TV/DVD, hair dryer, kitchenette, minibar, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi (free).
Le Merigot If y ou want something contemporar y and spacious, but not too
pricey and prestigious, this low-key luxury hotel and spa will fit the bill. I deally situated
on the sandy side of Ocean Avenue in the heart of Santa Monica's beach scene, the 175-
room property houses a w ell-regarded French-California restaurant, Cézanne, and the
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