Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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6,500-square-foot SPA Le M erigot, which offers a full range of ser vices along with an
outdoor pool and a state-of-the-ar t fitness center. Some of the contemporary-style guest
rooms offer par tial ocean vie ws, and all ar e furnished with plush carpeting, o versize
lounge chairs, and pillo w-top beds with I talian cotton linens. Look for clev er package
deals such as the “California D reamin',” which includes y our choice of a conv ertible
Porsche Boxster or a BMW Z4 Roadster rental car; and the “California Surfin' Safari,” a
deluxe package, a 2-hour sur f lesson, a r ejuvenating full-session S wedish massage, and
celebratory Blue Crush graduation martinis (how very L.A.).
1740 Oc ean Ave., Santa M onica, CA 90401.
&
877/MER-IGOT
(877/637-4468) or 310/395-9700. F ax
310/395-9200. www.lemerigothotel.com. 175 units. $300-$635 double; from $800 suite. AE, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $34.
Amenities:
Restaurant; lobby bar; concierge; health club & spa; out door pool; room
service.
In room:
A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi ($13 per day).
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Kids
L.A.'s finest family-friendly hotel is
also a great choice for anybody looking for comfor table accommodations, an A-1 S anta
Monica location, outstanding ser vice, and a w ealth of first-rate facilities. Loe ws isn't
exactly beachfront—it's on a hill less than a block away—but the ocean vie ws are fabu-
lous. Immediately upon entering, guests ar e wowed by the dramatic atrium lobb y with
its playful SoCal style, which ser ves as a great backdrop for the spectacular ocean vie ws.
The guest rooms have an inviting, contemporary style in light, earthy colors. But the best
news is still the top-rated facilities, which include an ex cellent heated pool, plus the fit-
ness center and spa with a state-of-the-art gym, yoga and Pilates classes, health and fitness
counseling, and full slate of spa and salon ser vices. The restaurant
Ocean & Vine
offers
California farm-to-table cuisine and expertly paired wines to match. The Papillon Lobby
Bar is a classy spot for a drink.
1700 Ocean Ave. (south of Colorado Blvd.), Santa Monica, CA 90401.
&
800/235-6397
or 310/458-6700.
Fax 310/458-6761. www.santamonicaloewshotel.com. 342 units. $349-$489 double; from $850 suite. Ask
about corporate rates, Internet offers, and other disc ounts. Children 17 and under sta y free in parent's
room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $31. Pets accepted.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; poolside lunch
service; bikes; c oncierge; health club & spa; Jacuzzi; oc eanview outdoor heated pool; r oom service.
In
room:
A/C, TV, CD player, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi ($12 per day).
5
Malibu Beach Inn
After a $10-million r enovation, this beachside hotel is one
of the only high-end pr operties between Santa Monica and S anta Barbara. Located on
the famed “B illionaire's Beach” in the hear t of M alibu, the 47-r oom inn has an under-
stated, contemporary design—I imagine this is what some of the nearby houses feel like.
The rooms are tidy with vie ws directly out to the crashing wav es and per fect sunsets.
Each guest can have amenities catered to their wishes—specific wines, CDs, extra towels
if you so desire—which definitely ups the luxury factor. The 44-seat Carbon Beach Club
dining room is now open to the public (it was formerly guest-only) and has indoor and
outdoor seating, just steps fr om the beach. I n the lobb y, sit and sip wines ar ound the
fireplace. When it's time to get out, the hotel is within walking distance to the M alibu
Country Mart and the Malibu Pier.
22878 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu.
&
800/235-6397
or 310/456-6444. F ax 310/456-1499. w ww.malibu
beachinn.com. 47 units. $325-385 double; from $725 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $20.
Ame-
nities:
Restaurant; lobby lounge; concierge; room service.
In room:
A/C, TV, CD player, hair dryer, minibar,
MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi (free).
The R itz-Carlton, Marina del Re y
If y ou're a water craft cognoscenti and
desire a serene view of more than 5,000 beautiful sailboats and yachts fr om your private
