Where to Stay - Los Angeles 2010 - page 71

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overlooks peaceful marshland. The impeccably decorated, amenity-laden guest rooms are
outfitted in a classy-y et-casual, sophisticated style that ev okes the best of N antucket or
Santa B arbara; most hav e balconies or whirlpool tubs and fir eplaces. The ultimate in
romance are the spacious View Suites, whose two-sided fireplaces cast a heavenly glow on
both the luxuriously made bed and the inviting double J acuzzi. A beach suitable for
swimming is a short walk away, and bicycles are on hand for cruising a coastal path.
435 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey, CA 90293. & 310/574-1920. Fax [phone]. www.innatplayadelrey.
com. 21 units. $195-$290 double; from $325 suite. Rates include full breakfast and afternoon wine and
cheese. AE, MC, V. Free parking. From LAX, take S epulveda Blvd. north, veering left onto Lincoln Blvd.;
turn left at Jefferson Blvd., which turns into Culver Blvd. Amenities: Bikes; small exercise room and access
to nearby health club; Jacuzzi. In room: A/C, TV/VCR, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).

MODERATE
The Ambrose If being within walking distance of the ocean isn 't crucial, but a
soothing, peaceful environment is, I've found your hotel. Located in a r esidential Santa
Monica neighborhood, the 77-room Ambrose blends the Arts and Crafts movement with
soothing Asian influences—a tranquil J apanese garden, a koi pond, trickling fountains,
beautiful artwork, and a profusion of dark woods and mossy palates. The hotel has been
designated a “ green” pr operty, meaning that it 's committed to conser ving the state 's
natural resources and to lo w-impact living. Most guest rooms are on the small side but
are luxuriously appointed with Matteo Italian bedding, Frette cotton kimonos and bath
linens, and surround-sound CD/DVD music systems. Studio rooms come with terraces
or balconies. It's the many complimentary amenities that really sold me on the Ambrose:
underground parking with direct elevator access, breakfast provided by a local gourmet
restaurant, and even shuttle ser vice around Santa Monica via the hotel 's cute-as-all-get-
out London taxi (trust me, you'll love this car).
1255 20th St. (at Arizona Ave.), Santa Monica, CA 90404. & 877-AMBROSE (877/262-7673) or 310/315-
1555. Fax [phone]. www.ambrosehotel.com. 77 units. $199-$279 double. Rates include continental
breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free valet parking. Amenities: Exercise room; room service. In room: TV/
VCR/DVD, CD player, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
The Hotel C alifornia Finds Situated on enviable r eal estate along O cean
Avenue—right next door to the behemoth Loews—this welcoming hacienda-style beach-
front motel embodies the sur fer/sun-worshiper ambience y ou'd expect fr om a S anta
Monica lodging. The well-tended complex sits above and across an alley from the beach
but offers excellent views and direct access to the sand via a priv ate path. The inn offers
cheery r ooms with California-themed decor , including beds with do wn comfor ters,
Egyptian-cotton sheets, and sur fboard headboards. Five one-bedr oom suites also hav e
kitchenettes and trundle beds that make them great for families or longer stays; all rooms
have minifridges, 27-inch TVs, and ceiling fans. A handful of r ooms have only showers
in the bathrooms, so be sur e to request a room with a tub fr om the friendly fr ont-desk
staff if it matters to y ou. (And no, it 's not the hotel fr om the Eagles' hit—that hotel is
rumored to be in Mexico and the album's cover photo is of the Beverly Hills Hotel.) Tip:
Pay a few bucks extra for a courtyard view, as the cheapest rooms face the parking lot and
noisy Ocean Avenue. And be sure to check the website for specials.
1670 Ocean Ave. (south of Colorado Ave.), Santa Monica, CA 90401. & 866/571-0000 or 310/393-2363.
Fax [phone]. www.hotelca.com. 26 units. $179-$219 double; from $259 suite. AE, DISC, MC, V. Self-
parking $20. Amenities: Jacuzzi. In room: TV/VCR, fridge, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).

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