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bathroom; $170-$235 double with privat e bathroom. Extra person $20. R ates include expanded c onti-
nental breakfast. AE, MC, V. Parking $12. In room: TV, Internet (free), Jacuzzi (some units).
INEXPENSIVE
Cal Mar Hotel Suites Value Tucked away in a r esidential neighborhood just
two blocks from the ocean, this garden apartment complex delivers a lot of bang for your
vacation buck. Each unit is an apartment-style suite with a living room and pullout sofa,
a full-size kitchen with utensils, and a separate bedr oom; most ar e spacious enough to
accommodate four in comfor t. The building was constr ucted in the 1950s with an ey e
for quality (attractiv e tile wor k, large closets). While the furnishings ar en't luxurious,
they're all quite modern and v ery clean, and everything is well kept. It's easy to be com-
fortable here for stays of a week or more, especially since it's so well located, a mere block
from the Third Street Promenade and a short walk to the beach. The staff is attentive and
courteous, which helps account for the high rate of r epeat guests. The garden courtyard
has an inviting swimming pool and plenty of chaises for lounging. Tip: Request a room
on the second floor to av oid the sound of stomping feet.
220 California Ave., Santa M onica, CA 90403. & 800/776-6007 or 310/395-5555. F ax 310/451-1111.
www.calmarhotel.com. 36 units . $129-$229 suit e. Extra person $10. Childr en 9 and under sta y free in
parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Heated outdoor pool. In room: TV, CD player,
hair dryer, kitchen, Wi-Fi ($9.95 per day).
Casa Malibu Finds Sitting right on its v ery own beach, this lefto ver jewel from
Malibu's golden age doesn't try to play the sleek r esort game. Instead, the modest, low-rise
inn has a traditional California-beach-cottage look that 's cozy and timeless. Wrapped
around a palm-studded inner cour tyard, the 21 r ooms are comfortable and thoughtfully
outfitted. D epending on the r oom, y ou might find a fir eplace, a kitchenette (in a half-
dozen or so), a CD player (in suites), a tub (instead of sho wer only), and/or a private deck
over the sand. The upstairs Catalina S uite (Lana Turner's old hide-out) has the best vie w,
while the gorgeous M alibu Suite—the best r oom in the house and, like the beachfr ont
rooms, located right on the beach—offers state-of-the-art pampering. More than half have
ocean vie ws, but ev en those facing the cour tyard ar e quiet and offer easy beach access.
5
There's also a handsome, wind-shielded brick sun deck, which extends dir ectly over the
sand. Book well ahead for summer—this one's a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
22752 Pacific Coast Hwy. (about 1 / 4 mile south of M alibu Pier), Malibu, CA 90265. & 800/831-0858 or
310/456-2219. Fax 310/456-5418. 21 units. $129-$229 garden or oceanview double; $289-$299 beach-
front double; $269-$429 suit e. Rates include c ontinental breakfast. Extra person $15. AE, MC, V. Free
parking. Amenities: Access to nearby private health club; r oom service. In room: TV/DVD, fridge, hair
dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
Hotel Erwin After a year of renovations, this former Best Western was converted to a
hip boutique hotel in J une 2009. Located just off the Venice boardwalk and 200 feet
from the beach, the hotel 's spacious rooms are brightened with beachy colors and duti-
fully equipped with ne w Art Deco-style furnishings, high-definition TVs, and wetbars.
The one-bedroom suites are terrific for families, offering master bedrooms with king-size
beds, with micr owaves, dining ar eas, queen-size sofa sleepers, balconies, and fir eplaces.
Photos of local scenes and rock-'n'-roll legends along with works by local artists give the
public spaces a cool L.A. vibe, and many rooms have at least partial ocean views (the best
views are from the top-floor r ooms facing the ocean). A ne w restaurant, Hash, features
various breakfast hash dishes, and the r ooftop bar, High, has 360-degr ee vie ws of the
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