Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Massive, clean-lined and modern, featuring wood and glass rooms each with private ter-
races, this is one of the newest hotels on Ocean Ave, and the only gold LEED-certified
hotel in Santa Monica, which means it has a reasonably light footprint. Case in point: the
lovely back garden is seeded with drought-tolerant plants.
Venice
Venice Beach Inn & Suites
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
310-396-4559;
www.venicebeachsuites.com
;
1305 Ocean Front Walk; r
from $159; )
This place right on the Boardwalk scores big for its bend-over-backwards staff, and its
bevy of beach toys for rent. There are exposed-brick walls, kitchenettes, wood floors and
built-in closets. It's ideal for long stays. Kitchen suites are big enough for dinner parties.
Hotel Erwin
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
800-786-7789;
www.hotelerwin.com
;
1697 Pacific Ave; r from $263;
)
An old motor inn has been dressed up and otherwise funkified in retro style. Think: eye-
popping oranges, yellows and greens, framed photos of graffiti art, flat screens, and ergo
sofas in the spacious rooms. Book online for the best deals. That rooftop lounge is a won-
derful place for a sundowner.
Long Beach & San Pedro
Queen Mary Hotel
SHIP
562-435-3511;
www.queenmary.com
; 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach; r from $99;
)
There's an irresistible romance to ocean liners like the
Queen Mary,
a nostalgic retreat that
time-warps you back to a long-gone, slower-paced era. Yes, the rooms are small, but the
1st-class staterooms are nicely refurbished with original art-deco details. Avoid the
cheapest cabins on the inside - claustrophobic!