"Santa Monica" Top 5 Page for this destination Santa Monica by antistar
Santa Monica Travel Guide: 609 reviews and 995 photos
We stayed in Santa Monica in lieu of Los Angeles. Firstly because it's nicer, and secondly because that's where our recording studio was. It's officially outside of Los Angeles, but exists as a part of an enormous unrelenting suburban area that stretches from the Pacific to the horizon, even when you are several thousand meters above ground.
It's a very affluent area. Chic bars, expensive restaurants, and shiny sports cars everywhere. It's a little expensive too. Despite all the money, the place is still pretty relaxed, and manages to attract a large population of homeless people. In fact, that's probably the memory of Santa Monica I will remember most strongly: the most striking juxtaposition of rich and poor I've ever seen.
Santa Monica isn't the greatest place in the world, but it has a pleasant beach, quality restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere, good shopping, and is not too far from LAX or Los Angeles itself. It makes a good alternative to other places in the city.
Reviews (11)
Malibu Beach
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
For me Malibu was always a kind of rum that my older brother drank when he was younger in order to appear more... more travel advice
Venice Beach
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
Just a little south of Santa Monica is another famous beach, this one a little seedier, more tourist oriented, and full... more travel advice
Bay Cities Guaranty Building
Things to Do
(4)
A gleaming white terracotta Art Deco building whose 50 meter stepped clock tower stands tall and proud above Santa... more travel advice
Third Street Promenade
Things to Do
(4)
A fine place to shop, eat, stroll, or just sit and watch the fascinating characters who exist here. Tanned supermodels;... more travel advice
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Hotels (2)
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Latest Santa Monica hotel reviews
- The Huntley Hotel Santa Monica
- 283 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2012 - Shutters on the Beach
- 343 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2012 - Cal Mar Hotel Suites
- 177 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Holiday Inn Santa Monica Beach At The Pier
- 351 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2012 - Seaview Hotel
- 60 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 22, 2012 - Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
- 582 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 22, 2012 - Hotel Shangri-La Santa Monica
- 217 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 18, 2012 - Georgian Hotel
- 891 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Days Inn Santa Monica Blvd
- 65 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 26, 2012 - Sea Shore Motel
- 248 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica
- 533 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2012 - The Ambrose
- 376 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 22, 2012 - Embassy Hotel Apartments
- 219 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Le Merigot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel and Spa Santa Monica
- 234 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 15, 2012 - Best Western Gateway Hotel Santa Monica
- 205 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 18, 2012

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Comments (5)
Interesting observations - SM has always been a haven for the homeless - Venice Beach will always be a culture shock. I do miss good Mexican food!
advertised as Ocean View ,you leaned on window you could see the ocean. partial ocean view. 3 calls before a tooth brush (about 1 hour). The walls not insulated . We almost checked out at 2:00 AM too noisey.
I really enjoyed the very short visit to Santa Monica we managed to fit into our trip to LA - I hope to return some day. Gillybob greetings
An enjoyable and well-written page on an Englishman's insights into the California 'scene' - quite funny too! Nice to see how the rich and famous live. I wasn't so reticent, having dipped my feet in Frisco in '79 while enroute to Papua New Guinea!
Wow! The Huntley sounds swish! Can't believe you didn't even go for a paddle in the Pacific though Tim!!! :))
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