"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.

  • Last visit to Santa Monica: Apr 2006
  • Intro Written Apr 25, 2007
  • Add to Trip Planner (?)
  • Report Abuse

Reviews (11)

Comments (5)

Post a Comment   Submit Comment  
  • icunme's Profile Photo
    icunme Sep 7, 2009 at 12:32 PM Report Abuse

    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!

  • mwamwa Jun 1, 2009 at 10:02 AM Report Abuse

    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.

  • Gillybob's Profile Photo
    Gillybob Nov 2, 2007 at 2:56 AM Report Abuse

    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

  • Bwana_Brown's Profile Photo
    Bwana_Brown Sep 17, 2007 at 3:20 PM Report Abuse

    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!

  • Mariajoy Apr 26, 2007 at 1:52 PM Report Abuse

    Wow! The Huntley sounds swish! Can't believe you didn't even go for a paddle in the Pacific though Tim!!! :))

antistar

“Treat hosts like your girlfriend, and never tell them how wonderful the last one was.”

Online Now

Male

Top 1,000 Travel Writer
Member Rank:
0 0 0 8 4

Badges & Stats in Santa Monica

  • 11 Reviews
  • 16 Photos
  • 0 Forum posts
  • 5 Comments
  • 936PageViews

Have you been to Santa Monica?

  Share Your Travels  

Latest Activity in Santa Monica

Travel Interests

See All Travel Interests (5)

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