terryb900

Anyone stay at either of these hotels? We're going to Manhattan Beach later this month and I'm debating which would be a better alternative. They both have their plusses and minuses. I'd like to hear from someone who knows the area or the hotels. Thanks so much.

Jean

Hi. I live in M.B. We stayed at the Residence Inn several years ago over a weekend when we had to be out of our house for termite work. It was OK, nothing special and in a so-so location for a visitor. However, rooms do include fully-equipped kitchens if that's important.

We haven't stayed at the Marriott, but we've put up out-of-town visitors there. It's nice, a typical Marriott, but the location for visitors is very good. Within walking distance: a 9-hole golf course, shopping mall, two movie complexes (22 screens), at least 12 restaurants in varying price categories, two grocery stores, two drug stores and... (ta da!) a Green Line light rail station from you can reach several points in the greater L.A. area (LAX (almost!), Long Beach, downtown, Pasadena, Hollywood, Universal).

I'm curious, in your view, what were the plusses and minuses of each?

terryb900

hi jean -

thanks for your response - as for plusses and minuses - i got the impression the marriott was a bit nicer and a better location - but residence inn has a bit more space, complimentary parking and breakfast. the prices are about the same.

terryb900

Anyone stay at either of these hotels?

Jean

Gee, I'm surprised the rates are nearly the same. I wouldn't put the Residence Inn in the same ballpark as the Marriott.

The rooms at the Residence Inn probably are larger as they include a full kitchen. However, there is really no lobby or much of a "common area," just parking lots surrounding the buildings. The Marriott overlooks a 9-hole golf course and small pool area. Unless things have changed, the breakfast at the Residence Inn is coffee, juice, pastries, cold cereals.

There are several other lodging possibilities in M.B.: Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hawthorn Suites (brand new) and a non-chain hotel called the Sea View Inn (www.seaview-inn.com). A few blocks from the Marriott (but in El Segundo) is a Summerfield Suites.

The Sea View is only two blocks to the beach. Every other hotel in town is at least two miles from the water. Some rooms at the Sea View have... (surprise!) A SEA VIEW. They offer standard rooms starting at $95 up to executive suites at $195, some rooms with kitchens and even apartments.

If you're coming to Manhattan on vacation, I'd definitely consider the Sea View and certainly the Marriott over the Residence Inn.

gr8trprpse

Grew up in the area and still work in the area. Marriot is in better location, Residence Inn is on a busy street. Marriot is also a full-service hotel, not sure if Residence is. If you have kids Residence might be better if not I would probably prefer the Marriott.