Libby

We are doing a family road trip in April from San Diego to San Fran with many stops along the way. I am trying to decide whether to use Sheraton points for a 2-night stay in Santa Monica at Four Points or pay to stay at Loews, Miramar or Le Merigot and use the points at another "stop". If I chose Four Points will I regret my decision??? Any suggestions? Thanks!

xxx

It depends. Do you mean you may regret the location or regret not staying at the more upscale hotels you mention? Without more information, it's a little difficult to advise, but I will give it a shot gt;)

Le Merigot is a 5-star hotel right on Ocean Avenue. Rooms start around $250/night. Loews is also on Ocean Avenue and rates start around $230/night. The Sheraton is about four blocks from the beach and rooms start around $170/night.

Are you staying at other 5-star hotels along your route? What is their price as compared to the Sheraton in that city? I recommend you use the coupons in the city that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Sometimes though, staying at a particular hotel is more important to a traveler than getting the best bargain. For example, the Sheraton in Santa Monica is a nice hotel, but not in the same league as Le Merigot. If you really look forward to staying at Le Merigot or Loew's or if staying on the beach is important to you, then save the Sheraton points for another stop.

I realize this recommendation is very generic. If you clarify your question, perhaps other travelers will have better suggestions. Enjoy your trip!

joe

All other things being equal, use your points at the most expensive Sheraton on your route. Why stay at a $110/night Sheraton when you can stay at a $150/night Sheraton for the same amount of points?

san

I wish people would quit saying the LeMerigot is a five star hotel. IT IS NOT! xxx, have you ever stayed at a 5 star place? I just stayed there 2 weeks ago, and while it is an upscale hotel it is not 5 stars nor close to it. Barely a four star, the rooms are merely above average. I cannot comment re. the Sheraton 4 Points, but I'd only stay again at LeMerigot if the room was under $150...and I wouldn't bother trying to get a deluxe room with a view, definitely not worth the extra $$.

Libby

Thanks so much for the replies. I guess the LeMerigot is out...not the first time I have read a bad review for it! Because we have never been to Santa Monica, I just want to make sure that we are not missing out by staying 4 blocks from the beach. Some places it does not matter where you stay, other places it has a huge impact on your visit! I am not being cheap...just thought I'd use the points if it makes sense.

xxx

San, I most certainly have stayed at 5-star hotels. But as you know, star ratings are only a rough guide and there can be much variation among hotels that are supposedly comparable. You say you would only stay at Le Merigot again if the room was under $150. May I ask how much you paid for it your first time? Thank you.

bobcat

"5 star" can mean different things to different people. The Le Merigot is certainly not a 5 star according to the standards of the Mobil or AAA guidebooks. However, it might be considered 5 star elsewhere in the world. For instance, in Europe, most hotels rated 5 star would only be given 4 star ratings in the USA.

Sally

These posters are arguing over the number of stars Le Merigot when all you want to know is whether or not the Four Points is an OK place to stay in Santa Monica. I vote for using the points at the Four Points and spend the $ you saved dining at the high end hotels or shopping. PS I have never been to Santa Monica either.

rob

They weren't "arguing"--just expressing an opinion about the Merigot vs. the Sheraton which her original posting seemed to imply she wanted. It doesn't sound like staying on the beach is an absolute requirement, so I say go ahead and stay at the Sheraton. The location is not bad.(I live in West LA and hang out in Santa Monica nearly every weekend).