We will be in California in Feb. and need some hotel suggestions. We will be in LA for 2 days (and would like to stay in Santa Monica), spend 1 day driving up the coast, and then will be in San Francisco for 3 days (would like to stay in Union Square.) Any sugggestions for nice, clean hotels under $200 per night?

In Santa Monica, I was looking at: Beach House at Hermosa Beach, the Best Western(s), Casa Malibu, Hotel California, Inn at Playa del Ray, or Georgian Hotel. In SF, I was looking at Hotel Triton, Serrano Hotel, The Maxwell, etc...Any other suggestions appreciated!

Regarding your hotel list for Santa Monica, only the Best Western (2 locations), Hotel California and Georgian are in Santa Monica. I don't know about quality since I've never stayed at any of them since I live in Santa Monica, but I can speak about location. Personally, I think the better located hotels are the Georgian and the Best Western Ocean View. They are within easy walking distance of the Promenade, SM Place (mall) and the pier and the beach is certainly within walking distance also. The other Best Western in SM is in a poor location and, from outside appearances, doesn't look all that great (I go to the IHOP next door, but parking is at BW).

Driving up the coast in only one day might be a problem; Highway One is slow going, especially if you get behind a driver doing 30.

jlaughs is exactly right. First of all, Santa Monica is a separate city within the city limits of Los Angeles. Hermosa Beach is another separate city, 15 or 16 miles down the shore. Beach House is great, but you are in Hermosa, not Santa Monica. The Inn at Playa del Rey is indeed in Playa del Rey (an LA neighborhood, if I'm not mistaken), just south of Marina del Rey and just north of LAX. It's a nice B&B, but the location isn't great. Casa Malibu is nice, but it's in Malibu.

Of the SM properties you list, the Georgian is the best choice by far. It's well-maintained, historic and charming. The Best Western Ocean View is OK. The Hotel California is a small motel, and room quality seems to go all over the map (some great, some veritable holes). The other Best Western is at Santa Monica Blvd and 20th St., WAY away from the shore and across the street from St. John's Hospital. Not at all where I'd stay willingly (I did stay across the street for an appendectomy 14 years ago).

For SF hotels you can get incredible deals on Priceline. I got the Marriott at Embacadaro for $75 a night (and they upgraded us to a suite)...just bid for 4 stars in the Union Square area and you'll be fine. Not sure if that's true for Santa Monica.

I agree about the drive up the coast. Think you'd be best stopping somewhere overnight along the way...Carmel or Monterey maybe...plus, those are lovely places to stop.

I think the Best Western Ocean View is a bit shoddy--rooms are nondescript and dark. Go for the Georgian-and ask for an ocean-view floor as high as possible.

As other responders have noted, many of the hotels mentioned are not in Santa Monica and none are on the beach (but the Georgian does have view rooms, as does the Best Western). The Georgian is a historic building on Ocean Avenue, which is on the palisades which overlooks the Santa Monica Bay. Rooms are OK.

You may want to consider Le Merigot, which is a JW Marriott hotel. A block from the beach, a five minute walk to Third Street Promenade. I use the club there, and it has a lovely, well heated pool, spa facilities, a very nice restaurant and beautiful lobby and lounge areas. Rooms are modern, and in February you may be able to get in under $200. The service here is very professional and cheerful.

More laid-back, but with very big 1 bedroom suites with kitchens is Calmar Suites, which is right on Third Street, but a block from where the Promenade begins. the hotel has a pool in the center courtyard. It's not as flashy as Le Merigot, and misses many high end ameinities, but you get space and a great location.

Another possibility (right round the corner) is the Huntley Hotel. It's a Radisson. I'm told the rooms are a good size, the lobby is nice, but there's no pool. It's just off the Promenade and there are view rooms to be had.

Couple more SF hotel ideas:

http://www.hotelboheme.com/index.html
http://www.jdvhospitality.com/hotels/hotel/15

A friend of mine stayed at the Adagio and loved it and Cortez has fabulous food.

beachgirl,

We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Carmel in Santa Monica, which is one of Fodor's recommendations.

http://www.hotelcarmel.com/

201 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Phone: 310/451-2469 or 800/445-8695
Fax: 310/393-4180