hotel casa del mar--santa monica
 

HI--we have a chance to stay at this super luxury place in a non-ocean view room for a fairly reasonable rate--given the fact that it is a posh hotel. I wonder if anyone else has stayed there and what they thought of it. Our alternate is a non-luxurious motel type place BW Ocean View, in which for only slightly less money/night we will get a little balcony w/an ocean view but no luxury--not even a pool. I have already read trip advisor on both places and was hoping for some feedback from this forum. Thanks.

Haven't stayed at either-- I work up the street-- but have friends who have stayed at both.

Stay at Casa del Mar. End of discussion.

In location, amenities, comfort level, it is miles and light-years ahead of the Best Western. Enjoy!

To rjw_lgb_ca---you are my kind of person!! Right to the point *and* you made me smile in the process!! Thanks.

Well, it was an easy decision!

If CdM is booked, my favorite "big city style" hotel in the SM area is the Fairmont Miramar (Wilshire and Ocean). NOT on the sands, but on the bluff overlooking the ocean. It's a historic hotel with a heavy business clientèle, but gorgeous grounds and a high level of luxury. The restaurants on-site are quite mediocre, however. But Michael's, one of the restaurants that invented California Cuisine as we know it, is just around the corner!

However, Casa del Mar is a little more "special"-- more resort-like, just that little bit more "cool" and stylish. Stay there if you can!!

To rjw_lgb_ca--hi again--I made the reservation already, as it is cancellable up to 24 hours ahead w/o a penalty. We go to LA a lot and on our last trip there saw the lobby and area around the casa del mar. But w/o the Amex card special they are currently running, it would just be too much of an extravagance to even consider!! Thanks again for your help.

I have not stayed there, but have had lunch and dinner in the cafe and restaurant. Both have outstanding views of the ocean and beach from a second story standpoint. Lobby (where both eateries are located) is glorious, and includes a little shop and bar. The latter does draw a crowd on week-ends.

I'm told the pool area is very special, and has an outlook onto the beach as well. Casa Del Mar is one of the top two or three hotels in the area, and is just a brief walk away from the pier, and Third Street Promenade. The only word of warning I have-the area between the hotel and the Promenade is a little dicey late at night.

Hi nmarshi--thanks for the info on the hotel. Re: the pool--on the website the photos of it look spectacular. Also thanks for the advice about using caution late at night. We are not likely to be out very late but will be watchful if we are. We are looking forward to our stay there.