We are planning a trip to LA in August. We had planned to stay at the Hotel California but they are booked. I'm looking for ideas for family accomodations (2 children ages 9 and 12). We usually stay in Santa Monica but haven't been too thrilled with the Pacific Shore (somewhat worn). Stayed in the Oceana just after it was renovated but that is out of our price range now. Does anyone have a recommendation in the $200-$250/night range? Thanks.

I would have suggested the Oceana. I am researching the same thing - currently looking further south in LaJolla area. I'll let you know if I find anything good.

Mary, if Priceline or Expedia's Price Matcher is an option for you, you may be able to get two rooms within your budget for a 4* hotel. I host a board to discuss bidding at http://pub4.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding

Thanks for the responses. This is the update. I spent a good deal of time calling MANY hotels in every price range in the Santa Monica area for the dates we needed (2nd week in August). Everything was full. I booked one of the last 1-bedroom suites that the Oceana had available for that time. While it is more than what we hoped to pay, I know we will be happy with the accomodations. My recommendation is to book as soon as possible if you're looking at Santa Monica in August! Thanks for the input.

I just booked 3 nights at the Pacific Shore - It looked so nice on the web site, it's my first time to LA area - do you think I should try for another hotel? I also need a hotel in Santa Barbara area if you have any recomendations?

The Pacific Shore is just kind of shabby, outdated and bland, slightly rundown and dark (decor), that's all. I don't think there's much better around there for that midprice range. It's not that bad, there's nothing disgusting it or anything, so if you don't care about your room that much and will be out a lot, it's okay. it's a very convenient location and they do have a decent diner/restaurant on first floor and the lobby area is okay. It depends what you're used to and willing to pay, that's all. I don't think the Holiday Inns around there are any better and they have worse locations. I haven't been in the rooms at the Huntley but from the outside, I'd suspect they are about the same as the Pacific Shore, same type and style and age of hotel; they do have that bar with the great view on the top floor, though (although the food in the adjoining restaurant has been awful every time I've eaten there). The free happy hour food and margaritas in the bar are great, though. There's what looks like a nice hotel on Ocean Ave called Georgian Hotel (www.georgianhotel.com), I'd probably try that as an alternative to Pacific Shores. I think it may be slightly higher than Pac Shores, about $200-250 for a double, but it sure looks a lot nicer from their WEBsite. I looked at the Pac Shore Website and that's pretty much what it looks like allright, so I guess we have diff. opinions on that one, I think it looks outdated and bland etc on its website--however, the room photo does make the room look lighter and brighter than it is, I think. If you think that looks really great, you probably won't have a problem with it.

Jane,
I don't have any suggestions for Santa Barbara but Christina is right on target about the Pacific Shore. It is not a bad hotel and the location is very good. However, when we stayed there 2 years ago, it was a bit on the worn side -- especially the rooms. However, as I have noted, to get something nicer, you must pay quite a bit more in Santa Monica. We had heard good things about the Hotel California but they were booked for the time we needed. I will try to book there EARLY the next time we visit. If you can't find anything else, I wouldn't worry about the Pacific Shore -- as long as you're not going to be spending a great deal of time in your room, it won't be bad -- just not anything special. Happy travels.