We'll be there for one night (sept. 29th) and would prefer a smaller, unique hotel on the beach. Maybe in the $150. range? Any ideas?

ok, forget Huntington Beach...

I was looking at tripadvisor.com for Inns or B&Bs in the LA area and red some mixed reviews about "The Secret Garden B&B" and "The Venice Beach House". Anyone have any personal experiences with either of these places?

sandi_travelnut,

I believe the reason you're having so much trouble is that all of the beaches in Huntington are state beaches and therefore, all hotels must build on the other side of PCH (Pacific Coast Hughway).

If you're actually staying in Huntington Beach itself for one night, I would suggest Newport Beach or Laguna as potential places. Venice Beach is quite a drive from Huntington.

If you don't mind my asking, what is it you're doing in Huntington (and where) which would require you to stay there?

AL

I have 2 brothers that we're visiting; one in LaJolla and one in LA. One of the nights we want to stay in a hotel, cause we'll be with one of my brothers on the other nights. I was thinking of the 2 hotels I mentioned or the Ambrose Hotel (it's our anniversary). I want something different, preferably not a chain hotel. Nothing over 150-180. per night.

One more thing...this one noight in the hotel will be when we are in the LA area, obviously, not the LaJolla area.

We will have a car.

anyone?

My experience with TripAdvisor reviews is: If the bad reviews are really bad, stay away. The southern California area is popular and beachfront (or beach access) lodging will be pricey. $150 a night for oceanfront will usually get you a complete dump.

FYI, the Ambrose is two miles from the nearest beach.

The idea of Laguna is a good one. The sticking point will be the one-night stay, however. One place I might suggest is Casa del Camino, right on South Coast Highway. Charming and not too expensive.

Sandi - The night you are going to stay in the hotel will you then be continuing on down to La Jolla or going back to LA? If you are going back to LA then you can probably find something closer than Huntington Beach since there are really no properties on the beach there. If you are going on down to La Jolla, then I would suggest Laguna Beach.

Sandi - If you want to be closer to LA, you might want to look at The Inn at Playa Del Rey. This would ordinarily not be an area where I would think of staying but the tripadvisor reviews of this B&B are great. It would give you good access to Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Their cheapest room is around $165. They were listed by Forbes as one of the Top 10 Urban B&B's in the US.
Their sister B&B is Channel Road Inn in Santa Monica/Malibu but it looks pretty expensive.

www.innatplayadelrey.com

If you are heading south to La Jolla, check out Casa Tropicana B&B in San Clemente. Right by the beach, great reviews but cheapest room is $285. I think I will save up to take a weekend trip there!

Paula: That Playa del Rey place is in such a weird location IMHO that it flies under most visitors' radar. But I've heard it's wonderful as well, so for one night it's a good bet, I'd say.

rjw - I agree-I would never have thought there would be a B&B in that area-nevertheless one that gets good reviews. If Sandi wants something unique for around $150 this might be her best bet.

I'll check it out..thanks!