los angeles
 

I made reservations at best western marina pacific hotel and now I am hearing that we shouldn't walk around at night on the venice beach boardwalk. I have two teenage boys and we like to hang out in the evening, want it to be safe. What do you think?

Wow. Absolutely not. Not safe there at night.

Thanks, would you suggest another area where we could walk around in the evening? We also need another place to stay then, near a beach, any ideas?

Best Western Ocean View, Santa Monica. That section of Santa Monica is perfectly safe in the evening, and the Third Street Promenade is a short jaunt away.

I do not know that Venice beach is unsafe at night, but Santa Monica has always been considered more upscale.

Bay View Hotel or Cal Mar Suites

I agree, would not feel safe in Venice at night but Santa Monica is a fun nice place at night... the Radison is also a nice place to stay- it's actually called the Huntley hotel and I believe it is on 2nd street. (one street over from the third street Promenade. Also has a great hotel on the rooftop- great views...

The Huntley IS a nice hotel, and it's recently renovated.

It's no longer a Radisson, however-- it went independent earlier this year.

However, I recommend it highly.

If you want to spend more, there are three high-end hotels in the area worth a look. In order of my preference:

-- Fairmont Miramar (superior service)
-- Shutters at the Beach
-- Casa del Mar