Santa Monica,California
 

Visiting Santa monica, Beverly Hills in the end of June, with two teens. Staying at the Hotel Oceana. Is that better than Loew's. Any suggestions on events or activities going on at that time?? What shouldn't we miss on this short trip??? Thank you

I actually live a few blocks from the Oceana. It's a decent place, kind of reminds me of a motel. However, I would more strongly suggest the Casa Del Mar Hotel or Shutters, both in Santa Monica.

I agree with Jason --- Shutters is a fabulous experience. You do not need to spring for a full oceanfront. Instead ask for a top floor (or 2nd from top) room facing north with balcony. It overlooks the Casa del Mar and Beach. There are actually 2 buildings --- the beachfront complex with restaurant and the larger annex set back. The pool area divides the 2.

Oceana was fine when it first opened, but it became trendy and overpriced.

Casa del Mar is posh but it doesn't have the same "at the beach" feel as Shutters.

The Fairmont Miramar is a historic property at the corner of Ocean and Wilshire that I highly recommend-- in fact, much more than the Oceana, and MUCH more than the Loew's. The Merigot is a JW Marriott property, so it's quite luxurious too. The Viceroy is trying to position itself as a "Hip" hotel, but its Brit-hip style promises comfort as well as attitude.

Please tell me something that is 'fabulous' about Shutters.
It's room rating is 67 out of 100 in Conde Nast Traveller's readers' poll.

Just saw a recent issue of Condé Nast's magazine-- the Viceroy got into its Top 80 list for new hotels. How about that...?

Here's something 'fabulous' about Shutters.....its website!

www.shuttersonthebeach.com

Hey, even Enron and WorldCom had websites that made them seem like 'fabulous' companies.
PR is PR.
Big grain of salt all around.