I have been researching Santa Monica hotels, trying to keep the nightly rate around $200 per night (before tax). Any information, particulary about the Georgian or Shangrila, would be helpful. Thanks.

I live here and have never set foot in either of these two hotels. They are definitely old, is possible they are well maintained. They are across the street from the park which overlooks the water. You will not be on or next to a beach. There are some very upscale hotels Lowes, Le Merigot, Shutters, Casa del Mar, Viscount. Then there are some lesser ones. Depends what you want.
Why Santa Monica? There is one about 19 blocks north which just opened. I think its called the Ambrose. It's nice but in a residential-business area. Just off Wilshire Blvd. for bus transport.

I know about the upscale hotels, but they start at about $250 to $300 a night. I'll pay that in Hawaii or someplace more special but this is just a two night getaway to someplace we haven't been but within driving distance of our home, Carlsbad. We have done similar trips to Hollywood and Santa Barbara.

I believe the Georgian was highly praised in a recent LA Times article by Craig Nakano (Aug. 3)about weekend escapes to Santa Monica . My family was there three weeks ago and we walked by it on the way to the Crocodile Cafe. It looked very nice and very lively with folks enjoying the open veranda, overlooking Ocean Avenue. I will check it out for our next visit -the BW down the street was a total disappointment.

I looked up the article. Thanks.

The Georgian would be my ONLY choice, frankly, among the hotels that are named here. My real first choice would be the Fairmont Miramar, but....

The Georgian is an old Deco-era hotel, but very nicely-maintained and charming. The Shangri-la is clean, yes, but it's old and getting rather shabby. I'm looking at it right now (my office is across the street)-- it could use a good renovation, frankly.

The Ambrose is nineteen blocks to the northeast of the shore, in a neighborhood dominated by medical office suites, clinics and world-famous St. John's Hospital, essentially across the street. There is NOTHING of interest in the neighborhood, unless you're getting a coronary bypass or a butt-life (or, if you venture to Santa Monica Blvd., new cars-- MILES AND MILES OF NEW CARS!!). Strike it off your list.

Screwed up the punch line...! "... butt-lifT...", of course. I guess *I* need an *eye*-lift so I can see the keyboard better...!!!

Go for the Georgian. The Shangri-La is dated. You might also try the Huntley Hotel on Third Street or check the rates at the MirMar--you may be able to get a deal.

Seconding (or thirding?) the recommendation for Georgian. Friends/colleagues have stayed there and liked it. Still if you need business amenities like high speed internet, you may need to look farther "inland." Usually for work, we put people at the DoubleTree on 4th but it's pretty ugly and basic, IMHO.

I used to live and work in Santa Monica for many years and agree with rjw. I did stay at the Pacific Shores a couple years ago when returning for a visit and it was adequate. It was nothing deluxe (maybe Holiday Inn-ish) and the decor a bit dark and dated, but the room was large, everything was in order and workable, and the location is terrific as it's right on Ocean Ave (my room even has an ocean view as a lot do on that side). They do have a nice little coffee shop/diner in the hotel, also, which had decent food.

So, I would go for Georgian as nicer and more stylish, but for a couple nights in a moderate hotel, Pacific Shores would be fine. It's about the same as the Huntley IMO, but better location for tourists. I thought the Doubletree was nice enough but it's in an odd location on a very busy street, wouldn't stay there myself. I think it's better for business.