Hello: We will be staying in Santa Monica, partly to celebrate our daughter's 16th BDay. I am considering all of the hotels mentioned above w/ rates across the board - Viceroy @ $419. + $22. parking/night, Le Merigot @ 370. + $30. parking/night, Shangri-La @ $260. + free parking and Hotel California @ $139.+ $15. parking/night. The 1st 3 are ocean view w/ balcony ( although I believe Shangri-La is the only one w/ a "sizeable" balcony). My daughter and I appreciate stylish properties - love the "W" brand, but also like small, charming, unusual properties. I had hoped to keep the cost in the moderate range but am concerned that we'll end up w/ something less than satisfactory w/ either the Shangri-La or Hotel California. I hear the rooms are small in the latter and have read reviews of a musty smell, uncomfortable beds and shabby furniture at the Shangri-La.
In an effort to make this a memorable experience for my daughter ( in a good
way), can anyone offer recommendations relative to the info. above?
Really appreciate it.

Immediately strike the Hotel California off your list. Dump, dump, dump. The Shangri-La is marginally better, but if you want the visit to be memorable in a good way....

The best choice in Santa Monica for the money is the Fairmont Miramar. The best choice, money no object, is probably Casa del Mar or Shutters at the Beach. You might also look at the newly-renovated Huntley Hotel; a block from the bluffs, but quite nice and quite economical.

Thanks so much rjw. REALLY appreciate it. Shutters is booked and the only room types left at Casa del Mar do not have balconies. I'll look into the Fairmont. Any thoughts re: the Viceroy or Le Merigot? They both claim to have rooms with balconies - which is something I'm after. Thanks again.

Take my advice with a disclaimer: I WORK in Santa Monica, so I judge hotels by outside appearances and the opinions of friends and coworkers.

The Viceroy is a Brit-chic mid-rise hotel converted from an old motel. It's a long block from the beach (you will, in fact, pass Shutters and Casa del Mar on the way to the beach). If you can get ocean view, it should be reasonably nice.

Le Mérigot is a JW Marriott property that was built maybe five or so years ago. It's on the ocean side of Ocean Ave. and claims to be a luxury property. I imagine it's got a little swank about it. I'd still get the Miramar, if only for the incredible history (Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe, as well as a trashy pop singer named Britney Spears, have all stayed there, as well as presidents, kings and ordinary slobs)....

I have crashed at the Shangri-La, so I have first-hand experience with that tired old hotel. It needs a big renovation, to be honest.

A buddy stayed at the Hotel California and really hated it, so be warned.

A business colleague stayed at le Mérigot and liked it, but prefers the Miramar or Casa del Mar. The Viceroy? A former secretary of mine stayed there with her boyfriend and liked it, but didn't rave (her standards in SM were set by Shutters on the Beach).

So there you go. I've seen the rooms and bungalows at the Miramar, and every colleague, client and friend that has stayed there has loved it, so it's my standard reco. The Georgian has no balconies, but a lot of history and charm.

Thanks again rjw. Great advice. My situation is this - I booked Shangri-La some time ago ( w/ ocean front balcony on the 6th floor ), really trying to watch the budget. BUT, I've been doing more reading and have just become concerned that it won't fit the bill. Since we arriving this Thursday (ouch!) my options are now quite limited ( Le Merigot and Viceroy have ocean view, balcony rooms ). I just checked the Fairmont and they are booked for just Thursday night - open Fri & Saturday ( know anyone- smile ). We are flying in so I don't have the flexibility to change dates. Maybe I'll wait list the Fairmont?

Le Mérigot is a bit more Euro-elegant:

http://www.lemerigothotel.com/

The Viceroy is a bit more offbeat, which would be more appealing to me:

http://www.viceroysantamonica.com/

I'd be interested to see how the Viceroy's restaurant is-- they're rolling through executive chefs at Whist like thunder. But the "Chef's Tasting Cabanas" sound like quite a treat.

I dunno-- the Viceroy's sounding like fun. NOTE: To walk to the center of downtown SM (and the Third Street Promenade), you will walk past some construction, an icky motel, a dive-looking bar/restaurant called Chez Jay's (which is actually not bad) and the remains of the old Rand Corporation campus. But it's not all that bad.

Chez Jay's is a Santa Monica institution. Jay has been serving great food there for at least 30 years. Oh how I long for their sand dabs.

BTW, a scene from one of the Lethal Weapons was filmed there!

rjw - thanks so much. I was losing, batting in the 9th, 2 down. Really appreciate your insight. I'm running with the Viceroy. I think we'll get into the design and the food could be interesting. I'll report back.
Whatever the case, I've learned a lot for the next trip I plan to SM!
odie1 - thanks for the follow-up re: Chez Jays. Right now I am planning on dinners at Chinois, Border Grill and Whist. Looking for fun atmosphere and of course, good food. If you all think I'm heading down a wrong path - let me know.
Thanks again......