Santa Monica lodging - torn!
 

Family trip to So Cal and we want to spend 4 nights in Santa Monica in December.
Can't decide where to stay....kids are 12 and 9.
Looking at
Fairmont Palisade suite
Viceroy
Shore Hotel (brand new)
Hotel Oceana
Or the Loews.
any feedback is appreciated, trip advisor is just not helping me!
Thanks!

I have stayed at Loew's. It is on the beach, near the pier with easy bike access to Venice.

I can't compare it to any of the others.

We stayed at the Loew's a few years ago. Great location on the beach, comfortable rooms, but not that large. We found it pricey for the accommodations and services, and were particularly annoyed at the small pool because people would leave a book/magazine on their chairs, then take off for the day.

IF you don't need a pool, one of my closest friends just returned from The Georgian, and was raving about the location/room/services. It's cheaper than most- if not all- of the hotels on your list. Have fun!

Last month we stayed at this place for three nights in a very large studio. The two-bedroom suite may be the ticket for you: http://www.embassyhotelapts.com/roomrates.html

HTTY

Thx, any others have feedback?

Our friends recently stayed at The Georgian, and liked it a lot. We visited the lobby, which is very attractive, and the location is directly across from the beach.

I also noticed another boutique hotel close by called Carmel. It looked very nice, too.

If you would consider Marina del Rey, we liked the newly re-built Jamaica Bay Inn, which is right on the marina.

The Ritz at Marina del Rey is fabulous, too.

(Just looked at TripAdvisor review of the Carmel, which are mixed.)

I live in Santa Monica and definitely second the Embassy Hotel Apts (not related to Embassy Suites) - Most charming, spacious and excellent location - in a residential area, but walking distance to Ocean Ave and the promenade. If you want a more traditional, full-service hotel, go for the suite at the Fairmont, and don't miss their restaurant, Fig. Loew's is fine as well if you want to be right on the beach.