Santa monica or beverly hills
 

I have a 3 day stopover in LA in October. Any advice on staying at Loews Santa Monica or the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Both are very nice hotels. <BR>Of course, one is at the beach in Santa Monica where there are alot of British <BR>expats and the Kings Head pub, and the Third Street Prominade. <BR>Beverly Hills, is, well, Beverly Hills. <BR>Depends on what you want, ocean or upscale city.

Lowes is right on the beach in Santa Monica. It's a very posh hotel. They have an elaborate Sunday brunch which is very popular. The hotel is quite a distance from downtown Santa Monica -- a good ten block walk. By and large, if you want to dine or shop in Santa Monica you'll have to drive. Santa Monica has a number of parking structures so that's not much of a problem. Of course, you're within easy driving distance of the Westside including Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. If you stay at Lowe's you'll need a car. <BR> <BR>The Beverly Hills Hotel in the middle of the best residential area of Beverly Hills. That said, again if you want to go anywhere you'll have to drive. Absolutely nothing is within walking distance. The hotel was completely redone a few years ago. It's the classic Hollywood hotel with a massive swimming pool and white canbanas. Because of its age the rooms are of various sizes. I once stayed their in the biggest hotel room I have ever seen. Considering the class of hotels your are pondering, you might consider the Beverly Wilshire which is in the middle of the Rodeo Drive shopping area.

3rd Street Promenade is dirty and dumpy. <BR>Santa Monica is largely touristy and drab, as well. <BR>The beach is very nice though. <BR>And Loews is a solid hotel with a great location. <BR>BH is, well, BH. <BR>If it were the Peninsula or Four Seasons in BH, I'd definitely choose the latter.

Owen, <BR> I would and have stayed in Santa Monica. There is lots to do and it is fun!! Third street promenade is great. Yes there are bums (like many major cities), but it is very diverse, with lots of wealth too. The restaurants are great and the shopping and movies too. There are shuttles that you can catch that take you anywhere down there. Check out Santa Monica's web site to get a better idea.Hope this helps. Kim

Casa Malibu in Malibu, near surfrider beach. You will love it!! Room 107 places you right on the beach. Ten Minutes west of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway. Ciao

I would stay in Santa Monica because I love the idea of being near the beach. Two other great ideas (and Loews is a great one) are Shutters and Casa del Mar--I'm sure they both have websites. Lots of great restaurant choices, but three of our favorites are Valentino, Ocean Ave. Seafood and Rockenwagner. To me Beverly Hills is pretty homes and lots of shopping. The beach is nicer.

Also in Santa Monica is Montana Ave. Nice street to stroll along and have coffee and visit boutiques, etc.

No matter where you want to go in Southern California, you will need a car. That is why they have 29 million miles of freeways and SMOG. <BR> <BR>Cough