In Santa Monica I recommend the Ocean View Hotel: a small, friendly place right on Ocean Avenue, opposite Palisades Park and the Pacific, two blocks from the pier and the Third Street Promenade. No great infrastructure, but sea views from many rooms and a price that is rare in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica is the most relaxed part of Los Angeles: beach, cycle path to Venice Beach, restaurants – and everything on foot.
I almost always book through Booking.com – for the free cancellation and the genuine reviews. Hotels.com is also worth checking to compare prices.
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