Report - Holiday Inn Santa Monica by CJW

Rounding out some more reviews and reports for pre and post cruise hotels for the LA area...

This one has been discussed a bit, so here we go...

Who is this good for?

If you want a basic Holiday Inn, and somewhat budget for Santa Monica.

If you aren't really going to spend much time in your hotel and will be out all day.

If you want things to see in close walking distance.

A lot of activity for small kids in a close area.

If you don't want or need your hotel to be "special" or "boutique/interesting" in any way.

People who like a continually busy and active location.

Who is this bad for?

People who need quiet to sleep.

People who are looking for an ocean view from their hotel window.

People who want a balcony, or patio, or some place in their room or hotel area that is nice to just relax and hang out at for a while (if you are staying for a few days you might want this).

People who want a large room, unless you want to splurge for one of the suites on each floor. (Which are also the only ones with ocean views)

People who don't want to spend $25ish a day to park their car (not an issue if you don't have a rental or your own).

So here we go...

Holiday Inn Santa Monica

120 Colorado Ave

Santa Monica CA 90401

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/SMOCA/welcome

Here's the hotel from Ocean Avenue:

And from the other side:

Yes that is the 10 Freeway right up against the hotel (that you can't see from the entrance or street - surprise!), as it becomes connected to Pacific Coast Highway. 24/7 just sayin'

I really just like to point this out to people so that their expectations are managed and they are aware before they get there.

It's okay if you are prepared for this, not so much if you are expecting nice, quiet, relaxing beach location.

(This is one reason I always pack those little foam earplugs wherever I go!

That way, if I run into a situation like this, I can block out the noise)...

If you don't mind the noise and business, and somewhat smaller rooms, then this is a good to great location for you!

If you want more peaceful, or larger rooms, look for one of my other reports.

Entrance/Lobby:

Internet area in/near the lobby:

Hallway to the rooms:

Some rooms views with bed and couch:

Standard Holiday Inn bathroom:

What's that view out my window?

Is it a construction zone that will be going on for the next few years?

Oh there's the ocean, up and over if I crane my head...

What's the view below my window?

Are those cars rushing by the freeway at all hours of the day and night?

Let's go to the pool, shall we?

Oh, but first we have to walk through the parking garage to get there...

Here's the pool:

Pros = it's heated year round, so bonus!

Cons = Just look over the wall, and breath in the car exhaust!

If you want to get some sun, it's always in shadow so head for the beach!

Restaurant/Cafe:

It's your basic hotel restaurant, but also your room service kitchen.

Just to be aware for planning...

It is only open from about 7 am to 11 am, then closed until 5 pm.

Dinner 5 pm to 10 pm.

I'm guessing that there are so many other restuarants in the area, it's not that big of a deal. BUT, if you want room service from 10 pm to 7 am, or 11 am to 5 pm, forget it. The kitchen is closed!

Santa Monica Place mall, across the street:

http://www.santamonicaplace.com/

Entrance to the pier:

http://www.santamonicapier.org/

So all kidding/snarkiness aside (but I'm showing you the real deal here)...

There are definite pros and cons to this hotel.

I would stay here if:

I had only one day/night in Santa Monica.

I was going to be out and about the entire time, so not in the hotel.

I like busy rather than quiet.

I had "points" that got me a free or major discount room.

I like being in the middle of the downtown hustle and bustle of things.

I would not stay here if:

I wanted a hotel with atmosphere, more room, balcony, or unique ambiance of any kind.

I wanted a more "California" feel in or around the hotel directly.

I wanted some relaxing or quiet time in or around my hotel.

I was staying for two or more days.

So there you go, pros and cons.

This will be good for some people, and terrible for others.

Later on, I'll connect links to all of the hotels reviews in the area, so that people can compare and contrast what each offers for the price.

Hope this (and my other reviews) help!