Report -Ocean View Hotel - Santa Monica by CJW

Here is another pre or post cruise hotel option for Santa Monica/LA.

Ocean View Hotel

1447 Ocean Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90401

310-458-4888

800-452-4888

Who is this hotel good for?

People who really need/love balconies.

People who want to stare out at the ocean from their room as a vital part of their vacation.

People who want to be in a busy area, but above it; and have restaurants and activities nearby.

People who don't mind a smaller room and focus more on the balcony/view.

If an in room refrigerator and Internet is important.

Who is it not good for?

People who need a larger actual room or space.

People who want more quiet.

If you don't want to pay the premium/extra but still want the ocean view (you'll get the inside parking area view).

So here we go...

PS This used to be a Best Western, but is not any more. So any website info or Best Western info is not accurate any longer.

Front of the hotel with my room number notations:

Note that these ones are the ONLY rooms with actual ocean views...

They are the major point in staying at this hotel for me.

Lobby:

Room pictures:

Basic Best Western level bathroom:

And now the door out to the balcony, my favorite part:

And the views from the balcony:

looking southwest - Ocean Blvd below, Palisades Park across, then Santa Monica Pier beyond that...

looking northwest - Ocean Blvd below, Palisades Park across...

So, if a really important thing to you is chilling out in the room, on the balcony, coffee in the morning, cocktails at sunset...

This is the place.

But, small room, the street below is busy (although not as loud and busy as the freeway at the Holiday Inn)...

If you are not going to be utilizing this, I'm not sure if this is worth it...

(also will depend on the time of year, and price comparisons)...

Now if you don't need the ocean view, but still want a balcony, you get this...

This is the parking area courtyard, so this is your view up with the parking below...

And to help you out more, here is my own personal map if you decide to stay here, pay close attention to the ending room numbers and the views you will get from there:

So this is basically a Best Western level hotel in a convenient location in Santa Monica.

Rooms are small, hotel does not have a lot of amenities.

The balconies facing the ocean could be worth it alone though if that is important to you.

I don't think this is a great kid hotel, not much in the hotel at all.

Very city-ish feel. Maybe a one night, or couple having wine overlooking the ocean on the balcony hotel.

Not worth the money if you get stuck in the back to me (only my opinion)...

Close to lots of restaurants and activities.

Can be noisy, but not as noisy as the Holiday Inn on the freeway.

As usual, this could be a good place for some, and terrible for others.

I will eventually add links to other reviews in the area to compare and contrast.

Hope this helps!