BAYSIDE HOTEL, Santa Monica

Located at the beachfront, the hotel is just over 100 metres from the sand and a 10-15 minute walk along the promenade to Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. Venice Beach is about 3 km south, reachable by bike (rentals available at the hotel) or a cheap Uber. Penmar Golf Course is within 3 km. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a 20-minute drive; bus and rideshare options are available. The immediate area is considered one of the safer parts of Santa Monica, though the streets near the hotel can have some rough edges at night. Several restaurants are within a short walk along the beachfront, including Capo, Cora's Coffee Shoppe, and Stella Barra Pizzeria, but the hotel itself does not have a restaurant.

Rooms are available in a range of configurations: King with Ocean View, King with Garden View, and double-bed options. Some rooms include a kitchenette with mini-fridge and stove, while others have a mini-bar. All rooms feature air conditioning, heating, a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, and a safety deposit box. The property is a classic motel layout with rooms opening onto an outdoor courtyard or the street. Many rooms have been recently refurbished with modern furniture and are described as clean and comfortable, but the basic structure shows its age. Ground-floor rooms can feel dark and face a courtyard or wall, while top-floor rooms are brighter and quieter. Street noise is noticeable in front-facing rooms; AC units help mask the sound if running. Some rooms have received complaints about thin walls, noise transfer, and occasional cleanliness issues.

The hotel does not offer breakfast, but there is a coffee machine and mini-fridge in each room. The front desk has a small selection of beverages and snacks for purchase. For meals, a variety of restaurants are within a 5-10 minute walk: Coast Beach Cafe & Bar, Catch at Casa Del Mar, Dhaba Cuisine of India, Stella Barra Pizzeria, and Dogtown Coffee. Many guests enjoy having coffee on the courtyard tables in the morning. For a fuller meal, the Santa Monica pier area and Main Street offer numerous cafes and restaurants.

The property is beachfront, with the sand just across the street. Guests can borrow beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels at no charge, making it easy to spend the day on the sand without extra gear. Bike rentals are available at the hotel for a reasonable hourly rate-around $11 per hour or $10 per day-which is a popular way to cycle along the beach path to Venice Beach or further south. A golf course is within 3 km. There is no pool or spa; the sun terrace and garden courtyard are the main outdoor relaxation areas.