We spent some time today checking out local hotels. Since 80-90% of our guest will be traveling for the wedding we are hoping to provide a block of rooms at a discount rate for everyone.
We started out by going to the Marriott in Marina Del Rey (blocks from the Ritz). The hotel was nice, pretty standard for a Marriott. We have to call the central LA sales office to get an official quote, but I will keep you all informed.
Next we walked across the street to the Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn. I have to say, I really liked this hotel. It has its own semi-private sandy beach, a cute dinner, pool, and very large rooms. There are only 42 rooms total. We spoke with the sales manager, and he offered a rate of $129-159 per night. However on Travelocity we found this hotel to be offered at $118. I have sent the sales manager an email asking him to beat the internet rate, but if not we may just direct interested parties to Travelocity to book. I expect to hear back pretty quick on this one.
Next we came into Santa Monica. There is a JW Marriott on the beach in Santa Monica. We do not have the rates yet, but this location is near the peir, shopping, and other tourist friendly venues. It is a drive to the Ritz, but for any nonwedding plans you have this is a pretty good spot.
Some people mentioned they had found good rates at a Comfort Inn in Santa Monica. The Comfort Inn is a few doors down from a Days Inn. Both of these hotels will offer a little cheaper room rate, but they are not in walking distance to anything. If you want to stay at these you will have to drive or take the bus for everything. Not a huge deal, but just so everyone is aware, almost everywhere you go in this area have paid parking. Parking is not free, and in some places, it is kind of expensive.
One other thing to keep in mind while booking your room is the traffic flow. Although technically the Comfort and Days Inns are less then 3 miles from the beach and less then 10 from the Ritz, Santa Monica miles are not the same as Texas and Indiana miles. Over the 3 mile strip to the water you have to go through about 20-25 lights. Also there is a lot of heavy pedistrian areas that can take a while to get through on weekends. None of this is a huge deal if you come expecting to deal with it, but just want to be sure everyone is aware before they do any booking.
