The 6 Best Cheap Hotels in Santa Monica

Formerly known as Hotel California, this classic Los Angeles hotel is located just a block from the Santa Monica State Beach and within walking distance to world-famous Santa Monica Pier. First opening in 1948, Sea Blue Hotel has a relaxed atmosphere and an offbeat retro-surf-meets-rock-n-roll theme. The small bright rooms have a lot of character, with small surfboards hanging on the walls.

Located in between Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier, this Ocean Avenue hotel has the retro design of a ’60s surf motel, but with modern amenities. In the rooms, splashes of blue and white are complemented by pale wood and small marine-themed decorations. The Bayside Hotel offers brilliant sunsets in a simple vintage setting and the rooms are fresh and bright – some with full kitchens and ocean views. Enjoy sunbathing on the lush lawn while the ocean breeze runs through the tall thin palm trees lining the street.

Ocean Park Hotel is basic lodging in an excellent location. Rooms are simple, clean and comfortable, plus the staff are known to be down-to-earth and friendly. The attached Ocean Park Café serves American-style breakfast and lunch in a setting that has authentic beachtown charm. The surrounding neighborhood offers a variety of hip restaurants, shopping and bars, plus the Expo Line (which takes you to Downtown LA) is a 20-minute walk away, with a station on Bundy Drive.

Just a block from Santa Monica Pier, this budget lowrise 1950s hotel has bright fresh rooms in a vintage Southern California (or SoCal) setting. The adjacent restaurant, Chez Jays, is a nautical-themed mainstay with a boozy daily happy hour and dedicated local following. A few minutes walk away is the Third Street Promenade and favorite local nightlife destinations such as The Bungalow. An ideal location for travelers looking to see the best of Santa Monica on a budget.

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood just two blocks from the beach in Santa Monica, Cal Mar Hotel is an unassuming all-suite budget hotel with a pool. The suites are spacious with traditional decor, full kitchens and mid-century SoCal appeal. There are plenty of unexpected amenities here for a budget hotel, including car rental and laundry services.

Guests staying at the Gateway Hotel will discover an especially welcoming staff amid cheerful surroundings. The rooms are bright and colorful with all the comforts of home. It’s within walking distance of the 17th Street Expo Line train station, which is great for those looking to explore more of LA. But why not keep it local and simply take a stroll down Santa Monica Boulevard towards the pier?