Needed someplace reasonable to stay while they "tented" our home for termites. Since I grew up and lived in Santa Monica for 40+ years (and we live close by) I gave this Travelodge on Pico a try - based on some pretty positive reviews in TripAdvisor.
First off, for the price (and the area), I suppose it's OK. You could do a lot worse in Santa Monica. (Try the TL down on Ocean Ave - or any of the other motels there - and you'll know what I mean.) Second, I don't think most people have really fussy expectations of a Travelodge - I certainly didn't. As TL's go, this one is firmly at the top of the 2-star range. Check in was friendly, if efficiently busy, and the facility has ample parking and there are a few buildings to choose from. We stayed in the main building on the first floor - as close to the reception office as you can get. A real plus about this location is the restaurants. Granted, most people will need a car to get to other areas of Santa Monica (and the tourist type stuff, 3rd street, Pier, etc.), but this stretch of Pico has some really great (and underrated) places to eat. A 20 minute walk in either direction on Pico will get you some decent Mexican, Italian, BBQ, Burgers, etc. (Lares, Gilbert's, SF Saloon for great burgers, Don Antonio's Valentino, etc.). Not the most "hip" in S.M., but if that's your scene look (and stay) elsewhere.
That said, the rooms themselves - while updated somewhat - are a little noisy. Building itself is typical TL construction. We had folks above us tromping around most of the night, and since we actually had to go to work at 6:00 a.m. the next day, we were a little tired. (It's a Travelodge, what do you expect!) Recommend earplugs and leave the fan on to alleviate some of that. I note that many of the more positive reviews for this place are from our friends across the pond. Having stayed in literally hundreds of B&B's and small hotels in UK and Europe, I can see why this TL more than meets expectations. In fact, I would recommend this location for friends visiting from overseas - it's close enough to everything w/out being stuck in the tourist dives along Ocean Ave. However, to some of us "yanks," this ain't the Marriot. (What do you want - it's a Travelodge!)
Beds were comfortable enough - if not a bit on the hard side. Breakfast in the main building is also fine - my son was happy to get his Fruit Loops, and there's juice, coffee, sliced muffins, etc. Don't want that? There's a McD's two blocks down Pico. Personally, I'd recommend sticking w/the light breakfast. Or if you've got the time, go to Gilbert's about 6 blocks s. on Pico. Great and filling Huevos Rancheros.
Overall, it's an OK place to stay for a few nights (as we have to) if you absolutely *have* to stay IN Santa Monica. Otherwise .... It's a Travelodge - what do you expect?
