Dont stay at the Le Merigot, Santa Monica. Awful experience ! We have just returned from California and had booked two nights with the Marriott Santa Monica (June 26-28), making it clear that we had a baby and a child. Upon check-in (on June 26, after driving several hours from Monterey and before unloading all luggage from the car) the front desk clerk assured me a crib and a roll-away bed would be provided and sent us to our room. The room was large and spacious, with one king bed. But only the crib was brought up, so I called the front desk asking for the roll-away bed. I was then told that the room did not allow for both a crib and a roll-away bed. I asked for another room. The manager insisted that the room was very spacious and accomodated up to seven people, so it would be OK for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. I asked him where he would accomodate seven people or our party of four in a room with one king bed and a crib OR a roll-away bed. He simply answered : it is up to you. And refused to send the roll-away bed. We decided to check out immediately. By the way, the hotel is considerably dated and overpriced. Loews next door seems much much nicer. We stayed at The Shutters on The Beach and had a great time. Would recommend it to everyone, especially families, since the staff is extremely friendly, the atmosphere, location and decoration unbeatable.
G and C Engel
Sao Paulo, Brazil

Although clean and very nice staff - the hotel was not ocean front (we had a balcony that if we leaned over and looked sideways we could see some water), the spa was small and insignificant, and the area seemed very unsafe. The Santa Monica pier was unmemorable, Venus Beach is scary and I would not walk around the area of the hotel without a body guard. We changed our 3 night stay to checking out 4 ours after we checked in.

Le Merigot was a great choice for a home base on our trip to California. It was steps from the Santa Monica beach, a few blocks from shopping and restaurants in Santa Monica, a bike ride away from Venice Beach, and just down the road from Malibu, Beverly Hills and Hollywood. The staff was excellent and very knowledgeable. Our room was huge and had partial views of the ocean and the bed was amazing. The pool was small, but intimate, as was the exercise room. Do NOT miss the chocolate souffle with vanilla sauce at the hotel restaurant. I would book a room based on that alone! I would definitely recommend this hotel to others. It may not be the glitziest hotel ever, but it is luxurious yet simple at the same time. It is the perfect beach hotel, right in the center of everything. Enjoy!

Travelled Mid April for a week chill out time with my 10 year old son. Lobby had amazing flowers but looked wilted. Room was fine, spacious and clean. Bathroom well equiped. Was on 6th floor wth a balcony and sea view. Great location if you want a walk into Santa Monica. Close to beach, would recommend hiring a bike for a few hours and taking a trip to Venice Beach. Loads of activities if you are into working out on holiday like gym and pilates classes (I am too lazy) Pool was nice and heated although could do with a hot tub. Food was fine although over priced. My son loved the kids breakfast, pancakes with blueberrys and maple syrup! Had an ant problem on one day but was quickly sorted by reception, overall nothing special, but clean and in a good location