Santa Monica Motel brings Pacific Sands to your doorstep

It's true. You won't find any other Los Angeles motels so close to the Santa Monica Pier. The Pacific Sands Motel is located right across the street from the Santa Monica Beach and Pier.

The motel offers an outdoor pool and complimentary wireless. I'm sure there must be plenty of cheaper digs in Venice Beach, but as far as the City of Santa Monica is concerned, I don't think you'll find anything less than $100, so close to the beach and pier.

Not only are you getting a room right on one of the most beautiful Los Angeles beaches, but you also get the Pier, Pacific Park, Muscle Beach, the Carousel, the Ferris Wheel and all the other famed Santa Monica attractions at your doorstep. It's one of the premier tourist hot-spots on the West Coast.

Amenities offered by the motel, in addition to those listed above, include cable TV, hair dryer, iron & board (on request), work desks, housekeeping and 24-hour front desk. The guest rooms are furnished retro-style, with direct exterior access and private bathrooms. The heated outdoor pool is a nice touch - walled to offer you some privacy from the exterior, with a nice hedge and palms swaying in the background.

It's not exactly the Ritz, and the double beds are kinda squeezed into the rooms, or maybe it's because the beds are huge. Plus, they charge you $7 for over-night parking. But still, considering the rates and the location, it's probably a fair enough deal. Especially if you're with family. Children below 14 stay free, and they even have some rooms, with extra beds, especially built for large family groups. Rollaway beds and cribs available upon request.

Info: 1515 Ocean Ave Santa Monica CA 90401; (310) 395-6133; www.pacificsandshotel.com/