The Georgian Hotel

A fully restored classic with charm, history, and Art Deco accents, the 84-room Georgian Hotel once hosted the likes of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. The mobster Bugsy Siegel held court in the basement speakeasy (now closed to the public, except for private parties). After serving as a retirement home for many years, the 1933 landmark reopened as a hotel in 1993. Guests (a mix of families and couples) enjoy great views of the sea from its popular Restaurant at The Georgian. Inside, the dining area is contemporary with gray walls and a white fireplace, plus there's a cute bar tucked in the corner.

The Georgian Hotel sits on the edge of downtown Santa Monica, directly opposite the bluffs overlooking the beach. Along Palisades Park's jogging path on the west side of Ocean Avenue, locals run, walk dogs, and do boot-camp exercises with personal trainers. Two blocks away is the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only outdoor mall with shops, a movie theater, and national chain restaurants. Also nearby (10 minutes by car) is Venice Beach, popular with tourists because of its cafes and restaurants on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

• Five-minute walk to famous Santa Monica Pier, with Ferris wheel, video game arcade, and carnival-style amusements
• 20-minute drive to Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills
• 30-minute drive to Hollywood Boulevard and Grauman's Chinese Theatre
• 60-minute drive to Universal Studios
• 30- to 45-minute drive to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

At about 250 square feet, the Standard Rooms (with either two queen beds, one queen bed, or one king bed) are on the small side, but are elegantly decorated with patterned carpet, framed photographs, and white crown molding. A few of these room types have ocean views, but most overlook Santa Monica. Suites are far more spacious at almost 550 square feet; some have a private bedroom enclosed with a door while others just have draperies between the living and sleeping spaces. Decor is similar to the Standard Rooms, plus the addition of elegant chaise loungers and armchairs. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a refrigerated minibar, coffeemaker, safe, and flat-screen TV. Bathrooms can feature blue or black-and-white tiles, plus shower/tub combos and toiletries.

Features are few at this historic boutique hotel, and most guests are happy with the easy beach access and walkable location. The star feature is the Restaurant at The Georgian, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and room service. Seating is either indoors in the contemporary dining room, or outside on the expansive, covered front porch with views of the beach across the street. The menu offers American favorites, and it's a hit with locals and guests. A small lobby bar provides wine and cocktails. There's also a small fitness center and business center, both open 24 hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet parking incurs a fee. Dog-friendly rooms are available.