Oceana Santa Monica
Overview
Welcome – Oceana Santa Monica is a good choice for families: rollaway beds can be provided (US$50 a night); Lanai Suites have sofabeds, some can be interconnected, and one has a kitchenette.
Best for
Kids big enough to have their own bed.
Recommended rooms
Lanai Suites have sofabeds, some can be interconnected, and one has a kitchenette. Rollaway beds can be added to some rooms for an additional US$50 a night, and all rooms and suites have minibars, so you can stash milk or kids’ snacks safely.
Activities
There’s more that’s likely to appeal to older kids here: you’re only a short stroll from the kitschy delights and rides on Santa Monica Pier. One of its best family-friendly attractions on the pier is the UCLA Ocean Discovery Center (+1 310 393 6149), an educational aquarium with everything from sharks and stingrays to jellyfish and starfish. Open weekends only off-season, 11am–5pm; in summer, it’s open weekdays as well (excluding Monday), 3–6pm. The beach is on your doorstep, so surf lessons are a good way to keep stronger swimmers occupied. Alternatively, check out rental companies such as Perry’s Café (www.perryscafe.com), which has numerous local outlets and offers bike and skate hire, bike tours, and surf and skate lessons.
Swimming pool
The heated outdoor pool does have a shallow end but is unsupervised; take the appropriate safety precautions with little ones.
Meals
The Ocean Lounge restaurant has a dedicated children’s menu, and the kitchen is happy to try to accommodate requests.
Babysitting
There are no onsite childcare facilities here – but the concierge can arrange babysitting with around 24 hours’ notice (about US$50 an hour).
No need to pack
Board games: Suites have games tables with chess, chequers and backgammon.
Also
Cots are not provided, so you’ll need to bring a travel cot or bassinette if you’re travelling with teeny tots.
