<p>We stayed at an expensive hotel in Marina del Rey last August when my son went to tour USC. The harbor area smelled terrible. We have also stayed in Santa Monica. Walking along the beach is really beautiful. However, the hotels are over priced. I mean around $70. for breakfast for 4… Homeless are on the side streets in Santa Monica. If anyone knows a great, reasonably priced hotel in Santa Monica, I’ll go there. At this point, $80. on priceline for the Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles with a pool, sounds great for parents visitors week-end in October.</p>