For travelers seeking an affordable base near the beach, Santa Monica’s motels offer a practical alternative to high‑end hotels. The Santa Monica Hotel at 2102 Lincoln Blvd, for instance, includes free on‑site parking and sits less than a mile from the Santa Monica Pier, according to Expedia. Comparing the top budget motels on price, safety, and location helps travelers book with confidence.

Last checked: 2026-06-16

Nearest beach: Santa Monica Beach and Pier, within walking distance of most motels ·
Typical motel rate: Significantly lower than average hotel rate in the area ·
Popular budget chain: Motel 6 Santa Monica ·
Family-friendly: Yes, with several motels offering family suites and free parking

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-06-16.

Sources reviewed: official property website (Santa Monica Hotel Expedia listing), TripAdvisor reviews, KAYAK pricing data, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism official guide, Hotels.com guest reviews, Yelp reviews.

No on‑site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted; rates and policies are as reported by the sources above.

Snapshot: what you need to know

1
Address & location
  • Santa Monica Hotel is located at 2102 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (Expedia)

2
Average motel price
  • The average nightly rate for a motel in Santa Monica is about USD 194 (KAYAK)

3
Free parking
  • Santa Monica Hotel offers free self‑parking on site (Expedia)

4
Total hotels in town

Key facts at a glance
Fact Detail
Nearest beach Santa Monica Beach and Pier, within walking distance of most motels
Typical motel rate Significantly lower than average hotel rate – motels average USD 194 vs hotels USD 515 per night
Popular budget chain Motel 6 Santa Monica is listed among the top motel options in the area
Family‑friendly Yes – several motels offer family suites and free parking; Santa Monica Hotel provides rollaway beds for USD 20/night

Is Santa Monica a good place to stay as a tourist?

Santa Monica offers a central location within walking distance of the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade, making it a convenient base for exploring the coast. According to the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism official guide, all local hotels lie within roughly 4 miles of the ocean, so even budget motels on Lincoln Blvd keep you close to the sand.

Budget motels provide substantial value: KAYAK data shows the average motel room costs USD 194 per night, while a standard hotel runs about USD 515. That means a motel can save you over 60% on accommodation, leaving more for dining or activities.

Where’s the best place to stay in Santa Monica?

For budget travelers, properties along Lincoln Blvd – such as the Santa Monica Hotel, Motel 6, and Gateway Hotel – combine low rates with free parking and beach proximity. The Santa Monica Hotel (formerly Santa Monica Motel) at 2102 Lincoln Blvd is roughly a mile from the Pier, according to Yelp listings.

Which is nicer, Malibu or Santa Monica?

Malibu offers more rugged, less commercialized beaches, but Santa Monica has a wider range of affordable motels, a walkable downtown, and direct access to the Pier and Promenade. Travelers with a tight budget will find Santa Monica far more practical.

What this means: Santa Monica is an excellent tourist base, especially if you choose a budget motel – you get great location without the high price tag.

Best motel choices for different travellers

  • Families: Look for motels with family suites and free parking, such as the Santa Monica Hotel (rollaway beds available for USD 20/night) or the Cal Mar Hotel Suites, which offer larger apartment‑style rooms with kitchens.
  • Budget solo travelers: Motel 6 Santa Monica and the Gateway Hotel offer the lowest nightly rates and free Wi‑Fi, making them ideal for quick overnight stays.
  • Couples on a budget: The Santa Monica Hotel’s clean rooms and free bicycle rentals provide a romantic yet affordable experience near the beach.
  • Night owls seeking safe walkability: Properties west of Lincoln Blvd are within a well‑lit 15‑minute walk of the Pier and Promenade, areas generally considered safe for pedestrians after dark.

Is it cheaper to stay in a hotel or motel?

Motels in Santa Monica typically cost 40–60% less than hotels in the same area. KAYAK’s price analysis compares an average motel rate of USD 194 per night against an average hotel rate of USD 515 per night.

Motels also often include what hotels charge extra for: Santa Monica Hotel offers free on‑site self‑parking and free bicycle rentals, while many mid‑range and upscale hotels levy daily parking fees of USD 30–50.

The trade‑off comes in amenities: motels rarely have a pool, restaurant, or room service, but for travelers who plan to spend most of their time out exploring, the savings can be significant.

Pricing bands for Santa Monica motels

  • Budget (under USD 150/night): Motel 6 Santa Monica, Gateway Hotel (off‑season rates).
  • Mid‑range (USD 150–250/night): Santa Monica Hotel, Santa Monica Motel and Suites.
  • Above market (USD 250+/night): Cal Mar Hotel Suites (due to larger suites with kitchens).

November and December tend to be the cheapest months; booking at least 23 days in advance can help secure the best rate, per KAYAK’s recommendations.

The bottom line: November and December tend to be the cheapest months; booking at least 23 days in advance can help secure the best rate, per KAYAK’s recommendations.

Quick comparison of top budget motels in Santa Monica
Property Name Nightly Rate (approx) Free Parking Distance to Beach Guest Rating (out of 5) Family Rooms
Santa Monica Hotel USD 150–250 Yes (Expedia) ~1 mile (Yelp) 4.0 (TripAdvisor) Yes – rollaway beds available
Motel 6 Santa Monica USD 120–180 Yes ~1.5 miles 3.8 (KAYAK) Limited
Gateway Hotel Santa Monica USD 130–190 Yes ~1.2 miles 3.9 (Booking.com) Yes – some suites
Santa Monica Motel and Suites USD 140–220 Paid street parking ~0.8 mile 4.1 (TripAdvisor) Yes

Pros and cons of choosing a motel

What you gain

  • 40–60% lower rate than hotels
  • Free parking (at most Lincoln Blvd motels)
  • Free Wi‑Fi and bicycle rentals at the Santa Monica Hotel
  • Easy walk to the beach and Pier

What you sacrifice

  • No pool, gym, or full‑service restaurant
  • Older building with exterior corridors (Santa Monica Hotel)
  • Destination fee of ~USD 28.75 at Santa Monica Hotel
  • Limited soundproofing compared to newer hotels

Our top budget motel pick

For budget‑conscious families and first‑time visitors, Santa Monica Hotel strikes the best balance of price, convenience, and guest satisfaction. It offers free parking, free bikes, and positive reviews for cleanliness and staff helpfulness (TripAdvisor). The USD 28.75 destination fee is an unwelcome surprise, but the overall nightly saving versus a hotel more than compensates.

Solo travelers walking at night will appreciate the well‑lit route from the motel to the Pier, and families can request a rollaway bed for USD 20/night. For these reasons, the Santa Monica Hotel is our recommended pick among the budget Lincoln Boulevard motels.

Is Santa Monica safe to walk at night?

Santa Monica is generally considered safe for pedestrians, especially west of Lincoln Blvd. Families and solo travelers report feeling comfortable in the tourist core near the beach and Pier after dark, according to TripAdvisor forum discussions and local guides.

The Santa Monica Travel & Tourism website advises guests with lodging concerns to contact the City Attorney’s Office for Consumer Affairs, demonstrating the city’s proactive consumer‑protection stance. Typical precautions – sticking to main roads, keeping valuables out of sight – apply, but the area’s low violent crime rate (comparable to other beach cities) supports its reputation as a safe family destination.

Safety tip for motel guests: If you stay on Lincoln Blvd, use the well‑lit sidewalks heading east toward the beach. Most motels have 24‑hour front desks and exterior cameras. The Santa Monica Hotel’s staff are frequently praised for their attentiveness (Yelp). For those interested in the comedian’s life, a John Belushi biography can be found at $John Belushi biography.

Is Santa Monica safe for family stay?

Yes. Families find the area safe and welcoming, with playgrounds at the Pier and family‑friendly motels offering rollaway beds and free parking. The biggest safety concern is petty theft – never leave belongings unattended on the beach.

The bottom line: Santa Monica is safe for nighttime walks in the tourist areas. Budget motels west of Lincoln Blvd are well‑positioned for a secure stay.

Is it better to stay in Venice Beach or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica offers a quieter, more family‑oriented atmosphere with cleaner sidewalks and a more curated retail scene. Venice Beach, just a mile south, has a bohemian, edgy vibe with the famous boardwalk, muscle beach, and eclectic street performers.

Both districts are easily connected by the beach bike path; the Santa Monica Hotel provides free bicycle rentals, making it easy to explore both. For travelers seeking a calm beach base with easy access to Venice’s energy, Santa Monica motels are the stronger choice. For those who want to be in the middle of the action, Venice has a handful of budget motels (often noisier and with fewer free amenities).

The pattern: Choose Santa Monica if you value quiet and convenience; choose Venice if you want a vibrant, unconventional atmosphere.

Which celebrity lives in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is home to several celebrities, though specific names are often kept private. Local real estate listings occasionally mention high‑profile residents, but no verified list is maintained publicly. The question often arises from curiosity – and it’s true that you might spot a movie star at a farmers’ market or coffee shop. But for the purpose of choosing a motel, the presence of celebrities has no practical bearing on your stay.

What’s the most stolen item from a hotel room?

Towels and bathrobes top the list, according to hospitality industry surveys. The “washcloth trick” – wedging a washcloth into the door jamb to test if a room was properly cleaned – is a well‑known travel hack, though it has no official endorsement. For motel guests, it’s wise to keep your own lockable pouch for small valuables; motel rooms typically lack in‑room safes.

Hotelier’s note: Budget motels often rely on staff trust rather than electronic locks; the Santa Monica Hotel’s free in‑room Wi‑Fi and espresso makers are a welcome upgrade over typical chain motels.

Related reading: Shore Hotel Santa Monica Review · Meadow Inn Hotel-Motel Reviews

Additional sources

cozycozy.com, youtube.com, tripadvisor.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of a motel in Santa Monica compared to a hotel?

A motel in Santa Monica averages USD 194 per night, while a hotel averages USD 515 per night, according to KAYAK – a saving of over 60%.

Do motels in Santa Monica offer free parking?

Yes, several budget motels such as Santa Monica Hotel, Motel 6, and Gateway Hotel include free on‑site parking, which can save USD 30–50 per night compared to hotel parking fees.

Is Santa Monica Motel 6 located near the beach?

Motel 6 Santa Monica is approximately 1.5 miles from the beach – a 20‑minute walk or short bike ride. The Santa Monica Hotel, at 2102 Lincoln Blvd, is closer – roughly a mile from the Pier.

Which motels in Santa Monica are best for families?

Santa Monica Hotel offers rollaway beds for USD 20/night and free parking, while Cal Mar Hotel Suites provides apartment‑style rooms with kitchens – both popular with families.

How safe is the Lincoln Blvd area for tourists?

Areas west of Lincoln Blvd are well‑lit and heavily trafficked by tourists. The Santa Monica Travel & Tourism office provides a consumer‑complaint contact for any issues, but the general consensus is that the district is safe for daytime and evening walks.

What amenities are typically included in Santa Monica motels?

Free Wi‑Fi, cable TV, daily housekeeping, and parking are standard. The Santa Monica Hotel also provides free bicycle rentals, espresso makers, and a 24‑hour front desk.

Can I walk from a Santa Monica motel to the Pier?

Yes – the Santa Monica Hotel is about a 20‑minute walk (1 mile) from Santa Monica Pier. Most motels on Lincoln Blvd are within a 15‑ to 25‑minute walk of the beach and Pier.

Sources cited