Second Story

11/16/08

Great Setting for Weddings

by grahamandgraham at Citysearch

As a Manhattan Beach wedding photographer, we love documenting events at the Belamar. The courtyard setting is a really cozy setting for a wedding, guests really enjoy themselves, and don't have to travel far afterwards to the next door reception.

07/16/08

Worst hotel in LA, save your money and spluge elsewhere!!

by eg1462008 at Citysearch

Yes the hotel looks "cool" HOWEVER, the Tranquil room was so small we could barely fit 2 suitcases and ourselves in the room. The picture made the room look much bigger. wE could barely move around our 2 bags and what we had in them. The hotel did nothing about it and didn't care.

You also cannot self park, it's all valet parking and a real pain when you need your car to come and go-lots of tipping for parking.

The bathroom was so small we only had room for 2 towels, no place for personal items and a charge for EVERYTHING INCLUDING ROOM TO ROOM CALLS!! i WOULD SPEND THE $300 AT ANY OTHER HOTEL BUT THIS ONE, TRUST ME!!!!!!!

03/03/08

Lots of money for so-so

by imim at Citysearch

Service was great the valet, bartender and waiters but the food was unimaginative and below average for the price. The cocktails were good but of course over priced as well. When booking for my room I asked for a view of the pool...I did...and I got a view of the BUILDING that the pool was in!!

Bed was very comfortable but was awakened by the sound of the cleaning lady next door at 8 a.m. the next morning!!

You can definitely find a better deal for the same amount of $!!

• Pros: Great service
• Cons: too much $ for too much so-so

05/05/07

i should of read the reviews beforehand!!!

by aznbebe at Citysearch

as we were at the red light turning on to sepulveda blvd, we were shocked to see how getto this place was from the outside. we pulled up and yes, they snazzed up the lobby and it looks great. the concierge was warm and friendly, the rooms are cute, but that website really made it look better than what it should be.

there were no robes, slippers, fridge... we were thirsty one night and went to the ice machine in which there were no buckets to be found (none in our room), front desk at 2am was empty.. called for room service and no one picked up the phone. for paying $200 a night, its not worth it. it may be close to lax and convienently located near the freeways, i am sure we could of find a better joint that this...

• Pros: free valet
• Cons: everything..

11/13/06

Great lounge!

by chiario at Citysearch

I had an incredible experience at The Belamar. The room was immaculate and comfortable....great room service and friendly, helpful staff. The highlight was walking into the lounge and finding a first rate live musician playing oldies and the blues. Ate a steak dinner at the bar and was very impressed.....great wine list and friendly prices. This place was awesome value and I look forward to staying there again.

• Pros: Quirky decor, live music in the l ounge, friendly staff
• Cons: $18 per day for parking

08/13/06

Disregard the website!

by sblily at Citysearch

I agree with the other reviews -- the website is VERY deceiving. Amenities-wise, this place is a Motel 6 with better linens and decor. That would not be problematic were it not for the descriptions on the website. Bathrobes and slippers? Nope. European body care products? Uh, not exactly. Flat screen tvs? Only in the suites, I was told, never mind what was on the website. And I had the same experience as previous reviewers re: things like irons, ice, etc.

The staff was mediocre at best, and certainly did not make up for the hotel's shortcomings.

Bottom line -- I felt duped, but if you know what to expect coming in -- a snazzy *looking* place with nice bedding and decor that skimps on the little things -- you'll be able to lower your expectations accordingly and probably have a better experience. In the future, though, I'll be staying at Shade -- better decor, service, and attention to detail.

• Pros: Comfy beds
• Cons: Lack of amenities, parking, indifferent staff

11/15/05

No day at the beach

by 2hot2trot at Citysearch

This hotel is lacking compared to other hotels. I stayed there last weekend, and the room was missing a few things, like an ice bucket & ice machine on the floor, no iron/ironing board, & no shower caps. You have to call the desk to ask for these simple items. It was really noisy and the room was stuffy. The website looks a lot nicer then in person.

• Pros: intimate, small
• Cons: noisy, missing 2 many things

11/01/05

Nice but not as nice as what the website shows

by lydiel1 at Citysearch

I stayed at this hotel last week end, and we had a good time, and the rooms are nice, but I was deceived because the website is so well made that when you get to the hotel the expectation are not what you thought it would be. The bar/lounge is nice, they have live music, a gorgeous pool area, bu the gardens are pretty small, and the hotel is far from the beach. If you are looking for walking distance this is not it. It is around 10mns car drive to the beach

But otherwise not a bad place.

• Pros: Well decorated, moder, Good price
• Cons: too far from the hote, the rooms are small

09/26/05

Budget-chic boutique hotel lures jet-set crowd looking for modern accommodations and youthful scene in Manhattan Beach.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Tall panes of glass give way to muted walls, furry rugs and blush-colored sectional seating areas in the main floor lobby. Stainless-steel railings and portraits of Chihuahuas in regal settings add an element of modern whimsy. While there isn't an ocean view, the hotel features a central garden courtyard made available to private parties and weddings. A sanctuary for budget-minded guests, many flock to its address looking for an almost-beach location in close proximity of downtown Manhattan Beach and LAX.

The Details
Formerly known as Barnabey's, a complete renovation outfitted all 127 guestrooms with marble baths, Italian furnishings and high-thread-count linens. Terry cloth robes and touches like fresh flowers and plasma televisions add personal flair. The tiled pool is candlelit day and night featuring wooden loungers and a portrait of the hotel's four-legged mascot in aviator glasses. Also home to Vibe Restaurant, the lobby remains lively with a singles' beach scene well into the night on weekends and holidays.