Santa Monica is expensive. If you’ve spent five minutes looking at hotel rates near the pier, you already know that. You'll see glass-fronted luxury spots charging $600 a night before you even think about valet fees or a $50 "resort fee" for the privilege of using their Wi-Fi. It’s a lot. This is usually where the Days Inn Santa Monica Los Angeles enters the conversation.
People find it while scrolling through Expedia or Booking.com, squinting at the map to see if it’s actually close enough to the beach to walk.
It’s an interesting spot. Honestly, it’s one of the last few bastions of "reasonable" pricing in a zip code that has largely moved on from the middle class. But staying here comes with some trade-offs that most people don't realize until they're hauling their luggage up to the second floor.
The Location Reality Check
Let’s get the biggest misconception out of the way immediately. When people search for Days Inn Santa Monica Los Angeles, they often assume they’re going to step out the front door and feel the sand between their toes.
You won't.
This hotel is located on Santa Monica Boulevard, roughly 2.5 miles from the Santa Monica Pier. In some cities, 2.5 miles is a breezy walk. In Los Angeles? That’s a trek. If you decide to walk it, you’re looking at about 45 to 50 minutes of pavement. It’s a straight shot, sure, but it’s not exactly a scenic stroll through a park. You’re walking past auto shops, hospitals, and office buildings.
If you have a car, you’re golden. Well, mostly golden. Traffic on Santa Monica Boulevard is a beast.
Why the 20th Street Location Matters
The hotel sits right near the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd and 20th Street. This is actually a pretty strategic "home base" if you aren't strictly a beach person. You’re incredibly close to the 10 Freeway. That means if you want to head east toward Culver City, the Museum District (LACMA), or even Downtown LA, you’re saving yourself 20 minutes of stop-and-go surface street traffic that people staying at the beach hotels have to suffer through.
Also, you're right by the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center. I’ve talked to plenty of travelers who stay at this specific Days Inn because they have family in the hospital. It’s a practical location. It’s not a "vacation vibes" location.
✨ Don't miss: Getting to Burning Man: What You Actually Need to Know About the Journey
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Expect a motel.
That’s not an insult; it’s just a fact. The Days Inn Santa Monica Los Angeles follows the classic exterior-corridor layout. You park your car, you walk to your door, and you’re in your room.
The interiors are surprisingly decent for the price point, though. Most rooms have been updated with laminate flooring instead of that crusty, old-school hotel carpet that feels like it’s hiding secrets from 1994. It feels cleaner. It’s brighter.
The space is usually tight.
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s going to feel crowded very quickly. But for a solo business traveler or a couple who just needs a place to crash after a Lakers game or a long day at Universal Studios, it works.
One thing you’ve gotta watch out for: noise.
Santa Monica Boulevard is a major artery. It never really sleeps. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room toward the back of the property. The rooms facing the street get a lot of sirens, bus brakes, and the general hum of LA life.
The Logistics of Staying at Days Inn Santa Monica Los Angeles
Parking is the secret weapon here.
🔗 Read more: Tiempo en East Hampton NY: What the Forecast Won't Tell You About Your Trip
In Santa Monica, parking is a nightmare. Most hotels charge anywhere from $40 to $65 per night for valet. The Days Inn usually offers free or very low-cost parking (though always double-check your specific booking rate, as things change). That alone can save you $300 over a five-day trip.
- There is a fitness center. It’s small. Don’t expect a luxury gym.
- Wi-Fi is generally reliable, which is a win for anyone working remotely.
- The breakfast is "grab and go" or basic continental style.
Think cereal, muffins, and juice. It’s fine for a quick fuel-up, but you’re in Santa Monica—go get a real breakfast. There are a dozen incredible cafes within a ten-minute drive. Bay Cities Italian Deli isn't far, and while it's famous for the Godmother sandwich, it’s a local landmark you shouldn't miss.
Navigating the Neighborhood
If you stay here, don’t just head to the pier and call it a day.
You are actually very close to some of the "real" Santa Monica. Just a few blocks away is the Mid-City area. It’s less touristy and more focused on the people who actually live there.
Check out Douglas Park. It’s only a few blocks away. It has lawn bowling, reflecting pools, and it’s a great place to just sit and breathe if the chaos of the Pier gets to be too much.
For food, you’ve got options that aren't overpriced tourist traps. There’s a Whole Foods nearby if you want to grab supplies and save money on dinners. There are also several solid ramen spots and taco trucks that frequent this stretch of the boulevard.
The Honest Pros and Cons
Let's get real for a second.
The Good:
The price is usually the lowest you’ll find in Santa Monica for a reputable brand. It’s safe. The staff is generally used to high turnover and they're efficient. The proximity to the 10 freeway is a genuine life-saver for navigating the rest of Los Angeles.
💡 You might also like: Finding Your Way: What the Lake Placid Town Map Doesn’t Tell You
The Bad:
It’s loud. The "walkability" to the beach is an exaggeration for anyone who isn't a marathon runner. It lacks any sort of "resort" feel—no pool to lounge by, no fancy lobby bar to sip cocktails in.
The Ugly:
If you arrive during rush hour (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM), getting into the parking lot can feel like a mission from an action movie because of the traffic flow on Santa Monica Blvd.
Is it the right choice for you?
If you are a traveler who uses their hotel room strictly for sleeping and showering, the Days Inn Santa Monica Los Angeles is a smart play. You save hundreds of dollars that you can then spend on actual experiences—like a nice dinner at Elephante or tickets to a show at the Hollywood Bowl.
However, if you’re dreaming of waking up, opening the curtains, and seeing the Pacific Ocean, you’re going to be disappointed. You’ll be looking at a car wash or a CVS.
It’s all about expectations.
For those on a budget, this is one of the few ways to stay "in" Santa Monica without staying in a hostel or a shady Airbnb. It’s a known quantity. It’s a Wyndham property, so there’s a level of accountability there that you don’t always get with independent motels.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
- Request a back room. Seriously. Your ears will thank you at 2:00 AM.
- Use the Big Blue Bus. Santa Monica’s bus system is actually great. The "1" line runs right down Santa Monica Blvd and will take you straight to the beach for a couple of bucks. Save the Uber money.
- Check the water pressure. It’s an older building. Sometimes the showers take a minute to get going.
- Don't leave valuables in your car. This is just general LA advice, but it applies here too. The parking lot is accessible.
Final Insights on the Value Proposition
The Days Inn Santa Monica Los Angeles occupies a specific niche. It’s for the pragmatic traveler.
In a city that often feels like it's trying to squeeze every last cent out of your wallet, there's something respectable about a place that just provides a clean bed and a parking spot. It’s not glamorous. It’s not going to make it onto your Instagram feed. But it keeps your travel budget intact, and in 2026, that's a rare find in Southern California.
If you’re planning to explore the wider Los Angeles area—Ventura, Beverly Hills, Mid-Wilshire—this location is actually superior to staying right on the beach. You’ll spend far less time stuck in the gridlock of the "Ocean Avenue" bubble.
Actionable Next Steps
- Compare the "Total Cost": Before booking, add the parking fees and resort fees of a "beachfront" hotel to their base price. Then compare that to the flat rate at the Days Inn. Often, the difference is over $150 per day.
- Map your commute: If you have specific meetings or events in LA, use a traffic estimator for the 20th Street area versus the Santa Monica Pier area. You'll likely see a 15-minute difference in your favor at the Days Inn.
- Book direct or via Wyndham Rewards: If you stay at Days Inns often, the points can actually add up to a free night relatively quickly, which isn't usually an option with the boutique hotels on the coast.