From the outside, the hotel's blue-shingled walls and white window trimmings give the SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Monica an East Coast seaside vibe that wouldn't be out of place in Cape Cod. The relaxing, beach-oriented feel seems to be exactly what the hotel is going for. Inside, cheerful photographs and paintings of the beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Promenade hang on the walls. The lobby is small, with a reception counter and two blue chairs, and a couple of potted plants spruce it up.

The courtyard is another lovely space, with lounge chairs and picnic tables scattered around and enough space for several parties to congregate comfortably. There are also two barbecues for guest use. Palm trees, flowers, and other succulents and greenery give the courtyard a warm, natural atmosphere. 

The neighborhood right around the SureStay is pleasant, with local shops, restaurants, and a Trader Joe's supermarket in the immediate vicinity. The hotel is located in Santa Monica, an independent city in Los Angeles Country, about 30 or so blocks to the beach. A bus to the beach stops near the hotel, and it's about a five-minute drive away. The Third Street Promenade and other Santa Monica attractions also take around five minutes to reach. Beverly Hills is about a 15-minute drive, while Hollywood could take 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Los Angeles International Airport is 20 minutes away without traffic and Bob Hope Airport in Burbank takes around 35 minutes to reach outside of rush hour. 

The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Monica offers 12 different room types, all of which are large, clean, and simply decorated. Some rooms have fully equipped kitchenettes with stoves and ovens, while others feature whirlpool hot tubs. Pets are allowed in some rooms (for a fee). 

All rooms come with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, and tables, as well as desks, large flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Many rooms have alarm clocks with built-in MP3 players. Bathrooms are plain but clean, and most have shower/tub combos. Noise from other rooms and common areas can sometimes be heard in guest rooms.

A free breakfast of fruit, hard-boiled eggs, oatmeal, cereal, bagels, pancakes, coffee, tea, and juice is served daily in the breakfast room by the lobby. A simple tiled space with a TV and wood table and chairs, the room is enormously livened by the small pot of flowers on each table. The hotel also has a business center with a couple of computers and offers free Wi-Fi to all guests, although the connection is not always reliable. There are also coin-operated laundry facilities, and on-site parking is free for guests.