Santa Monica never fails to amaze us: this coastal city is constantly revealing secret charms. We recently discovered the Channel Road Inn, just 15 comfy rooms blessed with sea breezes in a charming restored Colonial Revival house that dates to 1910. Although extensive renovations have been done throughout the years, the house still boasts many of the original Craftsman accents such as the massive oak front door and Batchelder tiles in the living room fireplace. This upscale bed-and-breakfast is a just a four-minute walk from the beach, and two miles from Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade mall.

The comfortable and spanking clean rooms come with free Wi-Fi and TVs. Upgraded rooms and suites add whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and/or balconies. Kids age 5 and under stay at no charge with a parent. Accommodations are ideal for the business traveler, some are practical for families traveling with children, and all are perfect for a memorable getaway.
The Inn goes above and beyond to please its happy guests and the congenial staff works hard to please. They serve wine, cheese, nuts and other savories in the afternoon and a delicious and bountiful hot breakfast buffet every morning in the dining room or on the porch. All is complimentary, as is parking and wireless internet.

Other amenities include a cozy lounge with a fireplace, and a library. Bikes, books, beach umbrellas and boogie boards can be borrowed at no charge. Massages are available for a fee. And all guests get freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies on arrival. More details on this very friendly and well-run little inn in a terrific location at http://www.channelroadinn.com.

We should have known this was a quality place to stay: it is run by Four Sisters Inns, a remarkable collection of 16 extraordinary boutique inns and hotels located in the most spectacular destinations of California including Wine Country, Southern California and the Northern California Coast. Visit http://www.foursisters.com

Here’s the best news: rooms start at $225. For Santa Monica, quality at this price is astounding. Located at 219 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402; (310) 459-1920, visit http://www.channelroadinn@foursisters.com