Courtyard Villa on the Ocean

Nestled between a bunch of larger hotels, this small historic hotel is a romantic getaway right on the beach. Courtyard Villa has spacious oceanfront efficiencies with private balconies, larger suites overlooking the pool, and full two-bedroom apartments. Accommodations are plush, with chenille bedspreads and carved four-poster beds; fully equipped kitchenettes are an added convenience. The tiled bathrooms have strong, hot showers to wash off the beach sand. Room no. 8 is especially nice, with French doors that open to a private balcony overlooking the ocean. Relax in the hotel's unique heated pool/spa or on the second-floor sun deck. You can also swim from the beach to a living reef just 50 feet offshore. Located on the same street is Courtyard Villa's sister property, Buena Vista Hotel and Beach Club, 4225 El Mar Dr. (tel. 800/291-3560), where in-season rates range from $179 to $279 and off-season rates are $99 to $169.

Facilities:
Free bike use; Jacuzzi; free laptop use w/Internet access; outdoor heated pool; limited room service; scuba instruction

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.