Lowes or the Fairmont

Want to know which hotel is a better stay. My husband and I DO care what are accommodations are like and also location to the beach. Does any one know if the fairmont has a ';space'; on the beach? Just would like some feedback in comparing the two. We are going mid May! Thanks!

Lowes or the Fairmont

Fairmont does not have a space on the beach, but it is a beautiful hotel and the beach is a short walk away. Fairmont is in a better location, a short walk to Montana Ave and across from the Promenade and all restaurants. It is a bit better of a hotel than Loews. However, Loews is a great hotel, and is right on the beach. It has a great pool, too. I would look at pictures on their sites and just see which one appeals to you more.

Lowes or the Fairmont

The two hotels are on opposite sides of Ocean Av: The Loews (note Lowe%26#39;s like the Home Improvement store!) is on the%26#39;beach side%26#39;; the Fairmont is on the %26#39;land side%26#39;. The Fairmont%26#39;s location is a %26#39;mixed bag%26#39;. In many respects, it%26#39;s better located -- closer to the 3rd St promenade, and shops on Montana Av but what%26#39;s not clear from moat maps is that the topography between the Fairmont and the beach is a sharp downslope (what we call a ';palisades';) so when you cross Ocean Av from the Fairmont, there is a narrow park in front of you, on the border of which is a low fence with a panoramic view of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) directly below and the beach below and in front of you. It%26#39;s a spectacular view but it does place you several minutes from the beach which is accessible from a number of cliffside staircases and bridges spanning PCH.

The Loews on the other hand is. literally, steps from the beach. On trip advisor, the fairmont gets better reviews. but I like the Loews a little better. It%26#39;s a little more ';relaxed-elegant'; whereas the Fairmont is a little more ';formal-elegant';. Either way, you can%26#39;t really lose.

thanks so much! One last question - is the Shutters worth the money?

I appreciate the reply - whats your take on Shutters?

I%26#39;ve stayed at all three hotels. I like Shutters the best, if it is nice weather and we want use of the beach. Love the decor, the restaurants, public areas, etc.

We%26#39;ve stayed at the Fairmont many weekends for my husband%26#39;s work party. The view from a high room in the tower is fantastic, but rooms on the small side. Enjoyed being close to shopping, didn%26#39;t use beach or pool.

Like Loew%26#39;s swimming pool area the best, but our discounted room overlooked the street and parking valet, so unless you were getting a view room, didn%26#39;t care for it so much

Shutters is by far the best, I love this hotel. It is worth the money if you can afford it. If you would have to cut your budget for otherparts of your stay to be there, I would not do it as the Loews is right next door and exceptional nice aswell

You can always wander the grounds at Shutters, have a tea at the patiodeck if you want to check it out

The Fairmont is nice aswell, but if you are looking for easy beach access, Loews might be your best option

thanks for the help!

Here%26#39;s a picture that may be helpful in evaluating the Fairmont...

鈥underground.com/data/鈥?.jpg

The hotel is located on the right side of the image, on the other side of the palm trees. As you can see, its not a straight shot to the beach (but you can use a combination of steps and the pedestrian bridge that you see in the photo here).

Shutters, on the other hand:

http://rentalo.com/64648/shutterson.html