Second Story Hotel Belamar

Second Story is the restaurant in the boutique hotel Belamar in Manhattan Beach. They have great happy hours; every day is different. Wine Weds, all wine is 1/2 price. You can get a bottle of prosecco/champagne for $14! Granted its probably not going to be top drawer but a pretty good bang for your buck. They also have ladies night where if you bring in so many women, you get certain % off the bill. \r \r I believe the appetizers are 1/2 off as well during happy hour and all are well presented and prepared. I have never seen this place crowded unless an event is being held there (one night there was a speed dating event). But that can be a really good thing because you are not bumping into people.\r \r The decor is retro a la 60's or 70's, but tasteful. There is a block of tv screens on the wall showing Charlies Angels, The Brady Bunch, or other 70's shows. \r \r The wait staff has always been great. Once I found a shard of plastic or glass in my wine glass. They quickly replaced it and took a chunk off our bill. Pros: Great happy hour (who doesn't love 1/2 price wine night?) Cons: location more

As a Manhattan Beach wedding photographer, we love documenting events at the Belamar. The courtyard setting is a really cozy setting for a wedding, guests really enjoy themselves, and don't have to travel far afterwards to the next door reception. more

Yes the hotel looks ""cool"" HOWEVER, the Tranquil room was so small we could barely fit 2 suitcases and ourselves in the room. The picture made the room look much bigger. wE could barely move around our 2 bags and what we had in them. The hotel did nothing about it and didn't care.\r You also cannot self park, it's all valet parking and a real pain when you need your car to come and go-lots of tipping for parking.\r The bathroom was so small we only had room for 2 towels, no place for personal items and a charge for EVERYTHING INCLUDING ROOM TO ROOM CALLS!! i WOULD SPEND THE $300 AT ANY OTHER HOTEL BUT THIS ONE, TRUST ME!!!!!!! more

Service was great the valet, bartender and waiters but the food was unimaginative and below average for the price. The cocktails were good but of course over priced as well. When booking for my room I asked for a view of the pool...I did...and I got a view of the BUILDING that the pool was in!!\r Bed was very comfortable but was awakened by the sound of the cleaning lady next door at 8 a.m. the next morning!!\r You can definitely find a better deal for the same amount of $!! Pros: Great service Cons: too much $ for too much so-so more

as we were at the red light turning on to sepulveda blvd, we were shocked to see how getto this place was from the outside. we pulled up and yes, they snazzed up the lobby and it looks great. the concierge was warm and friendly, the rooms are cute, but that website really made it look better than what it should be.\r there were no robes, slippers, fridge... we were thirsty one night and went to the ice machine in which there were no buckets to be found (none in our room), front desk at 2am was empty.. called for room service and no one picked up the phone. for paying $200 a night, its not worth it. it may be close to lax and convienently located near the freeways, i am sure we could of find a better joint that this... Pros: free valet Cons: everything.. more

I had an incredible experience at The Belamar. The room was immaculate and comfortable....great room service and friendly, helpful staff. The highlight was walking into the lounge and finding a first rate live musician playing oldies and the blues. Ate a steak dinner at the bar and was very impressed.....great wine list and friendly prices. This place was awesome value and I look forward to staying there again. Pros: Quirky decor, live music in the l ounge, friendly staff Cons: $18 per day for parking more

I agree with the other reviews -- the website is VERY deceiving. Amenities-wise, this place is a Motel 6 with better linens and decor. That would not be problematic were it not for the descriptions on the website. Bathrobes and slippers? Nope. European body care products? Uh, not exactly. Flat screen tvs? Only in the suites, I was told, never mind what was on the website. And I had the same experience as previous reviewers re: things like irons, ice, etc.\r The staff was mediocre at best, and certainly did not make up for the hotel's shortcomings.\r \r Bottom line -- I felt duped, but if you know what to expect coming in -- a snazzy *looking* place with nice bedding and decor that skimps on the little things -- you'll be able to lower your expectations accordingly and probably have a better experience. In the future, though, I'll be staying at Shade -- better decor, service, and attention to detail.\r \r Pros: Comfy beds Cons: Lack of amenities, parking, indifferent staff more

This hotel is lacking compared to other hotels. I stayed there last weekend, and the room was missing a few things, like an ice bucket & ice machine on the floor, no iron/ironing board, & no shower caps. You have to call the desk to ask for these simple items. It was really noisy and the room was stuffy. The website looks a lot nicer then in person. Pros: intimate, small Cons: noisy, missing 2 many things more

I stayed at this hotel last week end, and we had a good time, and the rooms are nice, but I was deceived because the website is so well made that when you get to the hotel the expectation are not what you thought it would be. The bar/lounge is nice, they have live music, a gorgeous pool area, bu the gardens are pretty small, and the hotel is far from the beach. If you are looking for walking distance this is not it. It is around 10mns car drive to the beach But otherwise not a bad place. Pros: Well decorated, moder, Good price Cons: too far from the hote, the rooms are small more