I know the Venice/Marina del Rey area well. I think it is a good choice for travellers because of the excellent location near the water and nearby services. It also seems a bit more affordable than Santa Monica. The list of hotels that I send to people to consider includes:

Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn, Marina del Rey (http://www.bestwestern-jamaicabay.com/) Courtyard by Marriott Marina del Rey (http://www.courtyard.com) Inn at Venice Beach (a neat little non-chain hotel - http://www.innatvenicebeach.com/) Inn at Playa del Rey (http://www.innatplayadelrey.com/) Foghorn Harbor Inn, Marina del Rey (http://www.foghornhotel.com/)

I bike past the Inn at Venice Beach every week on my weekend ride. It is really in Marina del Rey rather than Venice. I have never been inside, but I always thought that it is in a great location. You are only two blocks from the beach. Just 1/2 block down the street is a french bakery that serves what are reported to be the best croissants in LA. It is very near the canals that helped to give Venice its name. And there are myriad good restaurants that you can either walk to or reach via a short drive - French, Italian, Japanese, Californian, good old American, Mexican. I would be happy to offer a recommedation or two depending on your preferences.

My only caution is that the Inn at Venice Beach is across the street from a Mexican restaurant with an outdoor patio. It might get noisy on New Years Eve. As long as you do not get a room facing the restaurant though, I am sure you will not be bothered.

Mark Los Angeles