I stayed twice in the best western gateway. Its not smack bang in the centre of Santa Monica but its not a huge walk, mile at the most, particularly if you walk down Wilshire its a very pleasant walk. Its close to a walgreen, a couple of restaurants and the big blue bus to downtown LA or Santa Monica town centre stops outside. Its clean, friendly, has a ihop part of its premises and if I was returning it would be the place I go back to. Love Santa Monica.