Southern California beach towns are like Southern California noses -- everyone has a favorite profile, it just depends on what you can afford.

For us, Hermosa Beach hits the sweet spot for a few reasons: it is, indeed, a beautifully wide, soft and sweeping beach full of hyper-fit volleyball enthusiasts. It is also sandwiched between uppery-crustery Manhattan Beach and as-yet-undefined-except-we-have-a-marina Redondo Beach.
These three towns (and a few more) are linked by a 24-mile paved bike/run/walk/in-line path.
And if you're on that path you might well miss the finest hotel option in Hermosa: Beach House at Hermosa Beach.
See, Hermosa Beach is a bedroom community (except with a perma-Spring Break at the foot of Pier Avenue). And the Beach House is elegantly understated as it fronts The Strand as well as the beach. It blends with the classy surroundings while being happily located within minutes' walk of tons of fun: Pier Avenue's raucous bars, a boardwalk replete with excellent dining (especially at XXXXXXX), boutiques and shops featuring the best beach wear at the best prices, the gorgeous beach and volleyball nets and, of course, a long walk on a long pier. You could even quickly get a ride over to Catalina Island within a few minutes.
Beach House has noise-insulated walls, ocean-front balconies and even fireplaces that encourage your full escape into relaxing. Large, comfortable and expertly appointed rooms make staying in easy, despite the outdoorsy draw of the rising tide.
The hotel also has some a la carte, personalizing options that are, in a word, luxe. First, you can blend in with the locals after two hours of volleyball training with 2000 Gold Medalist Eric Fonoimoana. Second, the spa services are top drawer, including the old "lower leg and feet treat" -- which undoubtedly follows your failed attempts at playing volleyball with Mr Fonoimoana.
Next-morning recovery from the parties on the Pier is hotel-enabled with a continental breakfast that far surpasses ones we've had in LA-proper. Numerous carb choices, fresh fruit and fruit juices to get you moving again.
If volleyball or sand sculptures aren't your scoop of salt water taffy, then the hotel also offers private yoga sessions on the beach.
The glue that holds this expert hotel experience together is the staff -- employees who bridge the (too often) gap of luxury hotel and down-to-sandals, laid back beach towns.