Southern California, let alone Santa Monica, is absolutely packed with things to do, places to see, and food to eat. That's why visitors can be a little overwhelmed without a little preparation. Instead of aimlessly wandering through the city, walk with purpose by checking out our guide to Santa Monica neighborhoods during your stay at Hotel Carmel.  Downtown Santa Monica and Third Street Promenade Only a block away from Hotel Carmel, Santa Monica Place is an open-air shopping center within the Third Street Promenade neighborhood, complete with 80 stores to check out. Think: Ted Baker, Tiffany & Co., Bloomingdale's, and [...]