By Lookout Staff

November 21, 2013 -- If you have family coming to Santa Monica for the holidays and no room for them at home or always wanted to stay at a local hotel yourself but had no reason to, you’re in luck.

Through January 25, the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB) is offering its popular "Extra Bedroom Program," which allows Santa Monica residents and their guests to stay at participating hotels at discounted rates by simply showing proof of Santa Monica residency at check-in.

"Our hospitality community is delighted to extend this opportunity and give back to residents during the holiday season," said Misti Kerns, SMCVB president and CEO.

"We hope locals will take advantage of these fantastic offers to keep their friends and family close-by during the holiday season to experience first-hand everything that makes Santa Monica the world-class destination that it is today."

In addition to the Extra Bedroom Program, SMCVB’s Visitor Center at 2427 Main Street will be one of 53 Main Street businesses extending a holiday welcome during the Main Street Holiday Party event Saturday, December 7. 

The center will offer a sweet treat to visitors while they browse Santa Monica souvenirs and connect with neighboring businesses.

Visitors also can utilize SMCVB’s four Visitor Centers at any time as a "one-stop-shop" for information on attractions, holiday activities, maps, shopping, restaurants, and to stock up on Santa Monica souvenirs for holiday gifts.

Santa Monica Visitor Centers are located at:

• 2427 Main Street
• 1400 Ocean Avenue
• 1300 Third Street Promenade
• 322 Santa Monica Pier

The centers also offer the services of knowledgeable travel counselors who can help residents and their guests create the perfect Santa Monica itinerary and answer any questions they may have during their stay.

If you feel guilty about eating all that holiday food, there’s an affordable way to kick off a healthy New Year while satisfying your craving for tasty food, bureau officials said.

During Santa Monica’s 2nd annual Eat Well Week -- from January 5 to 13 -- participating Santa Monica restaurants will offer discounted pre-fixe menus and new healthy menu options.  For more information, visit www.santamonica.com/eatwell. 

For more information on upcoming events, discounts and specials for the holiday season, visit www.santamonica.com/holidays.

For a full list of Extra Bedroom Program offers and participants, visit www.santamonica.com/extrabedroom.

The SMCVB is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination.

For travel and accommodation information or a free copy of the Official Visitors Guide, the public can write to the Santa Monica Visitor Center, 2427 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405; call (800) 544-5319 or (310) 393-7593; visit www.santamonica.com; or email info@santamonica.com.