This boardwalk hotel features cozy, beachy furnishings and chill-vibes- only amenities—think memory foam mattresses in the rooms and a sunny, retro lounge on the roof—for visitors looking for an unfussy, laid-back SoCal experience.
Set back from Venice Beach’s vivacious boardwalk scene, Venice on the Beach is a homey respite from the melee of L.A.’s most wonderfully weird neighborhood. After a day of people watching—locals include greased-up bodybuilders, skater babes and a 60-year-old man dressed like a tree—you’re invited to relax and recoup inside Venice on the Beach’s seashell pink walls, where you’ll find simple but cozy digs decked out in a beachy palette of blues and whites. Amenities are on the scant side (don’t expect room service) but you’ll find everything you need—rooms come equipped with relaxing accouterments like memory foam mattresses, premium cable and free wifi. There’s also complimentary continental breakfast and 24-hour coffee and tea service, a small business center (a computer and printer, to be specific), and an Astroturf-bedecked rooftop terrace. Take to the deck and pull up a lawn chair to witness panoramic views of the Pacific, particularly at sunset.
Location: As the name implies, Venice on the Beach hotel is indeed ocean-adjacent; you’re steps from the stand, as well as the shops, restaurants and entertainment along the boardwalk. You’re also a short stroll from the canals, and a longer walk (or short drive) from upscale It-boulevards Abbot Kinney and Main Street.
Nearby:
Rose Cafe: This neighborhood mainstay slings fresh California cuisine with a comfort food twist; think hearth roasted brioche French toast with whipped creme fraiche for brunch, butternut squash tortellini for dinner and a formidable cocktail menu to wash it all down.
Venice Beach Boardwalk: This sunny stretch of sand is dotted with shopping, snacks and prime people watching. Rent skates, grab a corndog or pick up souvenirs in this kitschy beachside marketplace that seems delightfully stuck in the early ‘90s.
Venice Canals: Venice is naturally named after the famed aquatic Italian city, and visitors may be surprised to discover that the neighborhood has its own set of canals. On an afternoon stroll, you’ll take in rows of ducklings, lush foliage and well-appointed beach cottages.
Abbot Kinney: Don’t pass up an opportunity to explore Abbot Kinney, a posh boulevard of designer shopping and buzzy new restaurants. If your stay falls on the first Friday of the month, Abbot Kinney turns into a mile-long block party complete with art, music, and some of L.A.’s finest food trucks.
Good for: Venice on the Beach’s quaint, low-maintenance vibe and cozy rooms make it perfect for solo travelers and couples who want to take in the neighborhood’s laid-back surfer culture and lively nightlife without breaking the bank.
Amenities: Free wifi
Time Out tip: Don’t worry about packing a beach towel—Venice on the Beach thoughtfully provides them free of charge, so you have more room in your bag for tchotchkes from the boardwalk.