When the goal is a clean, cozy bed to flop into after a long night’s drive, this tranquil roadside inn ticks all the boxes. Limited resources don’t get in the way of a helpful staff, which operates out of a 24-hour office, so no matter what time you roll in, the lights are always on.
Despite what the name might lead you to believe, downtown Long Beach is a 15-minute drive from this no-fuss hotel; and the beach itself is just as far. However, for long-haul road trippers in need of a quick and painless stopover, the Super 8 Long Beach fulfills its duty. It’s situated in a circular shopping plaza just south of the 405 that counts Starbucks, Vons and In-N-Out Burger as tenants (oddly, a Porsche dealer has set up shop here, too). For all those conveniences, the hotel itself is set on tranquil, landscaped grounds: a bright green lawn encircles a heated pool, which has patio seating and a swinging bench under a wooden arbor. The pool even has a separate kids’ section and an adjoining hot tub, all of which evokes the feel of being at a small country resort. No, you won’t be driven around in golf carts and handed fresh-laid eggs each morning, but the restorative effect remains. You’ll sleep undisturbed in the trim, polished rooms, which appear to have been recently renovated, all with matching oak headboards and desks, and decorated in clean pastel colors. (Some of the rooms have balconies.) When breakfast rolls around, it’s a standard continental affair: cereal, bagels, waffles, and yogurt with fresh fruit.
Location: Just below the 405, the Super 8 Long Beach sits in a mostly residential area and connects to a sizable shopping center with fast-food chains, drugstores, and several bix box stores. The main strip of downtown Long Beach is 15 minutes by car, and Long Beach Airport is only 5 minutes away.
Nearby:
Queen Mary: 15 minutes from the hotel by car, this grand cruise ship-turned-hotel makes for an interesting, if rather muddled, tourist attraction. Built in 1936, it now boasts several eating and drinking spots, including a wonderfully authentic Art Deco bar.
Naples Canals: Just 3.5 miles from the hotel, this quirky Long Beach neighborhood borrowed a bit of Italian inspiration for its three islands and narrow waterways, and a gondola ride is the best way to soak up the scenery—especially during the holidays for the annual Christmas boat parade.
Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village: Rainbow Harbor, a redeveloped waterfront district that’s a 20-minute drive from the hotel, is peppered with different restaurants overlooking the marina, and is anchored by the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Long Beach Convention Center: A 4-mile drive from the hotel, this complex is the go-to for industry showcases and fan cons, like the Long Beach Comic & Horror Con; next door, Long Beach Area hosts a variety of major concerts and sports events.
Good for: Families making their way to Disneyland, or roadtrippers curious to check out the sights in Long Beach, will find this hotel’s well-maintained grounds and cozy rooms a worthy addition to the itinerary; meanwhile, the park-like outdoor pool area has a universal appeal.
Amenities: pool, hot tub, sauna, free Wi-Fi
Time Out tip: A free continental breakfast is included for all guests, and the dining room has a cozy, informal lounge area. But if you’re hungry for more, simply walk 9 minutes across the street to Vons, where you can stock up on ramen noodles, mac and cheese, and other microwaveable meals to bring back to your room.