My husband and I recently returned from our eclectic experience on the Venice Beach boardwalk while staying at this hotel. We loved it. They didn't charge us for the two buck Chuck left in the room when they could have easily done so as most hotels do when you touch anything in their mini bar. It was so quaint. At night, the boardwalk does turn into a ghost town but I wouldn't say I felt unsafe. The door is locked so the vagrants don't wander in and that made me feel safer! The next time I'd request a fourth floor room so we don't hear the noise of those upstairs. We were in the back on the 3rd floor and could still see the ocean. It was so cool that we didn't need our fan and could keep the windows open to leave us very comfy. The staff and owner we so personable and we were wanting for nothing. Parking stinks but after we lost our place on the street, it was worth the $20.00 to park in a spot where you could drive in and out. If you are looking for cookie cutter white bread experience, this is not your place. If you are looking for an adventure and character, this definitely is the place to stay.

The Culls
Chicago IL

My girlfriend and I stayed for two days. This hotel is very convenient because you can walk to restaurants, shops, and the beach etc.
The beach was surprisingly good: it was clean and cool but not cold water. If you are a "people watcher" this is the place to come. Bring your walking shoes or rent a bike. The staff is very friendly and recommended a few places that were excellent. If are into high-end food, there is a small cluster of good restaurants about 7 blocks away. We are from the San Francisco Bay Area and this place reminded us of a cross between Berkeley/Santa Cruz/SantaRow (SJ). The hotel is clean and gives you the feeling of being in France . Everything is small but it is all you need as the room had a kitchenette!
I would definately recommend a stay here for the great value for your money!

I got an ocean front room when I stayed here. While the inside of the room was very pretty, all exposed brick and lofty looking, and the staff were as helpful as they could be, I never once felt safe. There is no one there at night, and I saw homeless men walking down the main halls more than once. My room was low enough that if I'd left the shutters open anyone could look up into my room, thus making a ocean front room pointless since I never opened the blinds. Some of the windows didn't lock properly and could in theory be accessed by the adjoining rooftop of the building next door. I found a few bugs in the kitchenette. The washroom was drafty and cramped, and trying to have a shower in the claw foot tub was very annoying.

While I would never stay here again, I also wouldn't stay in Venice Beach ever again either. It's wonderful to visit for the day, go on a Saturday and see the boardwalk in full swing, go to the canals, and Abbot Kinney, but really if you want to have a fun, safe vacation, don't go here.

the greatest thing about the hotel is Terry, the lady who runs it for the owner. She makes a great Housemother, helping us lug our bags, making sure we were wanting for nothing, making sure we were parked in the right place, storing our extra food that didn't fit in our fridge, regaling us with wonderful stories ~~ without her the place would just not be as good.