Venice Beach got its start as the passion project of an eccentric tobacco millionaire named Abbot Kinney, who dreamed of creating “the Venice of America” in 1905. While Kinney’s plan didn’t exactly go as planned, you can still find Kinney’s Venetian-style canals, arched bridges, and amusement pier and boardwalk in modern-day Venice Beach.
Quirky history aside, there’s just so much to love about Venice Beach. Whether you’re in town to surf the city’s waves or just lounge on the beach and explore the boardwalk, you’re sure to have a fantastic time visiting this coastal California city.
You can spend your days cruising along the 2-mile-long Venice Beach Boardwalk, paddling the Venice canals, spotting street art and going shopping along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, watching the skaters at the beachside Venice Beach Skatepark, or seeing Muscle Beach, where Arnold Schwarzenegger worked out back in the day.
You won’t go hungry in Venice Beach, either. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes – like the popular Salt & Straw and Gjelina – lining Abbot Kinney Boulevard. But for a true taste of Venice Beach, be sure to pay a visit to the Venice Farmers’ Market for some of the best farm-fresh food in town.
With so much to see, do, and eat in Venice Beach, you’ll want a nice hotel room to come back to at the end of an action-packed day. Luckily, Venice Beach is chock full of revamped 1920s hotels, hip beachfront resorts, and art-filled boutique hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Venice Beach to help you plan your perfect getaway!
- Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Here are our top 3 picks!
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Where to Stay in Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a relatively small coastal city in Southern California, so no matter where you stay, you’ll never be far from the action. If this is your first time in town, you’ll find some of the best hotels in Venice Beach lining the 2-mile-long Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Booking a stay in one of these hotels will give you easy access to the boardwalk and the beach, as well as a wide range of shops and restaurants. From street performers to amusement park rides, you’ll be endlessly entertained with everything the boardwalk area has to offer.
You’ll find some of the coolest boutique hotels in Venice Beach a bit inland from the boardwalk. These hotels offer easy access to all of the shops, restaurants, and street art on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. But don’t worry – the beach is always just a short walk or bike ride away.
For an upscale stay, you can also opt to stay in one of the luxe resorts in next-door Marina del Rey. And if you don’t mind staying in neighboring Santa Monica (which is just one mile up the coast), you won’t be disappointed with the selection of truly incredible boutique hotels on offer in this part of town. We included a few standout Santa Monica boutique hotels on this list!
The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Venice Beach, CA
1. The Kinney Venice Beach
When it comes to cool hotels in Venice Beach, The Kinney is tough to beat. You’ll recognize this hip hotel by the massive skateboarder mural that covers its facade. But step inside, and you’ll find that pop art and murals are found throughout the hotel’s communal spaces and ultra-stylish guest rooms.
When you’re not adventuring around nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard, you’ll love hanging out with your fellow guests in the Quad, which boasts plenty of sun loungers, ping-pong tables, and a massive fire pit. There’s also a plunge pool and a hot tub, perfect for cooling off during the day and warming up on chilly nights. And if you’re feeling peckish, you’ll find cookies and refreshments in the art-clad lobby.
Once you’re ready to call it a night, you’ll love relaxing in your Insta-worthy room. You can choose from a variety of options, but no matter which you choose, you’ll love the pop art décor, Simmons Beautyrest pillow-top bed, and 55-inch flat-screen TV. Plus, each room boasts complimentary Marley coffee and Tazo tea, as well as luxury toiletries in the modern ensuite.
2. Hotel ERWIN
Hotel ERWIN is the perfect pick if you want easy access to Venice Beach’s iconic attractions. You’ll find that the Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice Beach Skatepark, and Muscle Beach are all just steps away. Plus, all of the shops and restaurants along Abbot Kinney Boulevard are an easy 8-minute walk away.
Stay here, and you’ll be in instant vacation mode, thanks to the complimentary cocktail upon check-in. Other freebies include Priority bicycles and helmets, BYRD Hairdo bathroom amenities, yoga mats, and mini coolers, beach chairs, beach umbrellas.
There’s a wide range of room types, but each one is outfitted with a smart TV with streaming services, waffle knit robes and slippers, and an honor bar. Opt for the Epic View King Room, and you’ll get a top-floor balcony with sweeping views over Venice Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Alternately, the Apartment Suite boasts a separate bedroom and living room, so it’s perfect if you’re traveling as a family or small group.
Be sure to head up to the hotel’s High Rooftop Lounge for sunset cocktails in the evenings. Hotel Erwin is also home to Venice Way Pizza, where you can grab one of their signature square slices or a whole pie to take back up to your room.
3. Venice V Hotel
If you’re looking for cool Venice Beach hotels that are right on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, you really can’t go wrong with Venice V Hotel. Housed in a revamped 1915 landmark building, this place touts itself as “Venice’s only beachfront lifestyle hotel,” so expect the perfect mix of style, luxury, and cool.
Even the most basic of rooms features an industrial-chic style with exposed-brick walls complemented by boho-chic decor. Plus, you’ll be impressed by the partial ocean views and oversized walk-in showers with Aesop bath products.
But if you can swing it, it’s well worth going all out on the Ocean Front Penthouse. This is one of the best rooms in the house, where you’ll be able to take in unobstructed ocean views from the comfort of your custom king-size platform bed!
Whether you choose The Arbuckle (Penthouse 3) for its private gated patio and oversized wet bar or the Marrakech Penthouse for its Moroccan flair and “private sanctum” meditation room, you’ll never want to leave this one-of-a-kind hotel.
4. Venice Breeze Suites
True to its name, Venice Breeze Suites enjoys a prime location right on the Venice Beach Boardwalk and just steps from the sand. This is one of the coolest places to stay in Venice Beach if you want to fully immerse yourself in Venice Beach’s laid-back surf culture. You can even borrow surfboards and bicycles from the hotel’s staff!
Opt for one of the studio suites, and you’ll get a comfy queen or king-size bed with a memory foam mattress, a beautiful glass-tile bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen complete with everything from a stovetop to a coffee maker. If you prefer more space, you have the option to book one of the 1-bedroom units, which features a separate bedroom and a living area with a leather couch and dining area.
While there is no on-site restaurant, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to surrounding bars and restaurants. Plus, not only can you cook meals and mix cocktails in your suite, but you can enjoy drinks and meals on the communal rooftop deck. This space is outfitted with plenty of lounge chairs as well as a barbeque, so it’s a great place to set up shop for the day!
5. Inn at Venice Beach
There’s no shortage of cool boutique hotels in Venice Beach, and the Inn at Venice Beach is no exception. This is the perfect pick if you prefer to stay in a smaller, artsy hotel versus a generic chain. Located steps from the famous Venice Beach Canals and Venice Beach Boardwalk, you’ll recognize this gem from the 18-foot-tall mermaid mosaic that graces the hotel’s facade!
Inside, you’ll find 38 guest rooms with five incredible loft suites. Opt for a Deluxe King room, and you’ll love the 1950s-style local art, the private balcony, and the Keurig coffee-making station. Splurge on one of the two-level suites, and you’ll be spoiled with a living area and 55-inch flat-screen TV downstairs and a loft-style bedroom upstairs.
While there is no hotel restaurant, you’ll have plenty to choose from right outside your door. Nighthawk Breakfast Bar is just one block away and serves breakfast for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
6. Marina del Rey Hotel
Marina del Rey Hotel is one of the best hotels in Venice Beach if you’re looking for a relaxing and luxurious getaway. Not only is this boutique resort-style hotel perched right on Marina del Rey, but you’ll be spoiled with so many amenities you won’t have to step foot outside the hotel if you don’t want to!
Marina del Rey Hotel boasts 164 boutique hotel rooms, which range from city or marina-view guest rooms to sprawling suites with unreal marina views. No matter which option you choose, you’ll love the comfy beds with high-thread Egyptian cotton linens, the private patio, and the deluxe ensuite with Lather bath amenities.
When you’re not relaxing in your room, you can snag one of the retro poolside cabanas before taking a dip in the marina-side pool and hot tub. After that, take a bike ride to Venice Beach with the complimentary cruiser bikes, or hit the hotel’s state-of-the-art gym.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll love enjoying the sweeping marina views while dining at the hotel’s SALT Restaurant & Bar. Whether you want to graze on a cheese and charcuterie board or go all in with an open-faced steak sandwich or lobster ravioli, you won’t go hungry here.
7. Shutters on the Beach
Located right on the beach in neighboring Santa Monica, Shutters on the Beach has every amenity you could ever need for a truly relaxing and luxurious getaway. Plus, the heart of Venice Beach is just over a mile away, so you’ll get the best of both worlds by basing yourself in Santa Monica. This place is known as “Hollywood’s Beach House,” so don’t be surprised if you see the likes of Jennifer Aniston or Dave Chappelle when you visit.
Let’s start with the magazine-worthy rooms, which boast tasteful beach-themed decor, handcrafted beds, and spa-like ensuites. Depending on which room type you choose, you’ll get cool lavish extras like a hydrothermal tub or a private terrace.
When you’re not lounging around your luxury room, you can get pampered at the world-class ONE Spa, sip fine wines with the help of the in-house sommelier, take a dip in the oceanfront pool, or set up shop in one of the luxurious poolside cabanas.
If that’s not enough, you’ll have three incredible bars and restaurants to choose from. Treat yourself to California coastal cuisine at 1 Pico, enjoy sunset dinners at COAST, or enjoy afternoon tea with an ocean view at the Living Room.
8. Venice Beach House
If you’re on a quest to find the best boutique hotels in Venice Beach, The Venice Beach House might just be the perfect pick. Housed in a revamped 1911 craftsman home, this unique hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers the perfect blend of B&B-style charm and luxurious amenities.
The Venice Beach House offers nine beautifully decorated rooms and suites, all of which feature luxury Parachute bedding, smart TVs with Netflix, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. If you’re traveling with a friend, the elegant Speedway guestroom offers two double beds.
Or, if you’re in town on a romantic retreat, the James Peasgood Suite is outfitted with a four-poster bed and offers a private balcony overlooking the garden. Either one you choose, you’ll be treated to a complimentary breakfast each morning. Expect a spread of fresh seasonal fruit and some of the most delicious pastries you’ve ever tasted!
9. Su Casa at Venice Beach
Perched right across from the sandy stretch of Venice Beach, Su Casa at Venice Beach is one of the best hotels in Venice Beach if you’re in search of a home away from home during your trip.
You can choose from 16 newly-renovated guest rooms, which range from studios to 2-bedroom cottages and bungalows. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get comfy beds with eco-friendly mattresses and hand-pressed cotton sheets, a full kitchenette with a stovetop and stainless steel appliances, and a large HDTV.
The 2-bedroom luxury bungalows can sleep up to four and are a great option for families. Or, opt for the 2-bedroom cottage, and you’ll also get a private courtyard with patio furniture and a barbecue.
You’ll have plenty of restaurants right outside your door, but if you prefer to stay local, the on-site Figtree’s Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also serve beer and wine if you’re in the mood for a sundowner at the end of a long day.
10. Palihouse Santa Monica
If you don’t mind being based in neighboring Santa Monica, Palihouse Santa Monica is easily one of the top boutique hotels in the area. Housed in a 1927 Mediterranean Revival-style building, the entire space has been revamped to offer the perfect blend of European luxury and historic charm.
There are 38 well-appointed guest rooms to choose from. Whether you choose a spacious studio or a multi-bedroom suite, you’ll be treated to custom furnishings by Avi Brosh, bespoke wallpaper from Abnormals Anonymous, complimentary Diptyque bath amenities, and fully stocked minibars with gourmet snacks.
When you’re not relaxing in your room, you can linger in the manicured gardens, catch up on your reading in the lounge, or bike to Venice Beach on one of the complimentary bicycles.
If you’re feeling peckish, the on-site restaurant features creative breakfast and lunch fare made with ingredients sourced from the famous Santa Monica Farmers Market. Located just steps away, The Bungalow Santa Monica, The Lobster, and Mariasol Restaurant are all popular options for casual dinners!
11. STAY OPEN Venice Beach
If you’re looking for the coolest and most unique hotels in Venice Beach, STAY OPEN Venice Beach is at the top of the list. This pod-style hostel is definitely geared toward the younger crowd and digital nomads looking to meet like-minded travelers during their trip to Venice Beach.
This isn’t your average hostel! First off, STAY OPEN Venice Beach is located directly on Venice Beach. Secondly, the entire space was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, so expect truly stunning and creatively designed interiors.
Explore the space, and you’ll find plenty of funky communal living spaces and co-working areas, some of which offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re traveling as a digital nomad, STAY OPEN Venice Beach is basically a dream come true!
There’s also a communal gourmet kitchen, dining area, and living room. Plus, there are always activities and events being held. From al fresco yoga classes to surf lessons, there’s always something going on here.
When you need to get some shuteye, climb into your cozy pod, which features customizable lighting and shelving, privacy curtains and doors, and plenty of outlets to charge your phone and laptop.
12. Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Another gem in neighboring Santa Monica, Santa Monica Proper Hotel is easily one of the coolest luxury boutique hotels in the Santa Monica/Venice Beach area. From the rooftop pool and multiple restaurants to the world-class spa and bespoke rooms, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this hotel!
You can choose from 267 rooms and suites, where magazine-worthy mid-century modern furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfy winged chairs and sofas, and baths with walk-in travertine showers and Aesop bath amenities come as standard. But if you’re willing to splurge on a suite, it’s well worth it to live in absolute luxury for a few days.
If you can manage to tear yourself from your room or suite, you’ll find that the luxury extends throughout this hotel. You can pamper yourself with an Ayurvedic treatment at the spa, do your daily yoga session on the yoga terrace, or simply lather yourself in sunscreen and work on your tan by the pool.
While you’re at the pool, be sure to pay a visit to the Calabra Rooftop bistro for Mediterranean and California fare. This is also the perfect spot for sundowners. You can also enjoy light bites and handcrafted cocktails in the lobby lounge, Palma.
That completes our list of the 12 best Venice Beach hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Venice Beach? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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