This Boardwalk-adjacent hotel offers simple, contemporary digs with extended-stay-friendly amenities like full kitchens and self-service laundry to travelers looking for a locals-only living experience.
Along the boardwalk of Venice’s urban beach community you’ll find Venice Breeze Suites, a recently renovated apartment complex that now offers fully furnished suites to visitors who want the comforts of home and budget-friendly pricing, to boot. While the hotel has no minimum stay (except on holiday weekends, when the minimum is two nights), all rooms forgo turndown and concierge service in favor of full kitchens, weekly housekeeping and self-service laundry facilities. Studio and one bedroom suites feature hip design details like exposed brick and double showers, and include amenities such as free wifi and premium cable. In addition to the rooms themselves, you’re welcome to chill out on Venice Breeze Suites’ rooftop lounge—the slick rooftop seating area offers sweeping views of the ocean as well as the boardwalk below, making for a lazy afternoon of people watching and magical seaside sunsets. (One caveat: smoking is allowed on the roof, so if you’re sensitive to cigarettes, you may want to visit during off-hours.)
Location: The Venice Beach boardwalk is prime for people watching and souvenir shopping, while nearby Abbot Kinney and Main Street are crowded with upscale shops, dining, and entertainment. You’re also a short drive from Santa Monica, Culver City and the airport.
Nearby:
C&O Trattoria: This beloved Italian joint serves massive portions of regional Italian fare to beachside birthday parties, tourists in the know and locals on first dates. The complementary garlic rolls are addictive, but you’ll want to save room for the restaurant’s superb ravioli.
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.
Cafe Collage: This long-standing Windward Avenue cafe offers smoothie and lunch fare in addition to coffee and tea, but it’s standout attribute is its location. Tucked just off the boardwalk, the cafe is a haven from the crowds, while its many window seats still provide unparalleled people watching.
Venice Canals: Venice is naturally named for 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.
Good for: Residential hotels tend to draw business travelers; Venice Breeze Suites’ bustling location and hip digs make it ideal workers who want to hit the town and party down after meetings are done for the day.
Amenities: Free wifi, laundry (self service)
Time Out tip: While there’s no restaurant or room service, that doesn’t mean you need to break out your culinary skills; the neighborhood’s many restaurants are sure to satisfy even the most specific cravings, and most offer free delivery.