The Kinney - Venice Beach

The room won me over with its comic-book look, which had plenty of character without going overboard. Two affirmations on the bathroom wall were a little touch that made me smile, and the pillow-top bed was so comfortable I fell asleep fast and slept deeply. I also loved taking a scenic 25-minute walk to Venice Beach Pier each day, timed for sunset. The Kinney felt welcoming from check-in. The man at the front desk was warm and caring in a way that didn't feel rehearsed, and that same thoughtfulness showed in the hotel itself. There were hammocks for relaxing, marble ping pong tables for a more social feel, and a cozy, family-friendly spot by a fireplace that felt especially lovely once the evenings cooled down. It all made the place feel somewhere to spend time, not just sleep. I really liked staying here. The people, the design, and the location all made it feel like it had some soul. I'd happily recommend The Kinney.

The second night was noisy until the early morning, and the Wi-Fi never worked. The first night had been just as described below: from 7 p.m. it was quiet and dark, even though my room faced the pool and outdoor bar. The room was clean and comfortable, with a good shower, big bath towels, and a small fridge. The platform bed was a problem, though. I banged my shin on it three times in the narrow path by the TV, broke the skin, and ended up with a big bump. A pillow over the frame helped. It's about a 20-minute walk to Venice Beach and the pier along a wide avenue with decent sidewalks. The liquor store next door sells water for much less than the room does. There's a great taco shop just around the corner past it, and a few good sit-down breakfast and dinner places near the marina, about eight blocks toward the ocean. The area has a lot of life, with miles of boardwalk to wander.

The rooms have a cool, artsy look that suits the Venice vibe, and I had a fantastic stay. The hotel is off Washington Boulevard, about a 20-minute walk from the beach, though you can rent a scooter by the entrance and get there in around five minutes. You can also walk through the canals. At the beach end of Washington Boulevard there are lots of bars and restaurants, and In and out burger is about a five-minute drive from the beach.

The only drawback for me was the small pool, but the ocean is so close that it didn't matter much. I'd definitely come back. The rooms are clean, roomy, and fun, with thoughtful touches like mid-century cabinets, an in-room coffee machine, and nice linens and towels. Eddy, the hotel manager, was considerate and really helpful. It's also great value in LA's overheated hotel market, with Venice Culver and Santa Monica nearby.