Venice Breeze Suites
First off, I would like to point at that I am a professional travel writer and photographer. I don't contribute to this or any other review sites on a regular basis. But once in a while, when I feel inclined to share an experience with a wider audience (and not just to the readership of the magazines I contribute articles to), I'll post a review. This is such an occasion.
Moving along...
After having stayed at several other hotels on or near the boardwalk in Venice Beach and Santa Monica, I have finally found a gem, the Venice Breeze Suites.
In my opinion, most of the smaller hotels (and a couple of the bigger ones) are in desperate need of an entirely new concept.
And even if plenty of these hotels marketing efforts often play to the tune of being "surf funky" and "bohemian chic", the apparent truth is that the owners care very little about keeping their properties in good shape – and even less about their guests' experiences. Its sad really – and I've had some pretty bad experiences at some pretty steep rates.
The Venice Breeze Suites (which, by the way, I in no way have any affiliation with) is an exception to the rule. They have recently renovated the entire building – which, I have been told, previously was in pretty dire straits. This used to be a residential apartment building – and it still is. Studios can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
I stayed "The Breeze" for five nights in January 2009 (Jan 1-6) and enjoyed my best L.A. beach hotel experience so far. The friendly and service minded staff played a big part in this. But more importantly, the rooms at this hotel are nothing less than marvelous. Not just because the competition is in sad shape either.
The studio we stayed in (#203) was decorated and planned to be both cozy and functional – and was just that. I don't know who did the thoughtful interior design, but it definitely made our stay an enjoyable one. I think not having to look at (let alone make use of) ugly, worn and torn furniture and rugs makes a huge difference.
We also liked taking advantage of our studio's gorgeous and fully equipped kitchenette and using an clean, neat and nice looking bathroom. Which, when your traveling with kids, is pretty important.
Flat screen TV, free WiFi and local calls all add to the overall positive impression – as did the awesome view on the rooftop lounge.
The only negative of our stay there was that the phone system didn't work very well – making it difficult for friends to call directly to our room. A technical glitch that I'm sure was soon corrected.
Not everybody appreciates the crazies, wannabe hippies, "artists" and trashy culture along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. But if you can or even, like me, enjoy it once and a while, Venice Breeze Suites is the hotel to stay at.
(review from www.tripadvisor.com)