I've stayed at the Sea Sprite since 1992 and had always loved it's bohemian charm. But my last visit was truly my last visit. Not only had the front desk guys gotten rude and blase and the rooms had gone waaaaay downhill - and that's saying a lot since the rooms weren't all that great on their best day.

This last visit we had two drunk men on the other side of the wall beating each other all night, even throwing the TV down the hall stairs. There is no nighttime desk coverage (which is a whole other building anyway) and we were afraid if we called the police that these guys would know who had called. So we sat up terrified all night and there was nothing we could do about it.

The Best Western Sunrise is my new South Bay choice of lodging. Clean, very helpful front desk service when you need it, reasonably priced, great location.

Unless things seriously change I can't imagine recommending anyone stay at The Sea Sprite.

Kathy

Loud at night, loud in the morning, you will be staying RIGHT by the alleyways behind the bars - stumbling distance home at least, but you won't get the best sleep ever.

Nothing is new or fancy, but it was mosty clean and the staff was great. We'll be back next year.

I have been coming here off and on for the last ten years and I just love this motel. Yes, it is showing its age and yes there are not a lot of amenities, but the location is so perfect and Hermosa is such a quaint city that the average person who is not expecting a lot of thrills can't help but have a great time. Our economy room had a double bed, TV/DVD/VCR combo, small refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and a few dishes and silverware for $125 a night. Contrary to a different poster, the pool looked sparkling clean, although we didn't swim as it was a little chilly. You can walk the strand (boardwalk) for miles, watch the surfers almost every morning, and watch numerous beach volleyball games going on throughout the day. Pier Avenue has lots of bars and restaurants a couple of blocks away as does Hermosa Ave, also a couple of blocks away. We got an added bonus in that they filmed part of the TV show Alias at the motel while we were there. They were filming the entire day and it was so fun to watch. Apparently they use this hotel often to film due to its uncrowdedness and beautiful beach.

Well, let us properly set the expectation. This is a dive hotel and I always stay there when in Hermosa. Now the key point is that you are only renting a place to store your luggage and park the car. The rooms are minimal at best, so plan on only spending a minimal amount of time in the room. The shower works and the sheets are clean. This is an old hotel and absolutely shows its age. But it is right on the Strand. The deck is fine and the lounge chairs work. Do not plan on using the pool, but why would you the ocean is less than 100 feet away. In addition, you are within walking distance of the Hermosa Promenade.
No other place can you get an Ocean view for this price. It is the view and location that you are paying for rather than a 4**** hotel. Play all day get yourself tired and then collapse into bed at the point in the day that you just want to sleep and do not notice the state of the room.