If you are fed up with those big chain factory hotels this is a very nice alternative. The hotels is pretty small but therefore the personal touch is great: staff is very friendly and helpful. Rooms are fairly small but well designed and how much time do you spend in your room anyway? Long Beach city center (if something like this exists in most cities in the US ;-)?) is a 5-10 min. walk. Breakfast is included but do not expect a big buffet or so, which again is fine to me... I just need something small to eat before hidding the road. Coffee is available 24/7 :-).

In all fairness, The Varden is limited by some pretty harsh restrictions by the Long Beach Historical Commission (or whatever the local commission is called), but it doesn't even live up to the billing of "A Bath in Every Room," unless you call a shower a bath. The original (?) chicken-wire reinforced windows don't keep out much of the sound, and even though my room was on the far end, I could hear the light rail on Pacific Ave at all hours, as well as, early one morning, a drunk? drugged? crazed? individual yelling all sorts of profanities. Did I mention that the Varden is several blocks from the overly sanitized LBCC area, and a block or two past the funky revitalized stretch into the "don't be overly concerned, but keep an eye on everybody within 50 yards" that seems to make up most of Long Beach.

Breakfast was the same EVERY day- mini-muffins, blueberry bread, OJ (if it wasn't from concentrate, they were able to achieve the same effect) and bagels and toast. The breakfast area was tiny, but not overly crowded- i think most guests foraged elsewhere, as i did after a couple days. There was a wine and cheezits reception that could have been upgraded a little bit.

All-night Keurig coffee was a blessing for this escapee from the Eastern time zone, and the wireless was fine and free.

Staff were very friendly, and able to recommend appropriate places to go.

I was pleasantly surprised with the Varden! The sign and location will make you scratch you head and wonder if you made the right decision but once inside you'll know you made a great decision. The front desk was more than helpful, kind, and funny! Most of the guest were in for the Phish concert so they were ready for the phans. The room was amazing! Tiny BUT efficient! A giant sliding glass door revealed the bathroom which I thought was a wonderful idea. The glass makes the room feel twice as big! The bed was a euro type bed...comfortable!! The tv was mounted in the corner of the ceiling (again efficient)!
Complementary wine and snacks!
Overall I would come back again! And you MUST take a picture of the sign! Pure vintage!

I've spend five excellent days in Long Beach. I felt very comfortable at the Varden Hotel! They have such a great staff!! It is a very clean place and close to the main city atractions. I highly recommend the Varden Hotel .