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Hotel Erwin: Traveler Reviews

3.0 of 5
1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA 90291
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Hotel Erwin
Ranked #19 of 300 hotels in Los Angeles
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484 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    242
    154
    49
    24
    15
See reviews for
Families
66
 
Couples
175
 
Solo
45
 
Business
74
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Great location for Venice (and Santa Monica)”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 17, 2013

The hotel is in such a great location, walking distance to a lot of cool places--bars/restaurants-- in Venice Beach including the beach and the strand (bike path). Also super close to Abbott Kinney Ave, a great, artsy neighborhood shopping area with cute one-of-a-kind boutiques, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. And it's pretty close to Santa Monica pier and 3rd Street Promenade. SO all in all, this location is perfect!

The hotel is nice too. It's in good shape for being just off the beach. The roofdeck bar/restaurant is amaaaazing. We went in December, when it was chilly, but they have tons of heat lamps and blankets which is a cool touch. Enjoy a sunset up there FOR SURE. The view from south of Venice up to Malibu was awesome and the sunset, super picturesque from that vantage point. :) That was a memorable part of our trip.

The hotel staff is very helpful. The front desk folks were always willing to help and give us advice where to eat, drink or shop. The rooms are clean and nicely decorated. You get a mini-bar fridge and free coffee with coffee pot to brew up in the morning. THE BEDS....WOW, super comfortable. What a great sleep and considering its location, it was quiet too. Peaceful and comfortable. Ate breakfast in the morning and had a drink or two in the evening at the little bar/restaurant downstairs as well, and it was delicious, but a little pricey.

The only other downside in need of mentioning is "watch the extras" (I agree with MissAnd123 reviewer). The price per night is reasonable UNTIL you find out you pay for wifi and parking!? $30 for two nights!? A bit shocking and something they should definitely mention up front, not at check out. To allow the option to find street parking nearby. They did however comp our wi-fi, after raising an eyebrow, so good customer service at least. And overall still a great stay. Would stay there again.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask DDASILVA1114 about Hotel Erwin
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
scastady, Manager at Hotel Erwin, responded to this review
February 10, 2013
Dear DDSILVA114,

Thank you so much for your review; we appreciate you sharing your experience here on TripAdvisor with future guests. I apologize that the parking charge was not mentioned to you when you arrived. We have valet parking only; however there is plenty of street parking in the area that is free. I am so happy to see you were able to take advantage of our rooftop; it’s an amazing place to watch the sunset. We hope to see you back soon and hope that you have a wonderful day!!

Warm Regards,
Sean Castady
Rooms Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Canberra, Australia
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
22 hotel reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
“Good enough - but watch the extras”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 13, 2013

We arrived at Venice Beach after driving all day from Arizona and booked on spec - the staff were helpful, front desk and especially concierge.

The tarried seemed reasonable... until you added parking, and even wifi - the only US hotel at which we paid for wifi! It all adds up.

Highlight:
Sunset cocktails at the rooftop bar. The view is a stunning 360-degrees, from Venice Beach to the Hollywood hills. Sunset was like a postcard. It was a cool evening but there were gas heaters and you could ask for blankets. Highly recommended.

Good things:
- location. You're right on the beach.
- the front desk staff were thoughtful when placing us, asking about view and noise, etc.. They also obliged with local restaurant recommendations, which were good
- concierge & valet parking were a bunch of great guys, efficient & friendly
- some of the small touches were kinda funky, eg. the 'foo not disturb / make up my room' tags were made up to look like Chinese takeaway menus.

Other stuff:
- rooms had everything we needed (including some spectacular LA-style bathrobes... lurid green leopard print!) and the colour scheme was bright & tropical. But the refurbishment wasn't enough to save it from looking tired.
- we avoided on-site meals, too pricey.
- charging for wifi... really??

Overall, it was fine and there were some really good bits, but I couldn't get past the feeling we were being fleeced a bit. I suppose it's Venice Beach after all.

  • Stayed October 2012
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Ask MissAnd123 about Hotel Erwin
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
scastady, Manager at Hotel Erwin, responded to this review
January 16, 2013
Dear MissAnd123,

Thanks for choosing us for you recent trip to Venice Beach. We really appreciate all of your comments and taking the time to write the review. I will make sure to share with the staff as well!

Best,
Sean Castady
Rooms Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cincinnati
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Great hotel between Venice and Santa Monica”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 5, 2013

Stylish modern hotel with side views of the ocean. Right off of the beach and bike path. Located down the beach from Santa Monica pier and shopping district. The neighborhood is typical beachfront shops and bars just for reference.

Room Tip: We stayed on the top floor which was the higher end rooms and it made all the difference. We got o...
See more room tips
  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Kyle R about Hotel Erwin
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
scastady, Manager at Hotel Erwin, responded to this review
January 16, 2013
Dear Kyle R,

We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your time in the area and at the hotel. I agree, our top floor does have some great views, especially now since it’s so much clearer. We hope to see you back soon!

Best,
Sean Castady
Rooms Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sb, vt
1 review
“Best night's sleep, ever, in a hotel.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 5, 2013

The Hotel Erwin surpassed our expectations, each and every day of our 7 night stay. Not only is the location fantastic, located 1 block from the beach, 15 minutes from the airport and 30 from Beverly Hills, the help was attentive and courteous. The furnishings were new and tasteful with the most comfortable beds and down pillows that we've experienced in our various travels. Our room was located just opposite from the elevator but never were we disturbed by the sounds of guests coming and going.

Be prepared for a variety of vagrants around the hotel and beach, this seems to be the nature of the area. At no time did we feel unsafe, especially with the valet available 24/7.

We would stay there again!

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask smg0313 about Hotel Erwin
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
scastady, Manager at Hotel Erwin, responded to this review
January 16, 2013
Dear smg0313,

The staffed loved to hear that you had your best night sleep here!! I love our beds as well, they are very comfortable. Venice is a great place to visit for all walks of life and that’s what makes this place special. Hope to see you back soon!!

Best,
Sean Castady
Rooms Division Manager
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Los Angeles, California, United States
1 review
“Wonderful night in Venice”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 31, 2012

Great room. Very comfortable bed. Amazing staff. Good drinks in the bar. Great location in Venice. Cool decor. Magical way to spend a birthday.

A wonderful find of a hip fun boutique hotel in Los Angeles. The top floor makes a great party pad and I would recommend it to other locales.

Room Tip: City view rooms overlooked an alley, but still okay.
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Hawley A about Hotel Erwin
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
scastady, Manager at Hotel Erwin, responded to this review
January 16, 2013
Dear Hawley A,

Thanks for the great review. We appreciate you taking the time to put such good comments about us here on TripAdvisor. Also from all of us at the hotel, happy belated birthday!!

Best,
Sean Castady
Rooms Division Manager
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Hotel Erwin

Also Known As:
Erwin Hotel Los Angeles
Best Western Los Angeles
Los Angeles Best Western
Address: 1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA 90291
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > Los Angeles
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Business Center Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Restaurant Room Service Suites Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#17 Business Hotels in Los Angeles
#22 Family Hotels in Los Angeles
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:3 star (3*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
If you are looking for an energized, personable, legendary guest experience and luxurious escape in an unbeatable location Hotel Erwin is your home away from home. Located in Venice Beach, California, Hotel Erwin overlooks the Pacific Ocean and endless expanses of sand and entertainment. While relaxing with us be sure to check out our breathtaking rooftop bar High and to take in a sunset that will last a lifetime. Our restaurant, Barlo, serves up breakfast and dinner and provides a stimulating alternative to the normal bland hotel dining experience. Close to Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Culver City, Beverly Hills and Marina del Rey, this Venice Beach luxurious hotel is your doorway to explore the beauty of Southern California. Nearby freeways and Los Angeles International airport give you easy access to come and go. A mere 200 feet from the sand and overlooking the famous boardwalk, Hotel Erwin is a pure Venice Beach experience with a level of customer service excellence that simply can't be beat! ... more   less 
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Hotel Erwin
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