Hostel California

There are no mirrors on the ceiling or pink champagne on ice at the Hostel California but there is good value accommodation to be found here in Venice Beach. Passport and proof of departure ticket upon arrival ensure the guests are all a mix of international travelers, for whom the patio provides a chilled out area to lounge outside in the California sun. The generously sized six-person bunk dorms on the roadside are connected by a long, wide balcony, which is a great social space with views onto the Lincoln Boulevard. However, light sleepers may be disturbed by constant traffic noise outside and should request a room away from the road. There's no air-conditioning in the dorms. However, this did not prove to be uncomfortable in early summer.

There is a twenty-four-hour reception with friendly and informative staff who happily stored our luggage on our day of departure and accommodated our requests. Lockable, spacious storage is provided in rooms and there are enough facilities to ensure waits for the well maintained restrooms are minimal. Soda and food vending machines are on site as well as internet access, two pay phones, free parking, a pool table, and a large screen satellite TV with DVD player. There is a shared kitchen, complete with ample room in the well labeled fridge, laundry facilities. A towel, bottom sheet, pillow case, pillow, blankets, and linen are also included in the low nightly prices.

The famous Venice beach itself is a twenty-minute walk through uninspired concrete jungle and there is a supermarket nearby in addition to a wide selection of the fast food chains for which the U.S.A. is famous (International House of Pancakes, Taco Bell, McDonalds). A slightly seedier side to L.A. not advertised in brochures is on display after dark from the communal balcony -- venturing out alone is not advisable. However, this is more of a reflection of L.A. and not the location in particular. The hostel is nothing fancy but has a relaxed, friendly vibe and covers the basics for an affordable stay in Los Angeles.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review