OLIVIA HOTEL, Los Angeles

The Olivia Hotel is situated on a busy stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard, directly across from the Mormon Temple and just blocks from the 405 freeway. This central West LA location places guests within walking distance of over half a dozen restaurants (including Eduardo's Border Grill, Pho Shop, and Sunnin Lebanese Cafe, all 0.5 km away). UCLA and Beverly Hills are a short drive or bus ride away, and Santa Monica Pier can be reached by car in about 10-15 minutes. Public transport is available via the bus stop right at Overland Avenue (Line 4), providing easy access to the coast and downtown. While the location is convenient for car travel, the constant traffic on Santa Monica Boulevard generates significant noise that penetrates rooms with standard insulation. For those without a car, the bus stop and rideshare access make exploring the city feasible, though walking to most attractions is not practical due to distances and the boulevard's traffic.

All rooms at the Olivia Hotel are non-smoking and have been recently renovated with vibrant, contemporary décor. Standard rooms feature a king or two queen beds, a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries, plus a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and a safety deposit box. Rooms are compact - described by some as small, with limited closet space and no balcony. The property was originally a motel, so the layout is motel-style with outdoor corridors, and there is no elevator; guests must use stairs to access the upper floor. Road-facing rooms on Santa Monica Boulevard are exposed to constant traffic noise, as the windows and doors provide limited sound insulation. Rooms at the back of the property may be quieter. Daily housekeeping is provided, but some have noted inconsistency in thoroughness. Overall, the accommodation is best suited for travelers who prioritize a modern, clean room with essential amenities over spaciousness or total quiet.

Breakfast is available in the on-site cafe every morning from 07:00 to 10:00. It is offered as a set menu where you choose a beverage and two food items from options such as quiche, yogurt parfait, bagel and lox, croissants, and avocado toast. The breakfast is of good quality with fresh ingredients, though the selection is limited and portions are small. For an upgraded coffee (non-drip) or additional items, there is a charge. During the afternoon (3-5 pm), the hotel hosts a complimentary happy hour with wine and snacks, offering a drink on the house for each guest. No lunch or dinner is served on-site at the cafe. However, the location is surrounded by numerous dining options within a short walk (e.g., Eduardo's Border Grill, Pho Shop, Sunnin Lebanese Cafe, all 0.5 km away), allowing guests to easily find a full meal elsewhere.

The Olivia Hotel provides a free fitness centre for guests who want to maintain their workout routine. The outdoor courtyard is the main leisure space, featuring comfortable lounge chairs, an outdoor fireplace (fire pit), and a garden setting with greenery. It is used for the daily happy hour and for breakfast in pleasant weather. There is no swimming pool, no spa or wellness centre, and no other recreational facilities on the property. The courtyard is the primary area for relaxation outdoors.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms and throughout the property, plus a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, express check-in/out, and luggage storage. Daily housekeeping is free, and dry cleaning is available for an additional charge. Private on-site parking is available for USD 33 per night with no reservation required and includes accessible parking spaces. The café serves breakfast only and acts as a restaurant. The property is wheelchair accessible (toilet grab rails, wheelchair access) and has key card entry, CCTV, and a security alarm. Pets are allowed on request (up to two dogs up to 18.1 kg each) for a USD 100 non-refundable fee. Cribs are not available. Payment can be made with American Express, Visa, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, UnionPay, and MasterCard. Staff have been noted for their helpfulness in general, though some interactions at the front desk have been inconsistent in friendliness.