SAMESUN VENICE BEACH HOTEL & HOSTEL, Los Angeles

The hostel sits directly on the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk, placing guests at the centre of the action with the ocean, skate park, Muscle Beach, and numerous cafes and restaurants within a two-minute walk. Los Angeles International Airport is 11 km away - a 20-minute Uber ride ($28-$32) or about an hour by public bus with one transfer. Bus routes also connect to Santa Monica Pier (2 km) and Hollywood (approx. one hour). For those driving, free residential street parking is available a couple of blocks away, though with time restrictions. The immediate area is lively and can feel crowded, particularly on weekends.

Rooms range from 2-8-bed mixed and female-only dorms to private double rooms with or without a private bathroom. Dorm beds come with reading lamps, privacy curtains, a small shelf, and school-sized lockers (bring your own padlock). Private rooms may include a queen bed, works space, mini-fridge, and some have ocean views. All rooms have air conditioning and heating, though some units have reported ventilation and noise issues - rooms facing the street or above the nightclub can be very loud. Bedding and towels are provided. The property is split over two floors accessed by stairs only, with limited soundproofing between rooms.

Breakfast includes bagels, toast, cream cheese, jams, oatmeal, fruit (oranges, grapes), coffee, tea, and juice. It is a simple, self-service affair; after eating, guests wash their own dishes. There is no restaurant or cafe on site, but a well-equipped guest kitchen (open 10 AM-10 PM) with stove, microwave, toaster, oven, and utensils is available for self-catering. Snacks and drinks can be purchased from vending machines. The boardwalk is packed with cafes and restaurants within a one-minute walk for those wanting more variety.

Guests are steps from the Pacific Ocean and Venice Beach Boardwalk. The hostel provides free beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach towels for borrowing. Free boogie boards and paddle tennis rentals are also available. Bicycles can be rented next door, and door-to-door tours to local attractions can be arranged at reception. Daily activities are occasionally organised. There is a shared lounge/TV area and board games. No pool, spa, or gym on site, but Muscle Beach outdoor gym is a very short walk away.

A 24-hour front desk allows late check-ins (reservation for previous day required for arrivals after midnight). Free luggage storage is available on the day of check-in and check-out at no charge; long-term storage costs $5/day per bag. WiFi is free in public areas. A shared kitchen, laundry room (additional charge), and a shared lounge/TV area are available. Security features include 24-hour security, CCTV in common areas, and key card access to rooms. Housekeeping is provided daily at no extra cost. The property is non-smoking throughout. Fax/photocopying is available for an additional charge.