Ocean Lodge Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Disappointing

Liked: Location
Disliked: Small parking lot

Excellent location

Exceptional

Liked: Walkable distance to restaurants and the beach!
Disliked: NA

Pleasant

Disliked: Too small rooms. Not enough space.

It was a very enjoyable...

Liked: The property was well kept and its retro feel made for a great ending to our Route 66 trip. Our room was clean and cozy and within walking distance to the Santa Monica pier. Thre were several restaurants nearby.

If you are only concerned...

Liked: The location is phenomenal to the beach, the original Muscle Beach and Santa Monica pier. There are also numerous restaurants, bike rental, and surf lessons establishments nearby. The hotel staff cleaned daily, and brought fresh towels, which was appreciated as we were a family of 5. The locking gates on the upper floors made it feel more secure, but the neighborhood surrounding was nice anyway. Located next to Chez Jay restaurant and a public park. We saw a few homeless but not overwhelming like the tent cities in LA. Bring cash for the beach vendors, makes it easier.
Disliked: There is no vending machine, and the nearest gas station is about a half mile walk away. The location is also not very disability accessible if you have mobility issues. No elevator, and the room we had the bed was so close to the wall you had to pass to get to the bathroom you have to move sideways between the two. There is also a small lip and elevation from the main floor to the tiled bathroom floor in this gauntlet that would be an easy tripping hazard. Only AC unit was in the main room, and the "bedroom" in the back would get pretty warm even with the window open. In the "bedroom" one edge of the bed is practically touching the wall, I had to crawl to the bottom of the bed to get in and out, only about 4-6" of space to maneuver between. No dresser in the bedroom, but a combo desk/dresser in the main room with the other 2 beds. There is a small fridge/freezer, but no microwave.

Pleasant

Disliked: To expensive for what we got

Everything was within walking distance...

Liked: No breakfast but walking distance to the pier and shopping!
Disliked: Paid $38 for parking as a guest at the hotel. First time I paid to park my vehicle at a hotel I paid to stay at.

great location

Liked: Coffee and locationstaff recommendation for exercise the next morning
Disliked: had to ring the bell to get into reception, perhaps it’s a safety issue but i’m not used to it