When the city was first founded in 1905, it was named Venice of America. Owner Abbot Kinney turned the town into an amusement pier with rides, a miniature railway, and an aquarium. In 1926, Venice of America was annexed to Los Angeles and was renamed Venice.
These days, Venice is a haven for artists and surfers alike. The waterfront is one of the biggest recreation areas in Los Angeles, so you're sure to find plenty of fun to keep you busy during your trip to Venice.
Best Time to Visit Venice, CA
The most popular time to visit Venice Beach is during the summer. The whole Santa Monica area is packed with tourists, and hotel prices are at their highest. If you come during this time, you will enjoy the warmest beach weather, and all of the restaurants and vendors along the pier will be open. To avoid missing out, be sure to book your hotel well in advance.
If you want to avoid tourist season but still take advantage of good weather, you should visit Venice between September and November. Most hotels drop their prices when the tourists leave in late August, and you'll be able to sit on the beach without practically laying your towel on top of someone else's.
The tourists tend to head back to Venice during the winter holidays, so if you are going to visit the city between Thanksgiving and New Year, book in advance and prepare for higher rates. January and February still offer temperatures in the mid-60s, and the hotels tend to drop their prices for this period to entice visitors.
Spring is a nice time to visit Venice, too. There are a few festivals that you can attend, and the city begins to put on outdoor movies in the evenings. The temperatures start to rise again, and the beach comes back to life with swimmers and sun-worshippers.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Venice, CA:
Venice by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Venice, CA. You can use these charts to calculate the least expensive time period to make a reservation in Venice for any future trips.
Luxury Hotels in Venice, CA
4 Star Average Prices: $225.52
If there's one thing Venice isn't short on, it's luxury hotels. Hotel Erwin is a nice choice if you want to enjoy rooftop drinks with a sunset view of the beach each evening. It's located right along Venice Beach and has a fun surf theme that will really put you in the Venice Beach mood. Every room has a private balcony and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Erwin has two restaurants and two bars where you can enjoy an indulgent meal or refreshing cocktail. Your stay also includes breakfast cooked to order. Enjoy it in the dining room or have it sent up to your room to enjoy on your balcony. If you want recommendations for which restaurants to try or more information about what events are happening during your stay, simply ask the concierge. They can even book you on a tour or reserve you a table at a nearby restaurant.
If you want to experience utter luxury on your trip to Venice, stay at the nearby Casa del Mar next to the Santa Monica Pier. It's only a mile away from Venice Beach and is a truly indulgent experience. This five-star hotel has a full-service spa, a health club, an outdoor pool, and a steam room. There is also an outdoor pool if you want to skip the beach for the day, plus a car service if you want to hit the town without worrying about driving.
Affordable Hotel Options in Venice, CA
3 Star Average Prices: $170.46
If you're looking for an affordable but unique place to stay in Venice, book a room at Boutique Abbot Kinney. It's a small, four-room hotel located only a short walk from Venice Beach and the Venice boardwalk. All of the rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers free parking, which is a luxury in the center of Venice Beach.
If you're flying in and out of Lost Angeles International Airport, Travelodge Los Angeles Airport South is a great affordable option near the airport. The hotel is only a mile from the airport and offers a complimentary shuttle to and from your desired terminal. The hotel also provides guests with free Wi-Fi, a complimentary breakfast, and free parking. It has an outdoor pool and a barbecue area if you want to self-cater.
2 Star Average Prices: $130.25
Best Discounts in Venice, CA
Venice, California, has a lot of great discount options available. Members of the military receive a nice 10- to 15-percent discount at the Venice Breeze Suites depending on what time of year you book. Just be sure to bring your military ID along to receive the discount. The Venice Breeze Suites offer guests studio apartments with full kitchens so that you can self-cater. It's right across the road from the beach and features a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a few drinks and take in the view of Venice Beach.
If you are traveling to Venice with a large group, ask about the group rates at Jamaica Bay Inn. Depending on what time of year you're visiting, the hotel offers groups up to 20 percent off individual room rates. Jamaica Bay Inn is a few minutes away from Venice in Marina del Rey and is surrounded by great restaurants and bars. It's also only a few minutes' walk away from the beach. Jamaica Bay has an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center so you can muscle up before heading to the beach.
Best Value Hotels in Venice, CA
There are several hotels in Venice that offer guests excellent value for money. Resort Style Walk to the Beach is one of them. It's located in nearby Marina del Rey only a mile from Venice Beach and the Venice Oceanfront Walk. Every room is a full-service apartment with a full kitchen to self-cater and a balcony with a great view of the surrounding area. The hotel has complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
If you're looking for good value right by Venice Beach, check out the Cadillac Hotel. You can walk to the beach in just a few minutes, and the hotel is surrounded by all of Venice Beach's best restaurants, bars, and shopping. Guests can rent bicycles and ride along the boardwalk. You can also speak to the front desk about what tours and events you'd like to check out, and they'll assist you with booking things.
Boutique 444 is excellent value for money if you want to feel like a local and have plenty of space and amenities to self-cater. Every room has a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop.
Boutique 444 is really well located. It's right around the corner from the beachfront, the boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where all of the best shopping and restaurants are located. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, coffee and tea, and a balcony where you can sit and enjoy the view of Venice Beach.
What to Do in Venice, CA
Venice is a great beach town, but there's more to do than get a tan and swim in the Pacific. There are so many choices, you won't want to leave!
To experience the true Venice Beach, you have to take a walk along the Venice Oceanfront Walk, known as simply “the Boardwalk” to locals. On one side, you will find unique surf shops and souvenir stores, while on the other, you can see street performers of every kind. Talk to a fortune teller, buy a painting from a local artist, or watch a magician mystify a huge crowd with his tricks.
Do you enjoy skateboarding? If you do, you have to head to the Venice Beach Skatepark while you're in town. It's one of the best in Los Angeles and is completely free to use. Even if you don't skate, it's a fascinating place to sit and watch people of all ages and skill levels practice their favorite tricks.
You may also want to take a walk along the canals. Don't worry — you're not in the wrong Venice. Venice Beach has canals that were built by Abbot Kinney and restored and reopened in 1993 for locals and visitors to enjoy. You can simply stroll along the path, or you can rent a boat and see it all from the water.
If you want to pick up some souvenirs or enjoy the unique boutiques in Venice, head over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The main shopping street in Venice is home to stunning boutiques, independent cafes and restaurants, and art galleries with local and international art to both look at and buy.
Whether you're looking for a luxury experience to splurge on for your trip to the West Coast or you just want an affordable hotel where you can rest your head at night, you'll find a hotel to suit your needs and your budget in Venice, California.
FAQs about hotels in Venice
How much does a cheap hotel in Venice cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Venice can be as cheap as $130.25 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Venice cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Venice has been $170.46 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Venice cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Venice has been $225.52 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)