The Rose Hotel Venice, Los Angeles
More photosThe Rose Hotel is a low-key, historic gem located just steps from the sand in Venice Beach. Originally designed in 1908 by the town’s founder, Abbot Kinney, the building has a colorful past, with local lore suggesting it once served as his private getaway. Over the years, it has hosted legendary figures like Charlie Chaplin, Jim Morrison, and Dennis Hopper.
In recent years, the property underwent a creative renovation led by fashion photographer Glen Luchford and designer Katerina Tana. They successfully preserved the “wonky,” authentic character of the original structure while adding a modern, bohemian aesthetic. The interiors feature light, airy touches, vintage finds, and natural linen textiles, creating a space that feels more like an artist’s retreat than a traditional hotel.
A unique quirk of the hotel is its intentional lack of formality; the owners embrace the building’s quirks, such as thin walls and creaky floors, which only add to its charm. Guests can still spot original details, like the small reception counter slot once used to pass keys to visitors. It offers a rare, intimate experience in a neighborhood often dominated by larger, corporate developments.
Its location is perfect for soaking up the Venice spirit. You are mere meters from the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk, where you can watch skaters, surfers, and street performers. You are also a short stroll from the boutique-lined Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the tranquil Venice Canals, making it an ideal home base for exploring this iconic California beach town.
Expert reviews
“Close to Santa Monica but a world apart, the Rose Hotel makes for a perfect hideaway if you are in town for a beach vacation or business meeting. It is a quirky spot full of personality.”
What guests liked
- Boutique style
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Other Los Angeles hotels
The Surfrider Malibu, Los Angeles
The Surfrider Hotel Malibu is a beautiful boutique property perched right on the Pacific Coast Highway. Originally opened in 1953 as the Malibu Shores Motel, it served as a legendary haunt for surfers, musicians, and artists during the golden age of California surf culture. In 2014, the site was acquired by architect Matthew Goodwin and his partners, who meticulously transformed it into the sophisticated "California Beach House" it is today.
CN Traveler“For a low-key, personal stay in Los Angeles you can do no better. This light-filled, design-forward spot was a motel in the 1950s before a California architect and his Australian wife transformed it.”
Venice Suites, Los Angeles
Aparthotel Venice Suites offers a quintessential Southern California escape right on the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk. Housed in a historic beachfront building, it provides apartment-style living that is perfect for those who want to feel more like a local resident than a typical tourist. The property is known for its relaxed atmosphere and provides a practical, comfortable "home base" steps from the Pacific Ocean.
New York Times“Venice Suites offers 31 affordable suites with full kitchens, free internet and an ocean-view roof deck with a communal barbecue grill.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Los Angeles.
The Line Hotel, Los Angeles
The Line Hotel is a vibrant centerpiece of Los Angeles’ Koreatown, housed in a striking mid-century building originally constructed in 1964. Once known as the Wilshire Plaza Hotel, this architectural gem underwent a brilliant transformation led by designer Sean Knibb, who embraced the building's Brutalist concrete bones while infusing it with a modern, artistic sensibility that reflects the neighborhood's multicultural energy.
New York Times + 1 more“The Line Hotel retains some of the stripped-concrete walls and industrial-chic aesthetic. This new hotel is shaping up to be the “it” location for night owls and adventurous omnivores. Its biggest accomplishment is introducing visitors to the gems of little-known Koreatown.”
Hotel Petit Ermitage, Los Angeles
Hotel Petit Ermitage is a whimsical, bohemian sanctuary tucked away on a quiet street in West Hollywood. Far from a typical chain, it serves as a love letter to the arts, featuring a massive private collection of 20th-century works by masters like Dalí and Miró. The property feels more like a private residence than a hotel, with eighty unique suites that feel intentionally layered rather than standardized.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“Bohemian-chic environs with Turkish rugs, old-world antiques, rooftop bars and fine booze set apart this intimate, one-of-a-kind hotel. No two of its 79 suites are the same, but all feature Venetian-style plaster walls, fireplaces and fun minibar snacks.”