9 Great Reasons to Love The Kinney Venice Beach: Hotel Review
If you’re planning a trip to Venice Beach and trying to decide where to stay, The Kinney Venice Beach is worth putting on your radar. I stayed here in June 2024 while looking for a spot that was moderately priced but still stylish—a place that captured the same funky, fresh energy you get walking down Abbot Kinney or hanging out along the boardwalk. Being close to the water was also a must (just in case I decided to grab a surfboard that weekend), and The Kinney checked every box.
In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before booking—from the hotel’s amenities and room details to the service, staff, and overall value. I’ll also share a few pros and cons from my stay and wrap up with who I think will love The Kinney Venice Beach the most.
About the Hotel
Located less than a mile from the lively Abbot Kinney area and within walking distance of both Venice Beach and the boardwalk, The Kinney Venice Beach makes it easy to enjoy the best of this eclectic neighborhood. During my stay, I walked over to Abbot Kinney myself and found it to be a pleasant stroll. While public transit is available, the hotel also offers a reasonably priced garage with in-and-out privileges, which made getting around especially convenient.
My first impression was that the building itself feels a little dated—you can tell it’s been around a while—but that’s part of its charm. The Kinney has been well cared for, with creative touches like bold murals and funky decor that bring the space to life. It felt like exactly what I was hoping for: a boutique-style hotel that captures the artsy, free-spirited vibe of Venice.
Hotel Amenities
One of the best things about The Kinney Venice Beach is how much it packs into a moderate price point. Amenities include:
- Parking: Secure garage with in-and-out access (extra fee applies).
- Recreation: A pool and hot tub overlooking the street, a fire pit lounge, ping pong tables, and hammock area.
- Wellness & Convenience: A small gym, air conditioning, 24/7 front desk service, and laundry facilities.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
- Food Options: While the hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, room service is available from nearby favorites like Salt Bar and Charcoal Venice.
It’s the extra social spaces—like the hammocks and ping pong tables—that really set The Kinney Venice Beach apart, creating the feel of a laid-back boutique stay rather than a standard chain hotel.
Hotel Room Review
Our room at The Kinney Venice Beach was cozy, modern, and surprisingly spacious for four people. The decor matched the hotel’s funky aesthetic, with colorful accents, playful touches like word-search throw pillows, and creative lighting on the beds. We had a street view, which I enjoyed, and the noise level was minimal.
The hotel describes its rooms as a “retro-chic meets modern” design, and I’d say that’s spot on. Features include Simmons Beautyrest pillow-top beds (very comfortable), 55-inch HDTVs, mini-fridges, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a coffee area. We also appreciated the USB outlets for easy charging.
The room was exceptionally clean. The only hiccup we had was a clogged bathtub, but the staff had it fixed quickly while we were out exploring—by the time we came back, it was taken care of with a smile.
Service & Staff Experience
The service at The Kinney Venice Beach was a highlight. From check-in to checkout, the front desk staff was warm, professional, and helpful. When we had an issue with our bathtub, they handled it promptly and kindly. I also noticed how attentive they were to other guests, including a couple visiting from overseas—they received the same level of care and welcome. It gave me the sense that hospitality is genuinely part of the hotel’s culture.
Price & Value
For Venice Beach, The Kinney offers excellent value. Standard rooms typically run between $139 and $153 per night, making it a budget-friendly option compared to many boutique hotels in the area. Parking costs extra (around $25 per night), but the convenience of in-and-out access made it well worth it.
The hotel also offers a 15% military discount, which is a thoughtful perk. Considering the location, amenities, and overall vibe, I felt the price was very fair.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Walking distance to Abbot Kinney, Venice Beach, and the boardwalk
- Funky, retro-chic decor with murals and unique touches
- Great amenities: pool, hot tub, fire pit, hammocks, ping pong tables
- Spacious and comfortable rooms with modern features
- Excellent staff and service
- Reasonably priced for the location
Cons
- Property is a little dated (though this adds charm for some)
- Parking is an extra fee
- Not ideal for travelers seeking a luxury or ultra-quiet atmosphere
Who Should Stay Here
The Kinney Venice Beach is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the Venice Beach lifestyle without overspending. It’s ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or families looking for a social, boutique-style atmosphere where they can relax by the pool, walk to the beach, or hang out on Abbot Kinney.
If your idea of a great stay is high-end luxury or a super tranquil escape, this may not be your best fit. But if you’re drawn to the artsy, bohemian vibe of Venice and want a comfortable, moderately priced base for exploring, The Kinney Venice Beach checks all the right boxes.
Final Thoughts
The Kinney Venice Beach strikes a sweet spot for travelers who want the best of both worlds—comfort and convenience with a funky, free-spirited twist that matches the energy of the neighborhood. Between the murals, the laid-back social spaces, and the unbeatable location near Abbot Kinney and the boardwalk, it offers plenty of value without the steep price tag you’ll find at other boutique hotels in the area.
For me, it was the kind of place where you could start the day with a stroll to the beach, spend an afternoon lounging by the pool, and then walk over to Abbot Kinney for dinner—all while feeling like you’re part of the Venice scene.
If you’re planning a trip to Venice Beach and want a stylish, moderately priced place to stay, The Kinney Venice Beach is worth considering. Have you stayed here, or do you have another favorite hotel in the area? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear where you’ve found your perfect Venice Beach home base.
