If you’re hunting for a place to crash in Venice, you’ve probably seen the neon-splashed photos of The Kinney Venice Beach. It looks like a Pinterest board came to life, right? Vibrant murals, ping-pong tables in a courtyard, and that specific shade of "California cool" that makes you want to buy a skateboard you’ll never actually ride.
But honestly, choosing a hotel in this part of LA is tricky. Venice is gritty. It’s loud. It’s beautiful and chaotic all at once. If you pick the wrong spot, you’re stuck in a tourist trap or a place that’s way too far from the actual action. The Kinney is weirdly positioned—it's technically in Venice but sits right on the edge of Marina Del Rey.
So, let's talk about what it’s actually like to stay there. No fluff. No "ultimate guide" nonsense. Just the reality of the walls, the noise, and whether that "Quad" area is actually fun or just a glorified smoking section.
The Vibe Check: Is It Too Much?
Walking into The Kinney is sort of like stepping into a pop-art gallery where you’re allowed to sleep. The exterior is wrapped in massive murals. It screams "Venice" before you even see a palm tree. Inside, the design doesn't let up. Think bright yellow door frames, geometric carpets that might give you a headache if you stare too long, and teal curtains.
It feels like the home of an artsy friend who has a very high budget and a slight obsession with 1960s mod culture.
Some people find it "too much." If you’re looking for the hyper-groomed, beige-and-white minimalist aesthetic of those fancy hotels in Santa Monica, you’re going to be disappointed. This isn’t a "quiet luxury" kind of place. It’s loud. It’s bold. It’s meant to be a conversation starter.
📖 Related: How to Actually Book the Hangover Suite Caesars Las Vegas Without Getting Fooled
The Famous Quad
Basically, the heart of the hotel is an outdoor courtyard they call "The Quad." This is where the hotel tries to sell you on the social experience.
- There’s a dipping pool (it’s small, let's be real).
- A hot tub that usually works.
- Gas fire pits for the chilly SoCal nights.
- A white ping-pong table that gets a lot of use.
It’s a cool spot to hang out if you want to meet other travelers, but here's the catch: if your room faces the Quad, you’re going to hear every single "ping" and "pong" until the lights go out.
The Rooms: Crash Pads and Reality
They call their suites "Crash Pads," which is a bit of a marketing gimmick, but the layout is actually pretty smart.
The suites usually have a separate bedroom and a living area with a pull-out sofa. If you’re traveling with a group or you just don't want to see your suitcase from your bed, it’s a solid choice. The "Better Than Basic" rooms are... well, they're hotel rooms. They’re clean, they have 55-inch TVs, and they use Simmons BeautyRest Pillow Top beds.
Honestly? The beds are probably the best part. Most guests rave about them, and after a day of walking the Venice Boardwalk, you’ll appreciate not sleeping on a cardboard-stiff mattress.
👉 See also: How Far Is Tennessee To California: What Most Travelers Get Wrong
One thing to watch out for: The bathrooms. While the rooms feel fresh and renovated, some of the bathrooms still have that "older hotel" feel. You might see a shower/tub combo that hasn't quite caught up to the rest of the room's funky energy. Also, keep an eye out for the thermostat—multiple people have reported finding it hidden behind the TV. Weird, right?
Location: The 20-Minute Walk Rule
This is where most people get tripped up. The Kinney Venice Beach is located at 737 Washington Boulevard.
It’s "near" the beach, but it’s not on the beach.
You’re looking at about a 15-to-20-minute walk to get your feet in the sand. You’ll pass the Venice Canals on the way, which are beautiful and definitely worth the detour. Abbot Kinney Boulevard—the "coolest block in America" according to people who like $15 lattes—is about a 10-to-15-minute walk.
Getting Around
- Bike Rentals: The hotel rents out beach cruisers. Use them. It’s the fastest way to get to the Boardwalk without dealing with the nightmare that is Venice parking.
- The Car Situation: Valet parking exists, but it’s going to cost you. Some regulars suggest looking for street parking nearby, but Venice parking signs are written in a language only local lawyers understand. Be careful.
- The Noise Factor: You’re on Washington Blvd. It’s a busy street. If you aren't facing the Quad, you might be facing the street, which means garbage trucks and early morning traffic.
What’s Missing? (The Food Situation)
Don’t expect a full-service restaurant here. They have a lobby lounge that does a "very LA" breakfast—think acai bowls and granola pots—and they have coffee urns. But for a real meal, you have to head out.
✨ Don't miss: How far is New Hampshire from Boston? The real answer depends on where you're actually going
Luckily, you’re in a food mecca. Hinano Cafe is right down the street if you want a world-famous burger in a dive bar that smells like 1972. If you want something upscale, Charcoal Venice is nearby, or you can trek to Felix Trattoria on Abbot Kinney for pasta that people literally fight for reservations to eat.
The Verdict: Who Is This For?
The Kinney Venice Beach isn't a "one-size-fits-all" hotel.
It’s perfect for the traveler who wants a basecamp that feels like Los Angeles. It’s for the person who cares more about a cool mural and a comfortable bed than a formal lobby or a quiet hallway. It’s great for younger groups who will actually use the fire pits and the ping-pong table.
It’s not for the traveler who wants total silence or a beachfront view. If you’re looking for a romantic, secluded getaway, the "ping-pong and pop-art" vibe might feel a bit frantic.
Quick Stats & Facts
- Pet Policy: Hard no. Service animals only. Don't bring your Frenchie.
- Check-in: 3:00 PM. Check-out: 11:00 AM.
- Gym: It exists, but it's tiny. Go for a run on the beach instead.
- WiFi: Included and generally fast enough for a Zoom call.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book a room at The Kinney Venice Beach, do these three things to make sure you don't regret it:
- Request a "Better Than Basic" room away from the Quad if you’re a light sleeper. The courtyard is fun until you're trying to sleep through a midnight ping-pong tournament.
- Rent the bikes early. They’re popular, and biking through the Venice Canals at sunset is arguably the best thing you can do in this neighborhood.
- Skip the hotel breakfast at least once and walk over to Zelda’s Corner for a panini or Gjusta for some of the best bread you'll ever have in your life.
Before you go, check the parking situation for your specific dates. Street sweeping rules change, and a $70 ticket is a quick way to ruin a beach weekend. Focus on the location, embrace the bright colors, and just accept that Venice is going to be a little bit loud. That's just part of the charm.