8018 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, California, United States | (618) 248-8274
On Beverly Boulevard, within walking distance to the Hollywood Grove, CBS lot, and restaurants
Large outdoor pool with sun loungers and tables
Spacious rooms and suites with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges
Huge bathrooms, some with soaking tubs tubs
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Valet parking (for a reasonable fee)
24-hour reception desk
Vending and ice machines
Elevator available
No restaurant, bar, or fitness center
Vintage decor not to everyone's tastes
External hallways can cause noise issues
Valet parking only and costs extra (rates are a deal for this part of Hollywood)
One doesn't usually associate urban centers like Los Angeles with motel properties, but the charing lower-middle-range Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel is the exception to the rule. The location on Beverly Boulevard is walkable to the Hollywood Grove, CBS studio lot, and row of trendy restaurants on West Third Street. Each of the 52 rooms has groovy vintage decor combined with modern creature comforts like free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. Huge tiled bathrooms can have jetted tubs or large step-in showers. Still, the exterior hallway setup is conducive to noise. The only features are a cute courtyard swimming pool, 24-hour reception desk, and affordable valet parking. For something with a more modern boutique style, check out the Farmer's Daughter Hotel -- but rates are higher.
Scene
Vintage motel with a courtyard swimming pool
The Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel is an unusual sight in swanky Hollywood, there aren't many (or maybe any) motel style properties in the area. Still, the Beverly Laurel has embraced its vintage architecture with some charming elements that celebrate the 60s. The rooms are centered around a rectangular swimming pool finished with greenery, striped umbrellas, and sun loungers. A few hanging chairs add visual interest. There's a seating area in the glassed-in reception area, along with brochures and newspapers. Other than these two central areas, there isn't a place for guests to convene. You'll find ice and vending machines in the underground garage, accessible via stairs or elevators. Most visitors are tourists (international and domestic) who want affordable rates and retro digs in Hollywood.
Location
On Beverly Boulevard in Hollywood
The location here is a true standout. The immediate blocks are pretty quiet and filled with strip malls, but it's only a five-minute walk to the CBS Studio lot, where The Price is Right is filmed. Another three minutes will bring you to the Hollywood Grove, filled with department stores, national chains, restaurants, and the farmer's market. West Third Street is lined with popular restaurants like Toast, Sweetgreen, and Magnolia Bakery. Rodeo Drive is about a 10-minute drive. Universal Studios is about 20 minutes in the car. Plan on about 30 minutes to reach Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Los Angeles International Airport is anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Rooms
Groovy decor details and enormous bathrooms
There are 52 rooms available, and each is surprisingly spacious. Decor has a definite '60s vibe that's charming, but some might find it dated. Expect a neutral color palette with bold lashings of blue and yellow. Some rooms have overblown photos of Marilyn Monroe over the beds, and all beds are topped with a yellow vinyl smiley face pillow. Neutral wood headboards, nightstands, and tables look slightly more modern than the carpets. Creature comforts are on point. Each room has air-conditioning, a large flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, a large mini-fridge, microwave, telephone, coffeemaker, iron, and ironing board. Spacious bathrooms are decorated with retro tiles, and some have large closets and/or soaking tubs and huge step-in showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. The biggest drawback to the room is external hallways allow street noise and foot traffic. Plus, you'll have to keep the curtains closed and the daylight out if you want any privacy.
Features
Courtyard swimming pool, valet parking, and 24-hour reception desk
The low rates and walkable location are the highlights here, but there are a few additional perks. Namely, the courtyard swimming pool is an excellent place to cool off or soak up the sun. The reception desk is staffed 24 hours and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Valet parking is available for a much lower rate than what you'll usually find in Hollywood. There's a popular diner just next door to the hotel that's in keeping with the vintage theme, though no food or drinks are available on-site.