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Venice Beach Cotel Reviews

25 Windward Ave, Venice Beach, Los Angeles, USA

Reviews & Ratings Explained

The following reviews were submitted by customers who booked in the last 6 months.

The reviews and ratings in the rating box are based on all-time feedback and are the opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up to the minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is. Read our review guidelines »

Reviews of Venice Beach Cotel

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63%

Staff were not very helpful, nor were they happy or nice. Our room was dirty, bathroom was dirty and even though the webpage said that the hostel had blow driers, there weren't any the first night. Our room was freezing cold because of the airconditioning, which was impossible to turn off. We had only sheets and a thin, brown blanket so we all got sick after the first night. There was also a very annoying sound coming from the window. Not going back, ever.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 27 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Norway
  • All Female Group 18-24
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
Lovey, I am so sad and surprised to hear that. My staff are ALWAYS friendly, as you can in all other reviews, the staff is always mentioned to be superb. I choose them carefully for that reason especially. I apologize if they were not nice enough to your standards :( The hairdryers are for everyone to use, so when there are a lot of people in the hostel, sometimes they are all occupied at the same time. I am not sure what you refer to regarding the dirty room and bathroom, as our hostel is known to be super clean at all times. I have cleaners working all day to maintain the hostel clean. We do not have air condition so I don't know what you mean, and I am sure if you asked my staff for more blankets, they would have given you as many as you like. Again, my apologies for not enjoying your stay with us, and I hope your next hostel experience will be more pleasant, wherever it will be. Kerry

60%

room smelt like babies nappies

  • Novice Nomad
  • 26 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Male 18-24
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
That is very surprising. I checked your room personally and there was no such smell. Maybe one of the other guests in the room did not smell good on that day? I am really sorry that your experience with us :( and hope you will give us another chance in the future. Kerry

93%

I cannot speak highly enough of the Cotel. right on the beach, ocean view, in a beautiful building with murals on both sides. The staff was friendly, helpful, and really made me as a first time hostel visitor feel totally comfortable. Facilities were great, atmosphere invited meeting other guests and hanging out. Totally changed my mind about what a hostel could be. Have to mention the staff one more time, young, hip, and helpful. You must try this place!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 19 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female 18-24
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
ooohhhh princess, I am so so so happy to hear that. People are not aware how cool a hostel can be ... and I am glad you tried it with us!!!! Look forward to having you back with us again in the near future!!! much love, Kerry

76%

I was only there for one night, but it was great. The staff helped me arrange shuttles to the airport. The location was perfect to walk along the beach and along the boardwalk. I felt safe, the bathrooms were clean, and I was lucky enough to get great roommates in my room. I will definitely stay there next time I'm in Venice. :)

  • Novice Nomad
  • 18 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female 31-40
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thanks lovey!! I am glad we were able to help you and that you felt comfortable with us :) Kerry

93%

If you want to stay in Venice Beach this is the place to go.

  • Globetrotter
  • 18 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • New Zealand
  • Couple 25-30
  • (25 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you sooooooooooooo much princess!!! We really appreciate it :))) Kerry

53%

I only stayed at the Venice Beach Cotel for one night but I was not at all impressed. I have no comments on the activities etc as I wasn't there for long enough to take part. My issue came from the room itself. I spent a month travelling through the US and the bed in Venice Beach was the most uncomfortable of my trip. I could feel the springs all night long. The dorm also seemed to have no source of heat and when I woke up at 1am freezing, the thin blanket provided was just no sufficient.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 14 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Ireland
  • Female 25-30
  • (2 reviews)


100%

The best hostel I've been so far.

Owner Comment (Show)
ohhhhhhhh obrigado mi paxiao!!!!!!!!!! Much love, Kerry

100%

Awesome hostel in the best location EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 07 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Canada
  • Female 25-30
  • (2 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you so much, princess :))))) Kerry

83%

Pricey due to location, but a good hostel nonetheless. Clean, secure and places to sit and relax.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 05 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Male 25-30
  • (7 reviews)


86%

This hostel looks like a lot of fun but it's actually a little bit bland, not bad really but then there doesn't seem to be much to choose from in LA! The rooms are a good size, not quite enough bathrooms, staff are nice and good to chat to! Venice beach is hilarious but not the safest if you're travelling alone, as a girl on my own didn't feel safe to do so after dark. Met a really nice homeless guy called Mike though!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 04 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Female 25-30
  • (3 reviews)


86%

We had a great time there and have been well supported by excellent, friendly staff!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 04 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • Germany
  • Male 41+
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
Danke schon mein schatz!!!! Kerry

96%

Friendly and helpful staff, security conscious.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 02 Jan 2012
  • Anonymous
  • England
  • Male 25-30
  • (3 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you :))) Kerry

100%

Had a great time at the Cotel - staff on the front desk were awesome. Venice Beach is such a great place, would definitely stay in the Cotel in an instant. Thanks.

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you so much darling. My staff were very happy to read your review and so was I ... Much love! Kerry

96%

If your heading to LA then Venice Beach Cotel is the place to be. The location is a good spot to base yourself with Hollywood and Beverly Hills not to far away(everything is far away from each other in LA). You can rent yourself a bike or longboard for the day and cruise the beach path all the way to Santa Monica, which is another amazing part of LA. All the staff were unreal, going above and beyond to make their guests feel at home. I'd go straight back next time I'm there.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 25 Dec 2011
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Male 18-24
  • (7 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Loveeeeeeey, thank you so much for that! It means so much to me, to us!!! Thank you again and we look forward to having you back with us!!!!!! Love, Kerry

93%

staff were welcoming and threw a party for the festive season. good location and staff helpful in assisting you to get around.

Owner Comment (Show)
Oh darling, thank you so much. We enjoyed making your xmas away from home a nice one! I am glad your stay was pleasant and we could assist you with anything you needed. Much love, Kerry

90%

Really good place, only downside is there is no free wifi/internet.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 20 Dec 2011
  • Anonymous
  • England
  • Male 25-30
  • (2 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you lovey. Much appreciated!!! Kerry

86%

Enjoyed my stay overall. The staff was good and fun and the location right on the boardwalk was great. The only complaint I had was having to pay for internet.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 18 Dec 2011
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male 31-40
  • (2 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thanks for that darling :) Kerry

86%

Clean bathrooms and great security. What more can you ask for. Thanks : )

  • Novice Nomad
  • 16 Dec 2011
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Female 18-24
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
thanks princess :)) Kerry

93%

Great stay. Ideal location right by Venice beach. Good atmosphere in the evenings with Kerry and the staff drinking with you in the lounge. Would stay here again for sure. Rich, England

  • Novice Nomad
  • 15 Dec 2011
  • Anonymous
  • England
  • Male 25-30
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
Oh Richieeeeee!!! It was our pleasure hanging out with YOU!!!!! Thank you sooo much for a great time, and we (I especially) look forward to having you with us again!!! Lots of love, Kerry

90%

Great Staff, Would go back in a heartbeat!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 13 Dec 2011
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • All Male Group 18-24
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
please dooooooooooo!!!!! Love ya!!, Kerry

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(77 results)

We now classify our reviewers based on how well travelled they are.

  • Novice Nomad: 1-10 Reviews Added
  • Avid Traveller: 10-20 Reviews Added
  • Globetrotter : 20+ Reviews Added
View all Los Angeles Hostels
  • 87%

  • Overall Rating
  • From 162 ratings
  • 83%Character
  • 87%Security
  • 92%Location
  • 92%Staff
  • 85%Fun
  • 85%Cleanliness

Latest Review

  • 27 Jan 2012 (63%)
  • Staff were not very helpful, nor were they happy or nice. Our room was dirty, bathroom was dirty and even though the webpage said ...
  • Read more...
  • Anonymous

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