The Ellison Suites at Venice Beach

Cool place. Nice and close to the beach and all the attractions of Venice Beach. It’s more like a spacious studio apartment than a hotel. Pretty straightforward. Nice bed, clean, and a good location. Nothing to write home about, but nice.

This is a great place to stay if you want to be near the beach! I was in 305, and it was exactly as pictured. There’s definitely noise at night, so be prepared if you’re a light sleeper. I really liked being able to text for check in and check out, it’s fast and goes with the relaxed beach vibe. We had a great time in Venice, thanks!

The Ellison is an amazing building, even without taking its history in account. It’s much like Venice itself: a little shady, a little rusty, and just like its people bohemian but downright beautiful and very laid back.
Only when you pass its gates, its true beauty uncovers itself. So if you miss out on booking here but you still want to have a glimpse, know that there is no comparison to actually residing here. To the left and right of you, there are 4 or 5 floors where the appartments are. A broad stair guides you to the connecting entrance and elevator. It’s easy to take the stairs to the rooftop of the builing, overlooking the ocean and the entire area. Behind the entrance, there’s some kind of city garden with plants and trees growing all the way up to the top of the building. Our room was in the back on the third or fourth floor. Everytime we exited our room onto the corridor, some birds flirt away from these trees, you hear the ocean waves, and the people of Venice on the Ocean Front Walk.
The rooms have hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, which contributes to that rusty Venice feeling. There’s a queen-​sized bed, and another one hidden in the wall of the living room. The bedroom is adjecent to a small kitchen. Just like two couples probably wouldn’t enjoy an entire vacation together in this living space, I think making use of this kitchen alongside your bed isn’t worth the while. Especialy with the Venice and Santa Monica foodies so nearby. The bathroom is equiped, but the toilet directly faces a wall, so you have to make use of it sideways. which contributes to that bohemian Venice feeling.
Parking, so close to the beach, is expensive or nonexistant. We parked in the street of Schwarzenegger’s Gold Gym, a five minute walk, close to Google Venice.
The Ellison started out as a hotel in 1913, and was owned by Laurel and Hardy. Decades later, Jim Morrison was a tenant, which contributes to that beautiful people-​feeling.
I encourage you to read about Venice. When you are convinced that Venice and you will be a match, you’ll adore this place. If not, please look out for another place, in another area, of another city (probably Santa Monica: p).

I have stayed here twice and it is really a great place.
There are so many good things to say about The Ellison. You can check the availability for this location on Venice beach here.
The first reason we wanted to stay here was because of the location. Maybe a short 100 foot walk or so and you are on the boardwalk within feet of the beach. Depending on what room you get you could have an ocean view. I have stayed on both sides and both rooms have been pretty similar. A queen sized bed with a living room space as well as a kitchen. The living room has a couch, chair and table. I also believe there is a pull out bed in this room. There is a pretty good size closet space as well. The bathroom is a few steps above the rest of the room with an old fashion tub and shower. The kitchen is complete with a fridge, sink, stove, microwave, glasses, dishes, forks and knives. Pretty much anything to make your stay as convenient as possible.
There is wifi and antenna television with a DVD player. Antenna television is usually the basic local channels, CBS, NBC, ABC and a few others.
The complex is older but it gives the place character. The rooms have wood flooring and brick walls. All other walls and trim are painted white. It isn’t anything fancy but it is nice enough for a week getaway.
We selected this location not only for the location but also for the convenience to have your own personal space for a week at an affordable price. To stay at a hotel in the same location may cost twice as much. It is also convenient to have a kitchen area so you can cook and prepare meals whenever you please.
It is very safe and it doesn’t get too loud. The only time that it got a little rowdy was on the ocean view side in the night time hours. The complex is mixed with other rooms that are bed and breakfast as well as tenants who live here. There is a washer and dryer in the basement that takes quarters. There is also a rooftop with lawn furniture for great ocean views.
In terms of location it is about a mile from the Santa Monica Pier which is about a thirty minute walk. When you are staying here this is something that can be done rather conveniently without a thought. It is also the same distance from downtown Santa Monica and Third Street Promenade. If you are going downtown you can take the #1 Blue Rapid or the #33 Metro both ways. It is far from downtown LA or Hollywood but it is also possible to use public transit to get there or drive if you please.
The Ellison is a really nice place and I would like to think of it as my home away from home.