Hotel Erwin

Venice Beach is quite possibly the most laid-back place in the United States, and the Hotel Erwin does its level best to fit in. With a rooftop lounge called High, it’s obviously taking its cues from Venice’s notoriously weird vibes.

Venice, and especially the funky old boardwalk, is no place for white-glove luxury, and the Erwin is suitably budget-conscious — though you’d never guess it from the décor, with its bold, cheery colors and its stylish modern furniture. The better rooms have sea views, but even the ones that look out over the town of Venice come with private balconies and HDTVs.

The name of the rooftop bar, High, is a bit more literal than you might think; it’s the highest rooftop lounge in Venice Beach, and the views range up and down the coast and far out to sea. The cozy restaurant, Barlo, serves a fine home-style breakfast, as well as a slightly upscale American bistro–style dinner. With the beach just steps from the door, and the boardwalk even closer, it’s the quintessential Venice experience — which is a different animal entirely from the typical Southern California beachfront hotel.

How to get there: Hotel Erwin is a 15-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport.