Iâve road-tripped the Pacific Coast Highway more times than I can count, slept in cabins on Oregon cliffs, and even lounged in Malibuâs luxury resorts. But thereâs one place I return to again and againânot for glamor, but for soul-soothing comfort and hidden beautyâLong Beach, California.
When I need a creative recharge, I pack my laptop, camera, and a few favorite books, and I head south from wherever I am to this laid-back port city. Unlike crowded LA or overpriced Santa Monica, Long Beach offers the rare blend of affordability, walkability, arts, and an unpretentious coastal culture. But hereâs the key: if youâre staying in Long Beach, do it rightâget a room with a view of the Pacific.
Iâve now stayed in over a dozen hotels around the city, and through all those stays, five oceanfront hotels stood out. In this post, Iâll share my firsthand experiences, the true feel of each hotel, who theyâre best for, how much I paid, where I booked (and saved), and tips for making the most of your stay.
đ¨ 1. Hotel Maya â A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- Address: 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802
A Secluded Tropical Paradise with a City View
If youâd told me this place was once a naval port, I wouldnât have believed it. The transformation is nothing short of magical. Hotel Maya feels like a hidden resort in Tulum, transplanted to Southern California. The entire property is a visual escapeâlush palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze, colorful tiles underfoot, and fire pits glowing along winding garden paths. Even the scent of blooming jasmine adds to the transportive atmosphere.
The moment I stepped into the open-air lobby, I knew I was in for something different. The vibe here is laid-back but elegant, infused with Latin-American energyâthanks in large part to the brilliant on-site restaurant, Fuego, which serves up mesquite-grilled seafood and tequila cocktails with a view that rivals anything youâll find in Mexico.
I stayed in a King Room with a Private Balcony and Ocean View, and waking up to the gentle sway of sailboats on Queensway Bay was a moment of peace I didnât know I needed. The room wasnât ultra-modern, but it was bright, spacious, immaculately clean, and full of charm. The sunset over the water, with the historic Queen Mary in the distance, felt like a scene from a movie.
Standout Features:
- Private beach accessârare in Long Beach
- Free bike rentals for exploring the waterfront trails
- Heated outdoor pool, poolside service, and cozy fire pits
- Pet-friendly policyâperfect for those traveling with dogs
- Lush garden setting with coastal walking paths
What Travelers Say:
Many love its secluded vibeâclose to downtown but far from the noise. Several reviews praise the service and Fuegoâs cuisine. Some guests note the rooms show mild signs of age, but most agree the location and vibe outweigh that.
- Rating: 8.4/10 on Booking.com | 4.2/5 on Google
What I Paid:
- \$219/night on a Tuesday in March
- Booked through Hotels.com using their rewards program (10 nights = 1 free)
Booking Tip:
- Sign up for Hilton Honors to unlock free perks like room upgrades, late check-out, and free Wi-Fi.
- Use Google Hotels to compare prices across platformsâyouâll sometimes find exclusive flash sales.
đ¨ 2. Hyatt Regency Long Beach
- Address: 200 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
Best for Convention-Goers, Walkers, and Foodies
Location, location, locationâthis is where Hyatt Regency wins. Itâs right on Rainbow Harbor, connected to The Pike shopping area, and literally steps from the Aquarium of the Pacific and dozens of restaurants. My room had floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the harbor, and I got to watch sea lions play in the early mornings.
This is a sleek, modern hotel that feels luxurious without being over the top. Perfect for business travelers and couples. The staff were exceptionalâwithin 10 minutes of check-in, theyâd delivered extra towels and a snack I mentioned during check-in.
Best Features:
- Saltwater pool overlooking the ocean
- Direct access to bike paths, harbor, and restaurants
- On-site bar with waterfront seating
- Amazing views from upper floors
Traveler Opinions:
Extremely clean, well-managed, and unbeatable for convenience. Most complaints involve the cost of parking (\$38/day valet), so consider alternatives if driving.
- Rating: 9.0/10 on Booking.com | 4.5/5 on Google
What I Paid:
- \$249/night (with breakfast included)
- Booked via Expedia as part of a hotel + flight bundle (saved ~15%)
Booking Tip:
- Use Expedia bundles to save big when flying into LAX or Long Beach Airport.
- Join World of Hyatt for exclusive upgrades and late check-outs.
đ¨ 3. The Westin Long Beach
- Address: 333 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Luxury Meets Mindful Living
If youâre looking for a wellness-focused stay with style, The Westin is your place. Itâs not on the harbor edge like the first two, but it still offers partial ocean views from higher floors, and itâs only a 5-minute walk from the waterfront.
What I loved most? Their Heavenly Beds (Westinâs signature mattress is a real thing) and in-room yoga gear. I was able to do sunrise stretches with a view of the water. Their on-site restaurant, Navy Proof Food & Spirits, is also worth a visit for brunch.
Top Features:
- Signature Westin âHeavenlyâ bedding
- Wellness amenities (yoga mats, healthy menus, gear rentals)
- Walkable to the beach, Pine Ave, and East Village
- Beautiful lobby & work-friendly lounges
Traveler Feedback:
People praise its cleanliness, modern feel, and comfortable beds. Some mention noise from Ocean Blvd, but I didnât notice it on my floor.
- Rating: 8.7/10 on Booking.com | 4.3/5 on Google
What I Paid:
- \$228/night, booked through Booking.com
- Room had partial harbor view + free breakfast
Booking Tip:
- Use Genius loyalty program on Booking.com for perks like free breakfast or room upgrades.
- Avoid booking same-dayâprices spike in the evening.
đ¨ 4. Oceanfront Inn â Belmont Shore
- Address: 3946 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Charming, Local, and Right on the Beach
Forget the chainsâthis is the hidden gem. Located right in Belmont Shore, this boutique-style inn offers true oceanfront rooms just steps from the sand. I stayed here for a writing retreat and loved the quiet, local atmosphere.
No fancy amenities hereâjust clean, cozy rooms, friendly staff, and direct access to the beach. Across the street are charming cafes, bike rentals, and quiet spots to read or people-watch.
Why Itâs Unique:
- Walk straight onto the sand
- Real neighborhood charm, not touristy
- Great for writers, solo travelers, or low-key couples
- Free parking & friendly staff
What People Say:
Highly rated by locals and return travelers for its location and laid-back vibe. Rooms are basic but spotless. Great for travelers who care more about view and location than luxury.
- Rating: 4.6/5 on Google
What I Paid:
- \$179/night, booked via Direct Website (cheaper than third-party)
- Paid extra \$15 for oceanfront room upgrade
Booking Tip:
- Call directly and ask for seasonal ratesâtheyâll often beat online prices.
- Bring your own beach towelâthey donât provide them.
đ¨ 5. Residence Inn by Marriott â Downtown Long Beach
- Address: 600 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802
Best for Extended Stays with Ocean Views
For longer trips or workcations, Residence Inn is a lifesaver. I stayed here for a week while working on a guidebook project, and it was just what I neededâspacious suites with kitchenettes, a full desk, and views of the marina.
They also have a great outdoor patio with fire pits, and every evening Iâd sit out there with a book and a glass of wine watching the lights reflect off the water.
Top Perks:
- Full kitchens + dining area
- Free breakfast
- Evening social hours (yes, free wine!)
- Pet-friendly and quiet
User Reviews:
Travelers love it for comfort and location. Many business travelers and long-term guests. Families also appreciate the suite setup.
- Rating: 8.6/10 on Booking.com | 4.4/5 on Google
What I Paid:
- \$199/night, stayed 6 nights
- Booked through Marriott.com to earn Bonvoy points
Booking Tip:
- Book 5+ nights and ask for a weekly rate or AAA discount.
- Marriott Bonvoy points add up fast for free stays.
đ˛ Top Platforms to Book Long Beach Hotels in the U.S.
Hereâs a quick breakdown of my go-to booking platforms for U.S. stays:
| Platform | Best For | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Wide selection, Genius loyalty program | Free upgrades, flexible terms |
| Hotels.com | Simple interface, rewards program | Stay 10 nights, get 1 free |
| Expedia | Bundles with flights & cars | Big savings with packages |
| Priceline | Last-minute deals | Express deals are often hidden gems |
| Marriott/Hilton | Direct member benefits | Points, upgrades, elite perks |
| Google Hotels | Price comparison across platforms | Great for finding flash sales |
𧳠Which Hotel Should You Choose?
So, which hotel do I recommend most?
- For relaxation and tropical vibes: Hotel Maya
- For walkable luxury and access to everything: Hyatt Regency
- For wellness and modern comfort: The Westin
- For a budget oceanfront retreat: Oceanfront Inn
- For long stays or families: Residence Inn by Marriott
Long Beach is all about pace. Whether youâre here to unplug, dive into art and culture, or just find a corner of California thatâs still affordable, this coastal city will surprise youâand these oceanfront hotels are where the best days begin.
