Carlton Motor Lodge

Carlton Motor Lodge

11811 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, Los Angeles, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.8 / 5

Overview

Carlton Motor Lodge is a 2-star motor lodge occupying a low-rise building dating to the 1930s, set on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, Los Angeles. It offers an unpretentious, no-frills stay geared toward travelers who want an affordable base for exploring the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood areas. The property has earned a 3.8 rating from 116 reviews, reflecting a solid reputation among budget-minded guests.

Rooms

Rooms are simply furnished with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and microwaves for basic self-catering. Upgraded rooms add in-room whirlpool tubs for guests seeking a bit more comfort. Some rooms lack closets or hangers, so travelers with extensive wardrobes may want to pack accordingly.

Amenities & Parking

Complimentary on-site parking is provided at no additional cost, a practical perk in a neighborhood where street parking can be limited. Beyond in-room conveniences, documented amenities are otherwise minimal, consistent with the motor lodge's unfussy, budget-oriented character.

Location

The lodge sits directly amid the shops, restaurants, and boutiques of Ventura Boulevard, making it easy to walk to coffee shops and dining without a car. It's about 3 miles (roughly 3365m) from Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk, and within a several-mile radius of major Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Bowl, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Museum-goers can reach LACMA, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and La Brea Tar Pits and Museum within roughly 9 miles, while The Getty and Santa Monica Pier are further out at about 10.5 and 18 miles respectively.

Best for

This motor lodge best suits budget-conscious travelers, road-trippers, and Universal Studios visitors who want a walkable Ventura Boulevard location with free parking rather than upscale amenities. Its proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood (about 3 miles) and the broader Hollywood attraction corridor makes it a practical, no-frills base for sightseeing-focused stays.

Travel tips

Since the lodge is on Ventura Boulevard, guests can walk to nearby coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques without needing a car for meals. A vehicle or rideshare is recommended for reaching farther attractions like the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, LACMA, The Getty, and Santa Monica Pier, which range from about 6 to 18 miles away. Free on-site parking makes driving in from the lodge convenient for day trips around Los Angeles.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the staff, describing them as cheerful, helpful, and a highlight of the stay. Many reviewers highlight the convenient, walkable Ventura Boulevard location near coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Several guests note that rooms are clean and comfortable, and one traveler specifically mentioned effective heating and surprising quiet despite the busy boulevard nearby. A recurring minor complaint is the absence of closets or hangers in rooms, though this did not overshadow overall positive experiences.

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