HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel

1436 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Los Angeles, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.4 / 5

Overview

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel is a modern, budget-oriented (2-star) hostel in an unassuming building on 2nd Street in Santa Monica. It’s positioned about two blocks from the beach and the Santa Monica Pier, making it a convenient base for exploring the oceanfront and downtown area. The property is widely reviewed, holding a 4.4/5 public rating from 1,557 reviews.

Rooms

Accommodations include functional dorms with bunk beds, lockers, and shared bathrooms, plus private rooms for guests who want more privacy. Reviews frequently highlight comfortable beds and a clean, modern feel. As with many shared-room hostels, the dorm experience can depend on roommate behavior.

Food & Kitchen

A free breakfast is included. Guests also have access to a shared kitchen, useful for self-catering in a prime Santa Monica location. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hostel.

Amenities & Social Spaces

Common areas include a colorful lounge with cable TV and a game room with a pool table. There’s a patio/courtyard area and on-site laundry facilities (washer). Bike storage is available, and the hostel offers beach access for easy time on the sand.

Location & Nearby Highlights

The hostel sits in Downtown Santa Monica (about 230 m away), close to major waterfront landmarks including Santa Monica State Beach (about 511 m) and Santa Monica Pier (about 673 m), with Pacific Park on the Pier around 624 m. Venice attractions are also nearby, including the Venice Boardwalk (about 3.1 km) and Venice Canal Historic District (about 4.3 km). For farther outings, The Getty and Getty Villa are roughly 7.2–7.4 km away, while major LA draws like LACMA (~13.8 km), La Brea Tar Pits (~14.0 km), and Hollywood sites (~17–19 km) are longer trips.

Best for

Best for budget-minded travelers who want to be steps from Santa Monica’s beach, pier, and Downtown Santa Monica without paying beachfront hotel rates. It particularly suits solo travelers and social guests who will use the lounge, game room (pool table), and shared kitchen, and who value free breakfast and Wi‑Fi. Beachgoers and cyclists will also appreciate beach access and bike storage.

Travel tips

If you’re focused on Santa Monica’s waterfront, you can reach Santa Monica State Beach, the Pier, and Pacific Park on foot from the hostel. Consider planning a day trip for farther attractions like The Getty/Getty Villa, LACMA, and Hollywood (Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Universal Studios), which are several kilometers away. In shared dorms, packing earplugs and using lockers can help manage the variable roommate experience.

What guests say

Reviews repeatedly emphasize the standout location near Santa Monica’s beach and Pier and the convenience of being in a lively, walkable area. Guests commonly praise cleanliness, a modern and welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff, along with comfortable beds and a strong included breakfast. Safety and shower quality are also called out positively. The main downside noted is that dorm stays can be affected by other guests, with occasional issues like awkward roommate behavior or room comfort depending on who you share with.

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