Rest Haven Motel
815 Grant St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, Los Angeles County, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.0 / 5
Overview
Rest Haven Motel is a functional, historic roadside-style motel in Santa Monica, built in 1938. It’s a 2-star property that focuses on simple, practical stays rather than full-service amenities. The motel sits about a block from the Pacific Coast Highway.
Rooms
Rooms are compact and straightforward, with exterior entrances and a simple motel layout. In-room features include flat-screen TVs, free Wi‑Fi, minifridges, and ceiling fans; guests also mention hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. Family rooms are available and can sleep up to 4 guests.
Courtyard & Common Areas
A standout feature is the property’s courtyard/garden area with seating, which guests often use as a quiet place to sit. Reviews frequently call out the courtyard as a pleasant, charming touch for a no-frills motel. The overall feel is small-scale and personal.
Parking
Complimentary parking is provided, which can be especially valuable in Santa Monica. If you’re driving, this can simplify day trips around Los Angeles County as well as quick outings toward the coast.
Location & Nearby Places
Rest Haven Motel is positioned for exploring Santa Monica and the Westside, with Downtown Santa Monica about 1.5 km away and the Santa Monica Pier roughly 1.7 km away. Santa Monica State Beach is about 1.9 km away, and the Venice Boardwalk is around 2.3 km away, with the Venice Canal Historic District about 3.3 km away. Farther afield are major LA attractions including the Hammer Museum (about 6.3 km), The Getty (about 7.4 km), The Getty Villa (about 8.6 km), LACMA (about 12.6 km), and Hollywood destinations like Universal Studios Hollywood (about 18.3 km) and the Hollywood Walk of Fame (about 17.2 km).
Best for
This motel is best for budget-minded travelers who want a simple, clean base in Santa Monica with free parking and quick access to the coast. It also suits guests who appreciate a small, personable property—reviews repeatedly highlight friendly, helpful owners/staff and a pleasant courtyard seating area. It’s a solid pick for short stays centered on the Santa Monica Pier, Downtown Santa Monica, and nearby Venice.
Travel tips
If you plan to spend time at the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park, or Downtown Santa Monica, they’re all within roughly 1.5–1.7 km—close enough for short rides or a longer walk depending on your preference. Drivers can take advantage of the complimentary parking and use the motel as a base for day trips to attractions like The Getty, LACMA, and Hollywood. Guests also note a $100 deposit charged at check-in, which is worth budgeting for in advance.
What guests say
Guests most often praise the motel’s cleanliness and the overall “cute,” well-kept feel of the rooms. Friendly, welcoming service from the owners/staff is a consistent highlight, along with the pleasant courtyard/garden seating area. Reviews frame it as an older, no-frills roadside motel that still feels comfortable and perfectly adequate for expectations in this category. Practical in-room features like a refrigerator, toiletries, and a good shower are noted, and at least one guest flags a $100 deposit at check-in as something to be aware of.
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