The Honest Truth About Finding Hotels in Long Beach
I’ll admit it—I used to think booking a hotel in Long Beach was either a wallet-drainer or a gamble with sketchy motels. I googled cheap hotels in Long Beach, budget hotels near Long Beach Convention Center, and even “affordable places to stay near Long Beach airport.” My brain was fried. Some prices looked fair, others too good to be true. Like, you ever get that moment where you stare at the screen and whisper, “please don’t let me regret this booking”? Yeah, that was me.
What surprised me though, according to the latest travel data, the average hotel in Long Beach hovers around $155 per night, with budget options dipping under $100 and luxury hotels shooting past $300. That’s not pocket change, but it’s not Los Angeles-level painful either. Suddenly I felt a tiny bit of relief, like when you realize the gas tank is fuller than you thought.
So, I started digging deeper. I compared Long Beach boutique hotels, hotels near the Queen Mary, hotels by Long Beach Shoreline Village, and even quirky little inns. And you know what? The choices were pretty wide. It wasn’t just about saving money; it was about not feeling ripped off while still sleeping somewhere I wouldn’t be scared to walk barefoot in. That mix of anxiety and excitement—ugh, it’s real.
Budget Hotels in Long Beach That Still Feel Cozy
Let’s start with the budget side. There are actually some good picks that don’t feel like punishment for your wallet. For example:
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Hotel Royal – a quirky boutique-style place right in downtown. Rates often hover around $120. Feels artsy, a little funky, like that friend’s apartment who burns incense but somehow it works.
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Greenleaf Hotel – super affordable, usually under $100. No frills, but it’s clean and close to the beach. I stayed here once and the biggest complaint was the thin walls—but hey, I’ve had worse.
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Queencity Inn – okay, not glamorous, but surprisingly comfy beds. Sometimes you just want a clean pillow and working AC.
What struck me was that these places often had better reviews than some mid-range “chains.” Makes you wonder if the secret to happiness is lowering expectations just enough to be pleasantly surprised.
Mid-Range Long Beach Hotels Worth the Money
Now, if you’re like me, sometimes you want a little more comfort without going broke. This is where mid-range Long Beach hotels shine. Think $150–$200 a night—still cheaper than L.A., but with better vibes.
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Hyatt Regency Long Beach – right by the Convention Center, modern rooms, a pool that feels like it belongs in a lifestyle magazine. I once booked here for a work trip and felt like I’d tricked my boss into paying for a vacation.
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Hilton Long Beach – good for both families and business folks. Solid breakfast, comfy beds, and walking distance to downtown attractions.
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The Westin Long Beach – a little pricier, but worth it if you’re into sleek design and central location.
These spots hit that sweet spot: not cheap-cheap, but not “sell your kidney” expensive either.
Splurge a Little: Luxury Hotels in Long Beach
I know, the whole point was saving money—but let’s be real, sometimes you want to splurge. Luxury hotels in Long Beach average $280–$350 a night, but when you walk into places like Hotel Maya, it feels like you’ve crossed into another world. Colorful décor, waterfront views, cocktails by the fire pit—it’s like being hugged by vacation itself.
Another splurge-worthy spot is the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel. Clean, modern, and those big city views? Totally Instagram material. I stayed once when I was feeling reckless with my credit card. The guilt came later, but at the time I felt like royalty.
Hotels Near the Queen Mary and Shoreline
One of the coolest things about Long Beach is its history and waterfront. Staying near the Queen Mary Hotel is like sleeping inside a floating museum. It’s old, creaky, and slightly spooky (yes, I heard footsteps when nobody was there), but it’s such a unique experience that it’s worth doing at least once.
Meanwhile, hotels near Shoreline Village Long Beach give you access to restaurants, nightlife, and that breezy California boardwalk vibe. The Courtyard by Marriott near Shoreline is popular for that reason—affordable, comfortable, and walkable.
How to Score the Best Hotel Deals in Long Beach
Here’s the deal: prices shift. A lot. Data shows that weekdays, especially Tuesdays, tend to run cheaper, while weekends see a spike. Summer is peak season, so if you want savings, aim for spring or late fall.
Some tips I picked up the hard way:
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Book early: rates creep up the closer you get to check-in.
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Compare neighborhoods: downtown is pricier, while areas near Signal Hill or Lakewood run cheaper.
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Check for hidden fees: some hotels sneak in resort or parking fees that blow your budget.
Think of it like fishing—sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you catch seaweed. But if you’re patient, you’ll snag a deal.
That One Booking Gone Wrong
I’ll confess, not every Long Beach hotel experience has been magical. Once, I picked a motel near the airport because it was $75 a night. Sounded like a steal, right? Wrong. The bed felt like it was stuffed with old newspapers, and the bathroom light flickered like a horror movie set. I spent the whole night half awake, debating whether I should laugh or cry. The next morning, I marched out with dark circles under my eyes and swore never to gamble on “too good to be true” prices again.
But funny enough, that experience made me appreciate the good deals more. Like, when I later stayed at Hotel Royal downtown for $110, I felt grateful. Sometimes you need a bad apple to taste how sweet the good ones are.
Long Beach Hotels for Every Budget
So yeah, whether you’re after cheap hotels in Long Beach, comfortable mid-range picks, or the occasional splurge at a luxury waterfront spot, the city’s got options. What I love most? You can mix and match. Spend two nights at a budget place, then treat yourself to one night of luxury—kind of like balancing instant noodles with steak.
Long Beach is a vibe. The hotels reflect that. Some are quirky, some sleek, some historic. The trick is knowing what matters most to you—price, location, or comfort—and then rolling with it.