Anchor Pointe Inn — Hotel in Los Angeles

Anchor Pointe Inn in Wilmington, CA, is awesome Tucked away at the end of Avalon, the main strip, this quaint little hotel offers a cozy, small-town experience with a unique charm. While the lower rooms may not offer extravagant views, who needs a view when you're in walking distance to everything the town has to offer? The area was clean and safe, and I didn't encounter a single homeless person during my stay.

The management was extremely polite and accommodating. We arrived after hours, and the staff had thoughtfully arranged for a room key to be left in a secure lockbox—an incredibly convenient touch for late check-ins. The hotel itself is like a big, welcoming house, complete with an ornate lobby that gives off a charming harbor vibe. The front entry is stocked with plenty of tourist information, which added to the local experience.

I was pleased to find the hotel very clean and fresh, likely due to its non-smoking policy, which covers all the lower rooms (and perhaps the entire hotel). There's even a designated smoking area in the parking lot. Speaking of parking, the lot is secure, and they lock it up after 9 p.m., which is a fair trade-off for peace of mind.

The town itself is delightful, with its old buildings and small-town charm, making a stroll down Avalon an enjoyable experience. Plenty of restaurants to doordash from. There's a liquor store down the street that has everything a dock worker could need. For a late night snack I was able to hit the vending machines in the hotel. Each morning, the staff—who are a family, adding to the warm atmosphere—makes a fresh pot of coffee, a simple but lovely touch. Motivated me to go find breakfast... Which I found at the Marina Cafe about a 5-minute drive away in the marina. Obviously.

Booking was straightforward; I reserved a room with a $100 deposit, and the owner even texted me before my arrival to ensure everything was ready. The air conditioning was perfectly cool, and the room came with a great selection of TV channels (which I appreciated for falling asleep to!). I enjoyed my stay so much that I decided to extend it for an extra day, and I left feeling valued, as the staff sent me off with genuine smiles.

For under $150 a night and just a 25-minute drive from downtown LA, Anchor Pointe Inn offers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and character. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience...

My family and I stayed at the Anchor Pointe Inn a few days in early May, 2024. We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the establishment and with the friendliness/attentiveness of the staff. The room was very affordable, especially compared to what we might have paid if we had stayed at another establishment-- which allowed us more budget to spend on doing other things in the surrounding area, like going on a whale watching cruise, dining out at the historic Chowder Barge, or visiting the nearby aquarium. The surrounding area of Long Beach is not idyllic, as it seems to be in a very industrial area of town-- but Anchor Pointe Inn was a hidden gem in this area, and centrally located so that you are a short drive from anywhere in the area you would wish to go.

The couple managing the inn were courteous, friendly but not at all intrusive. They accommodated us with extra towels, a fold-out bed for our kids to sleep on, and we were relieved to discover that there was a laundry room on site. Parking was a little cramped, but off the main street-- locked up and secure at night. Despite being in the middle of the downtown area, we had quiet night's sleep. No issues with noisy neighbors at all.

My son and I enjoyed a nice game of chess in the lobby, where coffee, water and a cool community sitting area was available for everyone for reading or games (the board games were provided). Despite the fact that we are a large family, with toddlers, we never felt a burden or inconvenience, as we have been made to feel at other locally owned and operated establishments we've stayed at in the past.

Needless to say, if we ever require a room in the Long Beach area in the future, we will certainly make inquiries with the Anchor Pointe Inn first. I would highly recommend this quaint and pleasant establishment to anyone who is looking for a clean, friendly stay at a convenient location for a very...

Four Stars for Two People (and Some Creative Expectations Management)

Let me be clear: this place gets four stars, but they’re all going to Raj and his wife, who run this establishment with the kind of genuine hospitality that makes you forget you’re basically glamping indoors. These two are absolute gems – friendly, helpful, and clearly putting their hearts into making guests comfortable despite working with what I can only describe as “challenging source material.”

The decor deserves an honorable mention too. Someone really tried here, and it shows. It’s like they took a basic motel and said, “What if we made this… charming?” And somehow, it actually works.

Now, about those rooms – they’re clean, which in the budget accommodation world is like finding a unicorn that does your taxes. Are they spacious? Well, let’s just say bigger than walk-in closets, but hey, you’re not paying Ritz-Carlton prices for Ritz-Carlton square footage.

The neighborhood has that “mysterious after-dark” vibe that explains why they lock up the parking lot at night. Smart move, honestly. Nothing says “sweet dreams” like knowing your car is safe behind a locked gate while you wonder what that noise outside was.

Pro tip: Check your bathroom situation when you check in. Most appear to be of the “community bonding” variety down the hall, which adds an element of adventure to your 3 AM nature calls. It’s like summer camp for adults, if summer camp charged by the night.

Bottom line: If you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind a little character (emphasis on “character”), this place works. Raj and his wife make it worth the stay, the price is right, and you’ll have stories to tell. Just manage your expectations and maybe pack some house shoes for those hallway bathroom journeys.

Would I stay again? If the price is right and Raj is still there making everyone feel...