Half Moon Motel

This tidy, no-frills motel mostly attracts travelers on short stays, including people passing through nearby Los Angeles International Airport. With no breakfast room and a tiny lobby that lacks seating, guests don’t mingle much here among themselves or even with the staff. The lobby has a motor court-style counter, with glass between guests and staff that make for an impersonal ambiance. Despite this, guests report feeling safe and comfortable at this simple property on a busy road in the urban heart of Los Angeles. 

The Galaxy Inn is in a good location for travelers seeking to park their cars and enjoy an evening meal or drinks at local haunts. A long-time, popular barbecue restaurant is just across the street, as is a Thai restaurant and a few lounges including a wine bar that serves Italian food. Downtown Culver City’s many restaurants are just a six-minute drive. The Inn is in the shadow of Interstate 405, making connections to beaches and area attractions quick and easy. Depending on traffic and time of day, Venice Beach is a 13-minute drive, and Santa Monica Pier and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills are both about 18 minutes away. UCLA’s campus is just 12 minutes by car or 30 minutes by public transit (buses going directly to UCLA stop near the hotel). Driving to downtown Los Angeles, LAX, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame will take between 20 to 30 minutes, more with traffic. 

There's a lot to like about guest rooms at this budget property. They’re decorated in vibrant colors that create cheerful energy, including gold bedspreads with crimson or lime green bed throws. Some walls are accented with salmon or lavender, drapes have broad stripes in bold, complimentary shades, and the geometric-pattern carpet could easily be found in a higher-category chain hotel. There's dark-wood, granite-topped nightstands and dressers, and also small dining tables with two upholstered chairs (but no desks or office chairs). 

Units are comfortably sized and generally well-maintained, but some of the wooden furniture shows signs of wear. Options include Kings and Double Queens, and several past guests have praised the beds for their comfort. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and mini-fridges. On the down side, coffeemakers and closets are not included. Wall-mounted racks provides space to hang clothes.

Wide granite vanities are placed just outside the bathrooms, which are average in size but feature shower/tub combos lined by handsome granite or marble. With rather thin walls and a busy road outside, guests can expect some ambient noise. 

Amenities are very limited at the Galaxy Inn. No food is served (including breakfast), and the only available beverages come from coffee and soft drink vending machines. On-site parking is free, but it’s limited and the lot can sometimes fill up. More parking is available behind the hotel or on the street in front during certain hours. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the property, and the front desk is staffed 24/7 for late-arriving or early-departing guests. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there are no elevators to access second-floor guest rooms.