Best Western Plus San Pedro Hotel & Suites

Although the hotel reflects Victorian-era architectural elements -- a hip roof, cornice trim, dormer windows, stretching portico -- some may be surprised to learn that the Best Western Plus San Pedro was actually built in the mid-1980s. The yellow, white, and gray property -- surrounded by a 7-Eleven, gas station, liquor store, and doughnut shop -- is the most stylish thing on the block. Although the hotel sits off a busy intersection, inside the noise is minimal to nonexistent, and guests are able to relax. Located on the third floor, the pool is private and quiet. The area is large and includes a small in-ground hot tub and a handful of lounge chairs. The fitness center, also located on the third floor, is snug but functional and many of the cardio machines face the lovely, large stained-glass windows. Inside space has a mishmash decor ranging from modern contemporary to Art Deco to contemporary Victorian. The space is mostly outfitted in dark woods and fabrics within the green spectrum. Guests are mainly groups of cruisers and business travelers. Note that most of the rooms are accessible by elevator, though there is an annex building with stairs only behind the pool. 

Although the hotel grounds are quiet and serene, the Best Western Plus San Pedro is located on a busy (and unremarkable) street, and its closest neighbors are a gas station, liquor store, and doughnut shop. It's also a fairly unwalkable area, so guests should have a car. The hotel's close proximity to the cruise port makes it convenient for cruisers, who are within a 10-minute drive of the port. The Long Beach Convention and Events Center is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while Mother's Beach in Long Beach can be reached within 15 minutes. Long Beach Airport is about 20 minutes away by car. LAX airport is about a half-hour's drive (depending on traffic). For those who want to venture to Hollywood, it's about 45 minutes but can be longer with traffic. 

While some may argue that the 60 rooms (including 12 suites) at the Best Western Plus San Pedro come off as a bit dated, it's hard to tell if that is the intention. These rooms have a lot of character, especially for a chain hotel. With the Victorian style of the hotel's exterior, suites carry a slight Old World vibe with crown molding, large fireplaces, and hanging chandelier lights. However, the furniture is more reflective of the early '60s style of dark browns accented by lighter neutral colors in patterns and stripes and simple wooden tables. Rooms have the same color scheme, but the style is a bit more modern with wood and fabric headboards and more contemporary motel-style furniture.  And no one would argue at the massive amount of space found within the walls. While rooms are more than comfortable enough to hold a jumping jacks competition, the suites are practically the size of apartments. Rooms come with mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning,  and flat-screen TVs, while suite upgrades tack on microwaves, fireplaces, separate living spaces, and an extra TV. Bathrooms feature hairdryers and toiletries and, while clean, are a bit dated.

The best feature is the free hot and cold breakfast buffet serving scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, waffles, coffee and yogurts. Other than the morning meal, there isn't a restaurant or bar. Outside is the relaxing outdoor pool area, complete with a hot tub (although more sun chairs and landscaping would be ideal). The hotel also has a moderate size fitness room with a mix of cardio and weight machines. Business guests are well taken care of here, with a selection of meeting rooms that can accommodate between 10 to 200 people, a two-computer business and print center, and free Wi-Fi. Other well-catered to guests are cruisers. With close proximity to the port aside, the Best Western Plus San Pedro also has a free port shuttle between September and May, and offers a parking package for cruisers who want to leave their car in the hotel's covered garage while they are on the high seas.