The Varden-A Boutique Hotel

A great little hotel with history and Ritz-Carlton customer service. The bathrooms can be a challenge as they are tight quarters, but clean and stylish rooms make up for it. The bed is very comfortable, and the room's windows can be open, which is nice. Fresh air in a hotel room, who knew! I've stayed twice and would stay again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Varden is overall a great hotel. The staff were all very warm and welcoming no matter the time of day. Facility is clean and bright; the 24/7 coffee and fruit as well as the evening wine and morning continental breakfast were nice pleasantries. I rated the room comfort low due to the poor layout. I expected a small room; not a problem since I am […] a small person. However, there are numerous easily remedied design issues: 1) sink has a glass shelf so close to the bowl that washing face and brushing teeth is next to impossible - wash cloth is a necessity - bunked my head on shelf once and learned my lesson; 2) mirror above said sink is too high - such that my 5' tall spouse could not use it at all; 3) bed is placed such that one must climb over another to get to the "other side"; 4) there is no outlet in the vicinity of the glass shelf that serves as a desk - so charging laptop, iPad, etc must be done of the shelf below the clothes hangers - that led to my big issue...; 5) the hangers are heavy aluminum and hook into holes on a metal bar. While removing a shirt from the too high hanger bar, another hanger fell and broke the glass screen on my recharging iPad2. That design flaw cost me $250 + tax.Wonder if it would have broken the glass shelf had my iPad not taken the brunt? The Varden could and should redesign the rooms with little effort and cost. By the way, as others have said, the bed is very comfortable. All that said, I would likely stay again. Read more

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room is so small and the bathroom didnt have a ventilation fan. Although we ordered a king bed, their king bed was so small. Not worth the price we paid.

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Really great service, easiest and nicest time I've ever had checking in to a hotel.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The staff makes you feel like the Hotel is yours. The rooms ar comfortable, clean and pleasing to the eye. The coffee is better than the standard faire. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. For a salesman or a weekend getaway, this place is perfect.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel is about 4 blocks from central downtown which makes it convenient for business travel. The room was very small (efficiency), yet had everything I needed for my brief two night stay. Staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The parking was not free, but the cost per night is quite reasonable to off-set the parking. The neighborhood at night […] seems a bit rough but that could be interpreted. I would stay here again Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was really clean. It was incredibly small; really small (alright for single person staying in it). The windows were very old with old sills that caused air to leak in. The room was located in the back of the building and two street lamps were lit which shined into my room making it more light than dard (difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep). […] However, personnel was great, friendly and very helpful!!!!! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Rooms are very European in nature, beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean! I have stayed at some very high end hotels that had mediocre service and stains on the carpet. You'll find none of that here. Ther service was excellent. Even though the location borders a more questionable area, the parking lot was very well lit and safe. Rooms are a bit […] small, but the beds are very comfortable. I will definitely come back! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This place is just a gem! The owner(s) are incredibly accommodating, not to mention just overall genuinely nice people! The hotel is spotless, and walking distance to lots of stuff in the area. We found the Varden by accident and will surely pass it on to anyone needing to stay over in Long Beach!! I will say the rooms are pretty small, but you are […] there to sleep, right? The beds were comfy and the room was super clean!! Thanks again, for a wonderful stay, guys! Signed, the new midwife on her way to Hawaii and her friend :) Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is a fairly recently remodeled hotel. They carefully chose very modern styled fixtures and accessories, all in gleaming white. Everything looks and feels clean. The rooms are very small by normal hotel standards, but how much room do you really need when staying a short period of time in a location? Typically you are out and about visiting relatives, […] friends or seeing the sights. The photos shown in advertisements are very accurate in terms of what the rooms are really like. The staff is very friendly and helpful in recommending good resturants and other local attractions. I would easily stay there again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The reason I rated the condition and/or maintenance of the hotel a 3 is due to the lack of sound proofing in the only hallway and main flooring. At the 11 PM hour, I heard what seemed like a person or persons storming up and down the hallway and this continued until just past Midnight. The floor should not shake and vibrate and make that much noise […] just walking up and down the hallway. I was really annoyed by that and I really wanted to just get some sleep. Also, while a small room is exactly what I needed, the bathroom sink was not designed for full functionality. If I wanted to wash my face by bending down to splash the water onto my face, I was probited by the glass shelf directly above and in the way of doing that. While it looks good, it was really poorly designed. While I really liked the "boutique" and modern feel of the hotel, it really lacks some structural and functional integrity. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

While attending a Military Ball my wife and I stayed at The Varden. A little and cozy place in amongst the big city hotels very economical, clean, and comfortable bed; the hotel staff is very nice and professional, a modern place in an old building. Couples only, too small for children.

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I was greeted with a smile and a complimentary glass of wine. Room was very clean, very bright. Parking's extra, but so what? Would definitely stay here again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The single room is small and the bathroom has the basics. It was very clean and the staff was extremely nice. I'd stay again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel Varden of Long Beach, Ca. was very nice. The people there couldn,t give enough help for you.A refrigerator would be really nice. Thanks again. Linda Dt

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Extremely clean. Very, very comfortable bed. Small rooms with the latest and newest furnishings. Sign on top says "bath" in every room. Probably all rooms are shower only. Ran out of hot water. View is of a brick wall. Very pleasant and friendly staff.

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

If you are looking for a well-designed room with attentive staff at a great price (with free breakfast and wireless) this is the place for you. The rooms are very European -- great design (floor to ceiling mirrored sliding panel as the door to the bathroom as one example), not overly big, but everything you would need. Compared to a real Parisian […] hotel (for example, Hotel Design Sorbonne) the rooms are larger, but still cozy by American standards. There is free breakfast in the "living room," and when you return to the hotel, Adina or other staff is there to offer water etc. All in all Larry and his staff made one feel very much at home. Highly recommended. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great boutique hotel, staff are really great starting with Melissa at the front desk and the Larry (the owner) who visit the hotel very often. This boutique hotel is perfect for couples that want to visit LA, Long beach and the rest of CA. They helped us in every place we want to visit with maps, suggestions, directions, place to go, etc. They also […] have a complementary wine tasting during the afternoons. Congratulations to the great Varden Team Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The staff was very friendly, very clean and cute BUT when I went to park my car at around 10 pm, I had to park it on the street and not in the lot which I was charged 10 dollars for. Luckily, it was a Saturday night and Sunday they don't ticket for parking in a metered spot but it did not make me feel confortable :/. I understand that it was a big night […] for the zombie walk but they should have been towing cars that did not have permits, I saw quite a few. Read more

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

First off the service and staff at this hotel can't be beat! They were amazing! That being said, there were a few things that made our 2 day stay a bit difficult. The room is small, and the bed is a full (I am 6'2) so I didn't quite fit in it. The sink was also quite small, making grooming habits a challenge as well. If you looking for total comfort […] during your stay the Varden may not be for you - but for service and the "experience" of staying in a re-vamped hotel from the 20's, it will be perfect for you! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Best hospitality I ever experienced!! Thank you!

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great staff, clean room, comfy bed and pillows, rooms are the size of a bedroom but not a concern for me. Overall great experience :)

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Larry, the owner was especially nice and helpful!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

If you want a standard cookie-cutter Courtyard or Garden Inn, don't come here. If you want a huge room, don't come here. However, if you want: * Possibly the nicest, most outgoing front desk staff I've ever met, * A classic building with an ultra-mod interior * A delightful bed destined to lull you to sleep * A quick walk to Pine Ave's multiple restaurants, […] coffee shops and bars * All necessary amenities (e.g., wifi, onsite reasonably priced parking, nice bath soaps, etc.) ... come to the Varden. The rooms are definitely small and European, but as a single business traveler, it was everything I needed. I stayed in their most basic room; it might have been a bit tight for two people, so I'm not sure if they have larger rooms. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This tiny hotel was built in 1929 and was renovated three years ago. It is located a half mile of easing walking to the Convention Center and the harbor and reminded me of a high class hostel or bed and breakfast. The continental breakfast and wine tasting offerings were quite good and the staff was very pleasant to everyone. I will go back and recommend […] this hotel as an good alternative to a large hotel any day. There is a place to park your vehicle and the hotel is easily accessible by public transportation. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

these people really make you feel at home! the local area has been organized for the tourist, with free shuttle bus to it all. great resturants and local activities all with in easy reach from this cozy hotel. Long Beach can be proud for it's efforts and of this hotel!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My wife and I loved staying at the Varden. Good location (not far from Long Beach attractions), quiet, and the staff is really excellent! The room was a bit small (more along the lines of a very clean, European hotel), but everything worked and very clean. The prices are quite reasonable and I would stay here again. Also, the continental breakfast is […] fresh and the coffee excellent. Well played, Varden. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This little hotel had fabulous service. Having Melissa at the front desk was like having a personal concierge. Melissa even booked the airport shuttle for us. The rooms are small and spare (no cheesy "art" on the walls), but I use hotel rooms for sleeping and showering, so that's not a problem. It is an older building, so if you have an issue with that […] this is not the hotel for you. The wi-fi is free and they don't nickel-and-dime you for the small stuff, like charging you to print your boarding pass, and provide evening nibbles and morning coffee. Overall a great stay and I would certainly return. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I liked a lot of things at this hotel but the rooms are too small for me. We had a queen which is their larger room. The beds are against the wall which I do not like at all. Hard to get in and out. It wasn't dark enough in the room either. But the bathroom was very very upscale in feel. The lighting was great. It was a neat minimalist style.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great hotel. The rooms are very small, but in return you get absolute cleaninless, clever design and small details as the complimentary wine tasting that make for a great experience. Excellent location, you can walk to the heart wof Long Beach's restaurants, nightclubs, etc.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A little slice of europe in long beach. Can't say enough good things. Only stayed one night and management always greeted me by my name. The rooms were clean and high quality sheets. Good location, next to all the gigantic chain hotels. Anytime I'm in LB this is where I'll stay.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Although they attempted to make the stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible, the room that was provided was very small, with little space to store our clothing, a very small sink, no view at all, parking spaces that are not under cover, and a very limitede continental breakfast offering.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed in Garden hotel for tree days. Clean very little room. The bed is very small-scale for two person but we know it. Not so much place for clothes. But for that price in Long Beach fine.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Varden is blessed with a wonderfully congenial staff. Could not possibly have been more helpful and welcoming. I was a single visitor, so the attractive but tiny little room suited nicely. Assume they have larger rooms for two or more. No elevator, and no real view, so the top floor, which costs a few dollars more, is not the best choice. Overeall […] experience was grand. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Staff was fantastic. Room was clean. Bed was comfortable.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I stayed at the Varden Hotel in Long Beach in July 2011. This was my second time in two months, and I will continue to stay at the Varden Hotel whenever I visit Long Beach for business in the future. The “boutique” experience fits my basic needs as a business traveller. I was able to walk, in a safe environment, to a wide variety of restaurants and […] bars in the evening. My walk to “work” was an enjoyable 15 minutes through the streets of Long Beach. More importantly is the incredible customer service that I received. This included the morning and afternoon greetings, the personal tour of the room upon check-in, the daily breakfast and wine-tastings, and the personal attention that is paid to all guests by the staff. The personal attention was taken to a new level during my last visit. I came down with a bout of vertigo on my flight from Minneapolis. After managing to get out of bed and down to the lobby, I asked the Guest Host, Melissa, where I could find the closest Pharmacy. Not only did she give me directions, she called the pharmacy to have the medication waiting for me when I got there. Melissa also provided me with a bottle of water so that I could take the pills when I got to the drug store. That was not the end of the service. Once I returned back to the Varden Hotel, I was immediately greeted by the Manager, Larry, to check on the status of my health. Additionally, he offered (actually demanded) to prepare my coffee and breakfast for me. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Didn't even stay. Upon arrival, found that parking was open lot in less-than-perfect area. Recommend that secure parking and/or video surveillance be added to lot. Rooms probably are great but didn't stay to find out. For the price, not a great stay.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My 13 year old son and I recently truly enjoyded four nights at the Varden. The hospitality was non that I have ever experienced and it was such a "chic" environment, absolutely spotlessm, and oh so clean! We are awaiting for future hotels operated by such wonderful people and will let others know to make sure to stay there should they travel to Long […] Beach, CA. Thank you for such a wonderful stay with you! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

pretty nice location and affordable hotel with very helpful staff an owner

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My friend and I stayed at the Varden because we love to stay at boutique hotels, and this one is a gem. We checked in really late because our other day plans (whale-watching) took longer than expected, and the extremely friendly staff helped us to our room and brought us each a glass of wine (they have wine and cheese tastings every night). They also […] gave us some great suggestions of area restaurants for our dinner. I usually always expect to come back home with a sore back, but the bed at the Varden was really amazing with great sheets - no tossing and turning at all. We stayed 3 nights, and we are going to stay here again when we return to California. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This hotel had everything you'd want from a Boutique hotel. It's very close to downtown Long Beach with parking right next door for $10. The only complaint I had was that the smaller rooms were VERY small, but it really isn't that big an issue - they use the space very efficiently and everything about the room is comfortable and cozy.

Genuine Expedia guest review

A historic hotel that has been completely and tastefully renovated in modern style. The beds are very comfortable, the windows actually open, the location is convenient, and the staff are all wonderful. The owners are on-site every day, and it shows in the excellent customer service and attention to detail. Thanks Larry and staff for such an enjoyable […] stay! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Looking at the reviews for this hotel, I decided to stay for a conference I was in the area for for a couple of days. The staff is fabulous, and cater to all your needs. Some people would complain about the size of the rooms, or the fact that there is no elevator, but I managed just fine. The rooms are a bit small, so if you plan on being in and out, […] it will serve the purpose. If you plan to have company or be in your room the whole time, you will certainly feel a bit claustrophobic. Only complaint I would have is the sink area. It is right at the foot of your bed, and the shelf to place your toiletries is in a position where you are unable to physically get directly over the sink to wash your face/brush your teeth. I hit my head numerous times trying to maneuver between the two. The staff made it worth the stay! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The rooms are TINY!!! My room was a shoebox, honestly maybe 12 X 12 in size including the bathroom. The room was so small, it didn't even have a closet! I had specifically put on my reservation that the room was for 2 people. I'm surprised we survived staying in this tiny room for a weekend.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review