LA's Hottest Hidden Gem: Hi-Way Host Motel! (You Won't Believe This!)
LA's Hottest Hidden Gem: Hi-Way Host Motel! (You Won't Believe This!) - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on a motel that’s more of a vibe than just a place to crash. We're talking about the Hi-Way Host Motel, a place so gloriously off-the-beaten-path, so delightfully… eccentric, that you'll be wondering if you accidentally took a DeLorean to another dimension. (And honestly? Wouldn’t that be amazing?)
Metadata & SEO, Just in Case Google's Algorithm Is Watching (it probably is!):
- Keywords: Hi-Way Host Motel, Los Angeles Hotels, Hidden Gem LA, Budget Hotels LA, Accessible Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool LA, Spa LA, Restaurant LA, Family-friendly LA, Non-smoking rooms LA, Car Park LA, Pet-friendly (sort of!), Value Hotel Los Angeles.
- Meta Description: Discover the quirky charm of the Hi-Way Host Motel in Los Angeles! This hidden gem boasts surprisingly great amenities like a pool, spa, and even a restaurant. Read our honest, in-depth review – the highs, the lows, and the seriously memorable moments. Is it the best? Maybe not. Is it unforgettable? Absolutely.
Let's Dive In, Shall We? (And Maybe Grab a Room Key?)
First things first: Accessibility. I'm pleased to report that the Hi-Way Host Motel tries. They have facilities for disabled guests, and they advertise wheelchair accessibility. Now, here's where the "eccentric" part comes in. Think "slightly creaky ramp" and "doors that might require a bit of muscle." It's not the Four Seasons, folks, but it's effort. (And hey, the staff looked genuinely helpful, which counts for a lot.) They also had CCTV in common areas and outside the property, which gave me a little more peace of mind.
Now, the Good Stuff (and the Questionable):
Okay, the highlight reel! And let's be honest, this is why you're here.
- Internet Access: YES! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually worked! (Important for bloggers like myself, and anyone, you know, alive in the 21st century.) I even managed to stream a movie without wanting to throw my laptop out the window. Internet access – LAN was also available, which is a nice throwback (for those dinosaurs among us). Internet services were… available. Let’s say it's not the fastest, but it gets the job done.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where things get interesting. They have Restaurants… plural! And a Bar! Now, I won't lie, the "international cuisine" at the restaurant was a bit of a gamble. I ordered the "mystery meat special" one night (don't judge me, I was hungry!) and it… well, let's just say it was an experience. But hey, they had coffee/tea in the restaurant, and a Poolside bar. The Snack bar was definitely a savior. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty decent, and they also offered Asian breakfast. They even had Breakfast takeaway service for those early morning adventures. The Bottle of water was a nice touch (hydration is key!).
- Ways to Relax: This is where the Hi-Way Host Motel gets a little… fancy. They have a Swimming pool [outdoor]! And a Pool with a view! (Okay, it was mostly a view of the parking lot, but still… a pool!). They also boast a Spa, a Sauna, and a Steamroom. I didn’t indulge in a Body scrub or Body wrap, but maybe next time. I'm intrigued. And, let's be honest, I was far too busy exploring.
That Pool tho’…
Okay, about that pool. It's not Olympic size, but it's clean, and on a hot LA afternoon, it’s pure bliss. I remember sitting there, dripping wet and exhausted from LA exploring, watching the afternoon sun hit the pool just right. And then, a small, fluffy dog (who definitely wasn't supposed to be there – rules be damned!) bounded up and straight into the water, splashing everyone! A moment of pure, glorious chaos. I tell you, it's moments like these you remember.
Cleanliness and Safety: The "Mostly" Reliable Department:
They do a decent job. Rooms sanitized between stays. They have Daily disinfection in common areas and Hand sanitizer everywhere. They even advertise Anti-viral cleaning products. Now, am I 100% sure they're using the best stuff? Maybe not. But I felt reasonably safe. They also had Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms which always helpful. The Front desk [24-hour] service also felt safe, but it's LA, there are more people visiting than you'd think.
Things That Gave Me Pause (and That's Okay!):
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: I doubt they are. But nice they try!
- The "Fitness Center": Okay, let's be real. I think it was a treadmill from the 80s and a rusty weight set. A gym/fitness it was NOT.
- Pets allowed: I don't think so.
The Room Itself: A Tale of Two Worlds
My non-smoking room was… well, it was a room. But it had Air conditioning (a necessity!), a Desk (for my laptop to sit on), and a Refrigerator (essential for snacks!). The bed was comfortable enough. I had a window that opens (always a plus). I had Complimentary tea. They really tried.
And the Weird Bits (Because, Let’s Be Honest, This Is What You Want to Hear):
- Room decoration: I noticed that each room's decorations are pretty random.
- Breakfast in room: I did get some Breakfast in room.
Getting Around & Other Bits and Pieces:
They have Car park [free of charge]. Winning! They have Valet parking, but let's be real, I don't need valet parking. They even have a Car power charging station! I definitely used that. They also Airport transfer – always a plus for a weary traveler.
The Final Verdict: Is the Hi-Way Host Motel Worth It?
Look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton. It's not even the Beverly Hills Hotel. But it is honest. It is affordable and, most importantly, it's memorable. It's got heart. It’s got a certain… je ne sais quoi. For the price point, I'd say it's a hidden gem for the adventurous traveler. If you're looking for a sterile, corporate experience, go somewhere else. But if you're looking for a place with character, charm, and a pool that might just host a canine cannonball champion, then book a room at the Hi-Way Host Motel. Just be prepared for anything… and everything. You might just love it.
Grade: B+ (For Authenticity and the Unpredictable Fun Factor)
Malang's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Malabar Family Home Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're doing LA, Hi-Way Host style. And trust me, it's going to be epic. Or… well, at least memorable. Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival - Rusty Signs and Unexpected Delights
1:00 PM: Arrive at LAX. Ugh. The usual chaos. Find the shuttle to the Hi-Way Host. Pray the driver isn't one of those talkative types who wants to tell you their life story. (Narrator voice: He was). Seriously, the airport is a zoo, but hey, at least I survived.
2:30 PM: Check in to the Hi-Way Host. The sign is slightly askew, but hey, it adds character, right? The front desk guy, bless his heart, looks like he’s seen some things. He gives me a key that's probably been used since the Reagan administration. Room: surprisingly clean. Smells faintly of… something. Not sure what, but it's not bad. Yet. First impressions: a little… budget. But the price was right, and hey, at least it has a working AC.
3:30 PM: Unpack. Contemplate the existential dread of folding clothes. Decide it can wait. Crack open a lukewarm can of whatever soda I could find in the vending machine. Begin to plot: Where am I going to get decent food and preferably not something off the side of the road?
4:30 PM: Explore immediate surroundings. Walk up and down the street. Find a rather dingy-looking liquor store and, on a whim, buy a massive bag of chips. Wonder if the local wildlife also frequents the establishment.
6:00 PM (Dinner Attempt #1): Tried to find a restaurant. Yelp said there was a "highly recommended" taco truck a few blocks away. Ended up in a slightly shady alley. The tacos were… edible. Actually, not bad! But I’m pretty sure I saw a rogue rat eyeing my leftovers. Definitely not a five-star dining experience.
7:30 PM: Back at the motel. Collapse on the bed. Flick through channels. Notice a weird infomercial for a juicer that promises to change your life. I'm tired. I may buy the juicer. Who am I kidding? It's probably going to end up in the closet collecting dust, like the exercise bike I bought last year.
8:30 PM: Decide I need a shower. Hope the water pressure is at least somewhat decent.
9:00 PM: Shower. Surprisingly GREAT water pressure! Feel strangely optimistic about the rest of the trip. Maybe this budget motel isn't so bad after all. Maybe this is going to be the trip of a lifetime!!!
9:30 PM: Stare at the ceiling and wonder how many people have sighed in the same spot over all these years. Fall asleep.
Day 2: Hollywood Dreams (and Parking Nightmares)
7:00 AM: Wake up. The sun is blasting through the blinds. Realize I forgot to close them. Groan. Coffee (from the tiny, ancient machine in the room) tastes like burnt dishwater.
8:00 AM: Drive to Hollywood. Traffic is, predictably, a nightmare. Learn the meaning of "gridlock" in the most literal and depressing way possible.
9:00 AM: Attempt to park. Discover the black art of Hollywood parking. Circle the block approximately 73 times. Contemplate selling my car and walking back to the motel. Finally, find a spot that’s probably illegal. Cross fingers.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Walk the Walk of Fame. It’s… underwhelming. The stars are surprisingly small. The people are… let’s just say, varied. Encounter a guy dressed as Spiderman who aggressively demanded money. (I gave him a dollar. I was scared.) Take photos. Feel slightly touristy. Accept it.
11:30 AM: Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre. The handprints and footprints are actually pretty cool. Spend a good ten minutes trying to find my favorite actor's handprints. Fail.
12:30 PM (Lunch): Quick bite at a diner. Greasy burger, fries, and a milkshake. Embrace the clichés.
1:30 PM: Drive through Beverly Hills. Gawk at the ridiculously oversized mansions. Seriously, some of these houses are the size of small towns. Feel a mixture of awe and envy. Mostly envy.
2:30 PM: Attempt to go to Griffith Observatory. Get stuck in more traffic. Give up. Decide to go back to the motel. Mental breakdown averted.
3:30 PM: Suffer through more traffic. Curse the car in front of me. Curse the sun. Curse the city.
4:30 PM: Back at the motel, in a state of near-exhaustion. Sit on the bed. Stare at nothing. Maybe I'll just stay here the rest of the trip.
5:00 PM: Take another shower.
6:00 PM (Dinner Attempt #2): Drive to an In-N-Out Burger. The experience is as delightfully predictable as it is delicious. Feel a brief moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
7:00 PM: Back at the motel. Watch TV. Consider another can of soda. Resist. (For now.)
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Stare out the window, listening to all of the neighborhood noises and sounds.
9:00 PM: Lights out.
Day 3: Beach Vibes and Unexpected Encounters
8:00 AM: Wake up. The sun is still blasting through the blinds. Learn to close them.
9:00 AM: Drive to Santa Monica. The traffic gods are slightly kinder today.
10:00 AM: Wander the Santa Monica Pier. The Ferris wheel is pretty cool. The crowds are… big. Attempt to play a game. Fail miserably. Lose a dollar.
11:00 AM: Walk along the beach. Feel the sand between my toes. Watch the waves. Feel a fleeting sense of peace. Maybe I should move here!
12:00 PM (Lunch): Eat at a beachside restaurant. Mediocre food, but the view is amazing. People-watch. Judge.
1:30 PM: Drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. The scenery is stunning. Almost makes up for the endless traffic.
2:30 PM: Stop at a random beach. Take more photos. Pretend to be a cool, carefree person.
3:30 PM: BIG MOMENT! Driving down the PCH I see a sign: "Malibu Surfing School". I had NO experience. I was terrified. But dammit, I was going to do it! I signed up for an hour-long lesson. The instructor, a laid-back dude with sun-bleached hair, tried to teach me the basics. I fell. A lot. Like, probably a hundred times. I swallowed saltwater. I felt ridiculous. But… I also had a blast. It was an absurd, exhilarating experience. I finally got to stand up once. Survived. Triumph. I think I was one with water and the surfboard.
4:30 PM: Get to the motel. Shower - sand everywhere.
6:00 PM (Dinner Attempt #3): Eat leftovers that I'd brought.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Sit on the bed and write in my journal. List of pros and cons. The pros are few but mighty. The cons are many, but it is getting better.
Day 4: Departure - Farewell, Hi-Way Host (and LA)
8:00 AM: Wake up. Sigh. Pack.
9:00 AM: Check out. The front desk guy offers a slightly strained smile. I think. Maybe he was just grimacing.
9:30 AM: Drive to LAX. The traffic, predictably, is horrific. Spend the entire drive staring at the clock, calculating how likely I am to miss my flight.
11:00 AM: Arrive at LAX. Run through the airport. Barely make my flight.
12:00 PM: Sigh with relief as the wheels lift up and I am finally free from the City of Angels.
Narrator Voice: And so, our intrepid traveler escaped from the siren song of Los Angeles, vowing to one day return to that rusty motel and perhaps a better understanding of the city that never sleeps. Or, at the very least, a better plan for parking.
Okay, spill it... WHAT IS the Hi-Way Host Motel, and why is it a "hidden gem"? (Don't even try to be objective, just tell me!)
Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercup. The Hi-Way Host? It's... an *experience*. Think vintage, think slightly crumbling, think roadside Americana that's been lovingly (and sometimes not-so-lovingly) preserved. Forget your sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This place is… *real*. The "hidden gem" part? Well, it's not hidden *that* well anymore, thanks to word-of-mouth and a few savvy travel bloggers, but it's still got that authentic, off-the-grid vibe. It's like stepping back in time. And honestly? It's *cheap*, which in LA is a miracle.
What's the actual *address* of this "gem"? I'm hearing conflicting things...and does security even exist?
Okay, so the address... (deep breath). Look, the Hi-Way Host’s website, if they have one (which, let's be honest, is probably made on Geocities), should have it. But honestly, part of the charm is the *mystery*. Let’s say it's nestled somewhere between, I don't know, a pawn shop and a really good taco truck. Regarding security? Uh...let's just say there's a lock on your door and the occasional security guard who seems to have been there since the Eisenhower administration. Bring a friend… and maybe a can of pepper spray. (Kidding… mostly.)
Are the rooms... clean? (Be honest, I beg of you!)
Clean? Okay, look, honesty is the best policy, right? "Clean" at the Hi-Way Host is... relative. Think "clean-ish." Probably not *hospital* clean. Let's just say it has that "lived-in" feel, a scent of old cigarettes combined with decades of air freshener. (And if you find a dust bunny, consider it a souvenir.) My first time there, I spent a solid hour wiping everything down with antibacterial wipes. But you know what? It grew on me. There's a certain gritty charm, a defiant disregard for modern standards. Does that excuse the questionable stains on the bedspread? Maybe not. But hey, you’re saving a ton of money! Just bring some extra blankets and be prepared to embrace the imperfections, because, honey, this is LA, imperfections are part of the charm. And, okay, I found a stray cockroach once. But it was a *small* cockroach. And I didn't see it again. Maybe.
I've heard there's a pool... Is it as glorious as it sounds?
Ah, the pool. The… *legendary* pool. Okay, it *exists*. It's a rectangular body of water, possibly once blue. Now? Let's call it "aquamarine." It's surrounded by cracked concrete and a few sad-looking palm trees. And the water? Well, I'm not going to lie, I've seen cleaner ponds. But here's the thing: On a scorching Los Angeles afternoon, after a long day of hiking or being a tourist, that aquamarine water... it *works*. It's like a baptism in the heart of a cheesy 70s movie. Just... don't look *too* closely. Or, you know, swallow any water. It's fine. (Probably.) But there is a certain something, a little bit of magic, when you put your feet near it and bask in the glow of the sun.
What's the *vibe* of the Hi-Way Host? Who stays there??
The vibe? Think… "eclectic." It's a mix of budget travelers, struggling artists, the occasional long-haul trucker, and the inevitable "person who's seen better days." It's a place where you can people-watch for hours. You'll see families on road trips, backpackers swapping stories, and people who are just… passing through. It's a very LA melting pot. The common denominator? Everyone is looking for a cheap place to rest their head. There’s this unspoken camaraderie. You're all in on the secret of finding this place. You understand the "charm," the quirks, the… everything. And it's wonderful.
Okay, let's talk about *experiences*. Tell me a story!
Alright, alright. Here’s a story for you. This one’s… memorable. I was there a few years ago, right? It was during a heatwave. My AC unit died... after a full day of being out in the sun. I was *miserable*. I called the front desk (which is basically a window with a guy who looks perpetually exhausted) like, "Is there *any* way to get this fixed?!" They said, "Sure, ma'am, give us an hour." An hour later, still no AC. I went to the lobby to check, and the desk guy, bless his heart, was asleep. *Asleep*. I woke him up, and he looked at me with these bloodshot eyes, and said, "Ma'am, it's the Hi-Way Host. What were you expecting?" He chuckled, gave me a complimentary bottle of water which was a *warm* water, then gave me a fan. Just a regular, dusty, whirring fan. I went back to my room, feeling utterly defeated, but also… oddly amused. That’s the Hi-Way Host in a nutshell - hilariously bad and unbelievably charming. I ended up sleeping with my window open, listening to the sounds of the city and woke up slightly dehydrated, but it was an experience. I ended up staying there a whole week. And it felt like home.
Is it *worth* it? Really?
Look, if you're a luxury traveler, or someone who demands a pristine environment, then definitely not. Run, don't walk, to a different hotel chain. But if you’re looking for an experience, a taste of real LA, a place that's unapologetically itself, and you’re cool with a little… *character*… then absolutely, yes! It’s a story you can tell for years. It's a place you'll either love or hate, but you'll *never* forget it. And honestly? In a city where everything is shiny and new, the Hi-Way Host is a reminder of what's real, raw and authentic. So yeah, it's worth it. Just bring your own pillow.
