Just returned from three nights at OPI, and it was really a fabulous place to stay and a good value. I am suprised that anyone would complain about the place, unless you're a smoker who got busted! Go to OPI if you like: waking up listening to the ocean waves, good bed and clean environment, friendly staff, excellent proximity to restaurants, shops, bars, drugstores, nice pool/hot tub and big free breakfast. I thought PB was a lot nicer than the beaches further south, and Ocean Park Inn really faces the ocean and is in the best location of any around. A true comfortable, casual find. You will need a car if you mean to go sightseeing - parking is easy but costs $10 per day.

My wife and I have been coming to the Ocean Park Inn three or four times a year for 15 years. There are very few places in Southern California other than the OPI that you can stay right on the beach (not the bay or harbor) and be so close to hear the waves crashing. The price is half of what I pay at Shutters or the Lowes in Santa Monica and even though they are considered beach front hotels the walk to the water is about 300 yards. The rooms are becoming a little outdated however they are still clean and larger than the rooms you see in a Westin or Sheraton. The location is a perfect walk to many shops, bars, and cafes. When I read some of the reviews I am suprised, try the Best Western Blue Sea Lodge or the Surfer Beach Hotel if you want an undesireable experience. Ocean Park has my vote and will continue to have my vote.

The GOOD:
The location of the hotel was great and parking was reasonable (I think we paid $10 per night). The hotel sits a few feet away from the ocean and is close to many attractions, and restaurants.
The staff was friendly, the room was clean, and the free breakfast selection was good (bread, waffles, cereal, yogurt.. but no FRUIT - luckily there's a grocery store around the corner with tons of fresh ready -cut- fruit to take with you and have with your breakfast).

The BAD:
Unfortunately, we had a room facing the Firestation bar (I think that's the name) directly next door to the hotel. The music was SO loud and people were partying and screaming until 2 or 3am. It sounded like it was right outside our window. There was NO way to sleep through the night. We found out the following night that ONLY the rooms facing this bar get the interruption. So if you're staying there, opt for a room away from that section and get a quiet sleep.

The UGLY:
I called the front desk at midnight to ask when the music would stop - they said 1:30 am. It went later than this. The hotel did not offer me to switch rooms and I didn't think to ask since I assumed all the rooms had this noise level from the bar. After discovering that we could have had a better room location, I asked the hotel manager for a discount and said I'd love to stay there again as long as I got a better room location. She said she'd get back to me. I have not heard back and until am disappointed with this lack in customer service.

Besides the music blaring, the hotel was great and I'd recommend it to others.. just ask ahead of time for a room facing AWAY from the bar.

The location is good, but the staff is rude and unhelpful. The place smells and the rooms are dirty. The breakfast is free, but for a good reason!!! They also harass guests if you dont check out in time and have a rediculous non smoking policy that is enforeced after you check out. Be carefull you might get a surprise on your Credit Card Statement.