My thanks to Hotel Erwin for hosting my stay so I could write this detailed review of my experience.
A quick drive to Venice Beach for the ultimate 360-degree rooftop sunset sounds like a restful and uniquely L.A. idea. Kassi, a new Mediterranean concept from the team behind Elephante and Belles Beach House, recently debuted atop Hotel Erwin, transforming the open-air space with cozy couches in private nooks, with heat lamps and an elongated garden setting. Following the success of Kassi Beach House and Beach Club in Las Vegas, this dramatic rooftop beachside backdrop brings a new Greek inspired menu of mezze, skewers, and salads to L.A.
Kassi is a great social gathering spot, often with DJs elevating the ambiance. The real sunset flex is to book the couch lounge seating at the end, with endless views of the Pacific Ocean and Venice Beach. Toast to your good fortune over cocktails like a Mezcal Espresso Martini or Sage by the Bell made with Mezcal, ginger, lemon, and peppers.
The menu is perfect for sharing, so begin with fried zucchini chips with dip, lobster risotto, or the buttery lobster skewer and beef filet skewers. As the sunset hues shapeshift all around and the moon rises, order the delightful Baklava Sundae with honeycomb crisps, pistachio crumble, and pistachio marshmallows.
No need to leave after a few drinks, when you can take the elevator down to a cozy, modern, beach-inspired hotel room that pays homage to surfer vibes, with colorful accents and cheeky wallpaper. A green cheetah robe makes the perfect wardrobe hang for early morning breakfast from EggSlut, picked up on the street level below, which should be enjoyed right on your room’s private balcony while watching the wild California world enfold. You might see Asian Michael Jackson moonwalking down below, spot skaters whizzing by to catch a ride at the skatepark in the sand, or become part of the tunes of iconic Venice fixture Harry Perry playing his electric guitar on roller blades as the hypnotic jam session wafts up to your stoop.
Staying on the Venice Boardwalk is pure entertainment in itself, but Hotel Erwin makes for an easy early morning walk on the beachfront strand, or a longer cruise on the hotel’s complimentary bikes. Pedal by Arnold Schwwarzeneggers’ famed outdoor gym, Muscle Beach, watch paddleball players bang away, or admire the daring skateboarders who catch air in the 16,000-square-foot skate park on the beach that looks like empty swimming pools.
On Hotel Erwin’s ground floor, grab a slice of amazing East Coast style pizza at Pizza Girl, and spend the day catching a wave with a surf lesson or dipping in and out of the ocean, with Hotel Erwin’s beach gear provided for guests.
In 2025, Hotel Erwin was recognized in Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels in the World. Sun, surf and style, it’s an iconic casual beach stay just 200 feet from the sand, in the middle of the Venice Beach mix.
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