Funky budget accommodation
by TripAdvisor Member Surfiegal
We stayed in the Banana Bungalow (but if you are looking for it, it's still called the Orbit Hotel) for 4 nights whilst exploring Hollywood. It was located in a great area, very quiet, and very close to a local bus that could take you straight into downtown Hollywood. The hotel itself was funky and there was a lot of people staying there. It was quiet smokey though, both inside and out, and it was weird that you collect the linen yourself then go upstairs and make your bed. They have a fridge/mircowave/toaster etc to use downstairs, and a pool table and we even found a disco ball on an outside balcony. All in all, we had a group of 7 people, staying in an 8-bed dorm, so we werent disturbed at all. Internet in the hotel was $1 for 12 minutes. I would stay here again if i had a big group.
Something for everyone!
by TripAdvisor Member bouncysteph
My first trip to LA was when I was 18 so I didn't actually see much of LA apart from the inside of theme parks. My second trip to LA was slightly different - ten years older and I didnt have tunnel vision towards Disneyland (although I was tempted). I was in LA for four days (backpacking on to New Zealand)and stayed at the Orbit Hostel in West Hollywood. As with most backpacker accommodation the hostel itself was very basic but with all the amenities needed - ie kitchen, lounge, hot showers! and was only 15 minute walk to Rodeo Drive area. The hostel was well stocked with information relating to activities and things to do in LA - with discounts on most activities for backpackers which is always a bonus when travelling on a shoestring! My first day was spent just walking around LA - getting a feel for the city and checking out the discounted clothes! I decided to try and make the most of my four days so I booked myself onto a "moviestar homes" day bus tour which was fun - the guide was very knowledgeable - not so much on famous people but he knew every back alley and side street in LA to get through the traffic! I spent a day on Venice Beach just people watching and soaking in the atmosphere! LA is a good, allround holiday destination where you can take it easy or make it as action packed as you want! It can be easy on the pocket with great value restaurants/shopping or it can be heavy on the credit card with boutique designer stores aplenty! Fab city!
Stay away!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
Ok where do I begin? Well when my taxi pulled up outside The Orbit I had bad feelings straight away, it looked like a dump from the sidewalk. I was here myself so I thought I would get a private room. I checked in the staff were ok nothing special. The best thing about my room was that it had a big TV with cable, but the bathroom had bugs in it, the room faced the street so it was real noisy and the patio windows did not close right so at night I was so cold. Being a girl as well I thought the room wasn't that secure, I made a point of always locking my case when I went out. I managed to stay there for 2 nights (was supposed to have been there 7) I checked out and lost my money for the other 5 nights but I didn't care I just wanted out of there. The Orbit isn't even in that a great location and if you do come to LA you MUST rent a car, I didn't and think if I did maybe the trip would have been better. But for the money you pay for this hole you could get somewhere alot better, just watch out for the gunfire at night and bugs in the bathroom!!!
decent hostel, crappy "hotel"
by TripAdvisor Member sh204
I stayed at the Orbit from Aug 16-20 with my friend. I spotted this place on the net couple years ago and luckily had an advantage to check it out in May since I won a trip down to LA for a weekend.
The place was pretty nice for a hostel, but not so great to be called a hotel. Keep in mind I am just your average student with low expectations when it comes to hotels(but I hate to sleep where it's hot). Anyways, we took a look around the place in May and it was pretty hot even then so the air conditioning was a bit of a concern. They said it wasn't on and would be on in the summer... well what we felt that day WAS the AC and it got pretty hot during the day. It looked ok for $78, but definitely not as good as the pictures make it look. The location is great but facing Melrose can be VERY VERY loud at night and without the door/window open it would get pretty hot. They give you one towel and no soap or anything. They also said you weren't allowed to bring ANY food or drinks into the room which is stupid if you ask me but we went by the rules. However, we still got a crazy amount of ants in the bathroom all the time. The people seemed nice, but we didn't really hang out with anyone there since we weren't there enough. The food was okay for cheap but nothing i'd brag about.
For $20 more we stayed at the Days Inn on Hollywood Blvd for our last 4 nights and THAT felt like a real hotel. Even had a free continental breakfast AND a pool.
If you are looking for a hostel, this would be a great place. If you are looking for a cheap hotel, search around and book a couple months ahead and you can find something way way way nicer for practically the same price.
Forum Posts
Experiences with Orbit Hotel
by marcel_naue
Hey folks,
we (2 persons) will be in LA end of dec and found this great-looking hostel called Orbit. www.orbithotel.com
Has anybody been there, because if I don´t get any negative answers, I´ll book right away. Looks very stylish. Or any other hostels you would recommend?
TIA
Marcel
Re: Experiences with Orbit Hotel
by FabienneCA
Hi Marcel,
Have a look at
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32655-d254406-Reviews-Orbit_Hostel-Los_Angeles_California.html
in the user reviews section, you will have all about this hostel
HTH
Fabienne
Re: Experiences with Orbit Hotel
by joesorce
Not as stylish as it looks in the photos, not as clean either. Good place for young people looking for friends to party with.
Since there are two of you, might be the same price to get a room at the old Claremont Hotel in Westwood, near UCLA.
Both hotels are close to the bus.
I would choose the Orbit if you don't mind noisy and hectic, but the Claremont is in a quiet neighborhood yet a short walk to everything.
Re: Experiences with Orbit Hotel
by cheap_tourist
The web site for Hostelling International (HI) USA hostels is at http://www.hiayh.org/. VTers often recommend the HI hostel in Santa Monica.
