We got stuck looking for accommodation in LA due to changes to our flights made by Virgin. Options for the last minute arrangements were limited due to the increased number of bookings during the American summer season. With only a mobile phone to search the net and make this booking, we chose the Ocean Lodge because it was mid price range ($240 AUD a night) and close to Santa Monica Pier. We read the reviews and NONE mentioned it was on a 6 lane highway! The traffic noise was unbearable. There was also a dreadful diner next door that played horrible live music until 2am further adding to the inability to sleep. The walls were also paper thin so you could most of what was going on around you and in the hall outside. There is a vast expanse of wasteland around the motel and the accommodation was ultra basic (think motel NOT hotel).
The staff were great - helpful and informative - but this place was not worth the money paid. The pillows were old and flat, the shower had NO water pressure (think a minimal leak), there was hair in the shower and dental floss on the sticky carpet and the fridge sounded like a jet engine. The underside of the bed was hanging down and the rooms are generally run down. The website is super misleading claiming it was newly renovated (maybe in 1994) and that they had a deal with a nearby hotel for use of their pool and health club. What they fail to mention is that this would cost you $25 USD per person per visit!
Pay the extra and stay elsewhere.