Best 'Luxury' Hotels near Long Beach Cruise Terminal in 2024

The Very Best Port of Long Beach Hotels

Best Hotels near Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Best Hotels near Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Posted by Stefan DP – Last Updated on December 28, 2023

Long Beach Ca lighthouseLong Beach cruise terminal is used by ships of Carnival Cruises. Other cruise lines sail from the World Cruise Center on the other side of the harbor in San Pedro.

The majority of the cruise passengers stay close to the airport, downtown Long Beach or within walking distance from the port.

The Queen Mary Hotel could be one of the top choices within walking distance to the cruise terminal. Also, the hotel is quite fantastic with plenty of history.

Other hotels like the Residence Inn Downtown and the Maya DoubleTree are quite incredible and very close to the port. Both modern hotels are on the same side of the channel with the Carnival terminal.

On the other side of the channel in Downtown Long Beach, there are also more elegant and modern superb hotels adjacent to shops and restaurants.

Popular hotels such as the Hyatt Centric at the Pike, Westin, Hyatt Regency, and the Renaissance are located in the Conventional Center area. Besides, there are many lovely restaurants and shops, including some gorgeous places to go for a walk.

Although the Hilton is not as convenient as these four, it also counts as an elegant hotel and an ideal choice. Hotel Royal and The Varden Hotel are both small boutique hotels, perfect pre-or post cruise hotels when looking for an alternative to the big hotel chains.

Read also: Long Beach Hotels with Free Cruise Shuttle

We’ve rounded up a list of the best 15 hotels in Long Beach CA within easy reach of the cruise ship terminal.

What are the Closest Luxury Hotels near Long Beach Carnival Cruise Ship Terminal? (within walking distance)

Long Beach Queen Mary hotel near cruise terminal
Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach

1. The Queen Mary ★★★ (Popular)

Permanently moored at the Long Beach cruise terminal, The Queen Mary Hotel offers the unique experience of stepping back to 1936 when she became the world’s most luxurious ocean liner.

Compact rooms have been beautifully restored with original wooden panelling, brass portholes and clocks to create one of the most opulent hotels in California. The glamorous bar is particularly cozy with pillars of wood and gilt while the red leather stools and a mural of the port evoke the atmosphere of the past. From the deck there are magnificent views of the port.
Uber/Lyft from LAX airport is about $35.

Why Stay Here

  • Closest hotel from cruise port (walking distance)
  • Historical Ocean Liner and Unique hotel

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

2. Hotel Maya – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel ★★★★

This 4 star hotel is just moments away from the Carnival Cruise Line embarkation and has wonderful views of The Queen Mary and the harbor. Sophisticated, angular architecture, an outdoor fire pit and exotic palm trees echo the splendor of an ancient Mayan Palace.

In the contemporary lobby, there is a wall of decorative slate, gray seating and comfortable red cushions. Throughout the spacious rooms, there are natural timber floors, highly stylized pendant lamps and a welcoming color scheme of golden brown to complement the comfortable furnishings and elegant drapes.

Why Stay Here

  • 12 min walk from Long Beach cruise terminal
  • Outdoor pool and comfortable spacious rooms, some have balcony

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

3. Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown ★★★ (Great Value)

Twenty minutes walk from the Long Beach cruise terminal, you’ll find this imposing multi-storey hotel with its modern, white exterior embellished with red and blue stripes. Inside, the well-appointed, spacious suites are simply, but comfortably furnished in a minimalist style. The walls and drapes have a general color scheme of pale gray, while the floors and furniture are a warm shade of reddish-brown.

Many rooms have panoramic views of the port. Guests can relax in the open-air pool, enjoy a barbecue on the outdoor terrace or socialize in the comfortable lounge.

Why Stay Here

  • Nice modern hotel close to Carnival terminal
  • Outdoor pool and some Rooms have view of cruise port & ocean

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 9/10

Top Hotels in Downtown Long Beach (often booked by cruisers)

Long Beach cruise port
View from Long Beach downtown

Downtown Long Beach boasts some very nice, first class hotels near the Convention Center and waterfront. Properties are close to lots of restaurants and shops, and are also located within close distance of the Catalina Express.

1. Hyatt Regency Long Beach ★★★★ (Top Hotel)

The Regency boasts a prime waterfront location, promising magnificent views of the harbor, the ocean or The Queen Mary from all of its 528 rooms. It’s one of the top pet-friendly hotels for combining sophistication and simplicity of style.

You’ll find the furniture’s sleek, contemporary design and the sparse minimalism of the white and pale gray color scheme unobtrusive, but supremely comfortable and relaxing. There’s a heated outdoor swimming pool and a beach-side terrace that looks particularly elegant when illuminated at night. It takes seven minutes to reach the Carnival Cruise Line terminal from this luxurious property.

Why Stay Here

  • One of best 4 star hotels in Long Beach CA within easy reach of cruise terminal
  • Rooms with harbor views

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 9/10

2. Hyatt Centric the Pike Long Beach ★★★★ (Highly Reviewed)

Located in the center of Downtown Long Beach near the Convention Center, this beautifully appointed four star hotel has an elegant entrance hall with square pillars and a polished floor of pale brown marble.

In the cozy suites, there are drapes and walls in pale gray while comfortable sofas have bright blue and yellow upholstery. Some of the rooms feature a blue wall embossed with an imaginative panorama of the nearby port. From the roof top bar and heated pool, there are exhilarating views of the city and The Queen Mary cruise liner in the distance.

Why Stay Here

  • Boutique-style hotel with rooftop pool & bar
  • Within walking distance of The Pike Outlets & The Aquarium of the Pacific

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 9/10

3. The Westin Long Beach ★★★★

This sixteen storey hotel offers some of the best accommodation with on site parking and fascinating city views. Inside, the lobby features a contemporary design with imposing silver-gray panels behind the wooden bell desks. There is an informal dining area with a refreshing decor of white and brown and a restaurant with sophisticated blue and yellow neon lighting in the ceiling.

Many luxurious, split level suites have curved metal staircases and upper floor balustrades. Gray walls and drapes feature throughout the rooms that are furnished with comfortable sofas, contemporary lamps and mirrors.

Why Stay Here

  • Beautiful hotel with fantastic views and modern guest rooms
  • Within walking distance of shopping & dining

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

4. Renaissance Long Beach Hotel ★★★★ (Popular)

The exterior of the multi-storey Renaissance is particularly impressive with different levels and sections in blue mirrored glass. Inside, you’ll find a spacious lobby with a welcoming appearance of wooden panelling and traditional armchairs with ornate, gilded frames.

There is a refreshing gray and white color scheme in the rooms, where elegant drapes, furniture and artwork give them a cozy atmosphere. A glamorous bar features mirrored walls, aluminium bar stools, spotlights and a well-stocked wine rack. You can enjoy views of the city or the cruise terminal which is just over two miles away.

Why Stay Here

  • Good location near shops & restaurants
  • Some rooms have harbor views

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

5. Hotel Royal ★★★ (Great Value)

Built in 1923, this is one of the oldest boutique hotels in California. Just three storeys high with twenty-nine rooms, it has a lovely, welcoming atmosphere. There are several elegant seating areas with comfortable, modern armchairs, plush rugs and olive green drapes, while the small, but cozy bar features exposed brickwork.

Individually styled rooms share a white color scheme with accessories and furnishings in green, dark blue and red. Hotel Royal offers convenient parking facilities and bicycle hire. It takes only around eight minutes to drive almost 3 miles to the cruise port terminal.

Why Stay Here

  • Good value for money small boutique hotel
  • Great location within walking distance of shops & dining

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

6. Best Western Plus Hotel at the Convention Center ★★★ (Cruise Parking)

The corner location adds to the charm of the Best Western’s exterior with its Mexican archways, wrought iron balconies and bright, two tone orange walls. Inside, the lobby is a sedate beige with a featured wall of gray stone and modern, dark purple armchairs. An informal dining area has rows of tables and comfortable, upholstered benches.

Many of the rooms feature gray or beige walls with drapes and quilts in complementary colors of brown or lilac. You can leave your car at the hotel while on cruise, daily parking rate is $23/night. The Carnival cruise ship terminal is only 7 minutes away by taxi or Uber/Lyft.

Why Stay Here

  • Good location and comfortable rooms
  • Indoor pool

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

7. Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown ★★★

There is on site parking available at this contemporary Downtown hotel located 2.5 miles from the Long Beach cruise terminal. The hotel has a nautical theme with large monotone prints of the port in the 1920s decorating the lobby and lounge where there are cozy groups of leather armchairs. A ceiling of recessed ceiling panels filled with blue lighting adds a sophisticated touch to the traditional bar.

Many of the rooms present a refreshing image with a decor of blue, turquoise and white capturing the atmosphere of the nearby ocean.

Why Stay Here

  • Great location not far from restaurants
  • Outdoor pool and some rooms have harbor view

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

8. Hilton Long Beach Hotel ★★★

This luxurious, fifteen storey Downtown hotel has an impressive interior full of contemporary styling. A cream and brown lobby with a high vaulted ceiling has angular archways and a wall of several curves similar to waves. Pale wooden flooring alternates with plush carpets and three-dimensional art adorns the walls of the corridors.

Many of the spacious, but cozy rooms have a tasteful cream and beige decor and include additional lounge areas with comfortable sofas and elegant drapes, mirrors and lamps. Outside there is a small courtyard garden, swimming pool and parking facilities.

Why Stay Here

  • Good pre-or post cruise hotel
  • On-site dining and rooms available with a beautiful Harbor view

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

9. The Varden – A Boutique Micro Hotel – #25 ★★★

This stylish boutique hotel was built in 1929 for a circus performer named Dolly Varden. The white exterior with its red and blue, neon roof top sign has long been one of the most famous landmarks in Downtown Long Beach.

Throughout the interior, walls, chairs, quilts and accessories are all spotlessly white in color. Only pale gray tiled flooring, wooden ceiling beams and the occasional blue chair breaks the stark, minimalist tranquility. However, the hotel couldn’t be more welcoming, presenting guests with comfortable accommodation that is approximately seven minutes from the Port of Long Beach.

Why Stay Here

  • Small boutique-style hotel

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

What are the Best Hotels near Long Beach Airport?

The airport in Long Beach is a smaller airport, with very few flights a day from a handful of airlines that fly in from a lower selection of routes. There is a better option of using LAX, which is 20 minutes away from the terminal, but if you are lucky enough to get a direct flight to Long Beach whose price is favorable to you, then it is the best option.

From the Long Beach Airport area it should only be about 15 to 20 minutes to the Carnival cruise ship terminal.

1. Homewood Suites By Hilton Long Beach Airport ★★★

Located approximately ten miles to the north of the cruise terminal, this well-appointed hotel provides you with comfortable accommodation, an outdoor pool and on site parking. There is even a free shuttle service to the nearby airport which is less than a mile away.

The elegant, spacious suites have interconnecting rooms and a general color scheme of gray, turquoise and brown for the walls and furniture. The large communal lounge has a high ceiling with decorative groups of pendant lamps, while the seating is dark gray with turquoise cushions.

Why Stay Here

  • Free shuttle to/from Long Beach airport
  • All suites have kitchen

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

2. Hampton Inn Long Beach Airport, Ca ★★★ (Top)

Around 10 miles from the port is the gray and white Hampton Inn. It boasts an outdoor pool, on site parking and a free shuttle to the Long Beach Airport which is less than a mile away. The lobby and lounge have high ceilings and a sophisticated, contemporary image with pale gray armchairs, red cushions and pendant lamps of twisted metal.

You’ll find the spacious suites have a luxurious appearance with pale terracotta and beige walls, elegant gray drapes and comfortable seating upholstered in red fabric. Stylish accessories include lamps and artwork. Parking is $12 per night, per vehicle.

Why Stay Here

  • Free shuttle to/from airport
  • Good value for money property with outdoor pool

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 9/10

What are the Best Hotels near Los Angeles LAX Airport?

LAX Los Angeles International Airport terminal traffic

There are several hotels close to LAX, and thus when you arrive late (past 8 PM), it is an excellent choice to stay in any of these fantastic hotels and head for the port the next day.

There is the option of traveling to Long Beach via shuttle, Lyft, or Uber. Rideshare now pick clients from LAX-IT lot next to Terminal 1, though there are shuttles that ran from all the terminals every few minutes. You also have the option of renting a car from the airport and drive yourself to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

The LAX airport runs a shuttle called FlyAway that serves different stations such as LA union station and Van Nuys.

You can also opt not to share the ride with other travelers and book a private shuttle service from LAX to Long Beach port.

For those who intend to stay in LAX, all the hotels located along the Century boulevard eat the airport and provide free shuttle services. Depending on traffic, the Long Beach port region is 30 to 45 minutes away from the airport. If your flight is scheduled on a weekday, you are bound to experience more heavy traffic. To be safe you should plan an hour to get to your embarkation point.

1. Homewood Suites By Hilton Los Angeles International Airport ★★★

The exterior of this popular hotel has distinctive bands of blue diagonal patterns while the interior presents an equally contemporary appearance. There is a seating area with a textured wall of three-dimensional gold cubes and an impressive chandelier shaped like a star. An informal cafeteria features pale gray tables and chairs while a restaurant has dark brown walls and leather chairs.

Many of the rooms at this LAX hotel feature cream decor, gray sofas and occasional chairs in bright green. From the windows there are magnificent views of the city and the airport. Airport shuttle is provided 24/7, approximately every 30 minutes. You can reach Long Beach cruise terminal in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Carnival port is approx. 22 miles away.

Why Stay Here

  • Free Los Angeles airport shuttle
  • Spacious suites and complimentary breakfast

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10

2. Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport ★★★ (Popular)

The hotel presents a sophisticated, contemporary image with large silver gray pillars and curved panels on the ceilings in the entrance hall and lounge. Low, upholstered stools and armchairs in a variety of bold colors such as orange and blue are placed in isolated places or in cozy groups. A sweeping metal staircase leads to the luxurious suites.

You’ll find tastefully decorated accommodation in a variety of beige and gray colors and armchairs in bright yellow. Accessories include plush rugs and lamps. Long Beach port is approximately twenty-five miles away. The property is very close to airport with an excellent frequent shuttle.

Why Stay Here

  • Free transfer service to LAX
  • Very popular hotel with modern, spacious rooms

Cruise Expert – Hotel Rating: 8/10


Hotel Map

Port of Long Beach CA – Carnival Cruises

  • Long Beach Cruise Terminal – near Queen Mary hotel

The Long Beach cruise terminal is located next to the fabulous Queen Mary hotel and is owned and ran by the Carnival Corporation. The neighboring Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro is just a few minutes drive away.

Who Sails from Long Beach

The city is a home port to ships from Carnival Cruises.

You should know that when we speak of sailing form L.A., it is the same as sailing from Long Beach or nearby San Pedro. The city of Long Beach in Southern California is only a short drive from Los Angeles, and it is quite close to the city but still gaining its local groove.

Long Beach is full of beaches, parks, several public golf courses, including possibly the world’s most exquisite hotel, The Queen Mary (there is a rumor that it is haunted), found on the other side of the old-time ocean liner. It would be best if you experienced this unique hotel before going on your Carnival cruise, but be on the lookout for the ostentatious city of L.A, which is the ideal place to enjoy the life of the left coast.

Take your time to enjoy the storied view of the city, from the high-end shopping malls and modern museums to the funky coastal metropolises and the sight of star-studded boulevard Hollywood and the hills.

Parking at the Port

There is ample parking space available at the Long Beach Terminal parking structure that charges $23 per day (rates are subject to change). Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, $4 for those who exceed 30 minutes but do not go beyond one hour, and $8 for 1 to 2 hours.

However, you should note that the height limit of this parking structure is 7’0”. This means that all vehicles that surpass the 7’0” mark cannot be accommodated at the garage but can be parked in the neighboring lots.

Vehicles that also take up more than one parking space cannot park at the garage. The good thing is, some of the hotels in Long Beach provide an array of sail packages and parking space for your stay before or after the cruise.


(Latest update December 28th 2023)

Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a reservation.

Additional information: Long Beach CA TravelWeatherTours & Transportation

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This