The Beachrunner's Inn has a lot ot offer busy tourists. The big house has lots of photos of old Long Beach and is tastefully decorated. Our room was the Sunset and would have been fine for the two of us for just a quick weekend with overnight bags, but it was small, VERY HOT (no A/C) and faced a busy street, so since we didn't want to suffocate, we had to keep the windows open to traffic noise all night.
Granted, B&Bs are always a little quirky, and sometimes slightly rough around the edges. We were appalled at the customer service skills from the get go - they had no record of our reservation, as we learned when calling ahead for information - so we re-reserved (good thing we didn't just show up!). Also, we checked in late and the owner's son let us in, did not greet us, did not introduce himself, did not tell us that they had their own parking spaces even though he'd noticed that we'd parked in the bus zone. (I learned this while my husband was driving around in circles looking for parking and caught him on his cell to direct his way). In fact, this guy's attitude was pretty much as if we'd disturbed his TV watching! That was the general attitude of the extended family (daughter or daughter-in-law, plus grandkids) downstairs in the common areas. I absolutely felt like an intruder walking through the house to go outside to do things. Baby crying, small child running around, TV on ALL DAY LONG. It was like walking through a stranger's private home. WEIRD WEIRD WEIRD!! No smiles or greetings, or good mornings ... I would NEVER go back and that's too bad because it's a very cute place. I would have loved to get out of our opressively hot room for a few hours while my husband had the car, but felt like I'd be unwelcome and except for the coffee shop across the street, the restaurants and cafes in the area cater the to LGBT community, not a problem, but I'm not gay or lesbian and I didn't want to walk around the area at night. NOT ONCE DID THEY SAY ORDINARY HOTEL THINGS LIKE: "Let me know if you need anything!" and
"Welcome!' "How was everything?" OR EVEN: "My name is ___" The reason they have two stars is that it really is attractive, and breakfast was good and it was pleasant chatting with other guests, but if I can't feel comfortable spending time in the common areas, or even WALKING THROUGH THEM, I may as well stay in a Motel6.

My family and I loved our stay! We stayed for three nights while in town visiting family. The owners are friendly and helpful without being intrusive. They were very welcoming to our young daughter (even setting out a special place at the table for her at breakfast and kid-friendly healthy, food choices). Breakfast was fresh and convenient each day with many choices including fruit fresh from the farmers' market. The room was very clean and well stocked with all the basics (Eucalyptus shampoo, conditioner, soap, large towels, etc.). Plus it had some cool extras like lip balm, tension spot relief lotion, fluffy robes and slippers. Only downside was the size of our room; the Sunset was a little small for the three of us and didn't have a bathtub. It did have a very nice shower though and would've been very comfortable if traveling alone. We were impressed by how nice the common areas are to use, too. The living room had Internet access for guest use. Plus, the back patio is large and inviting with lots of plants and seating. The location is great too--only a few of blocks from the beach, art museum, a large park, and lots of cute shops/restaurants to peruse while walking. We'll probably return!

Let me start by saying that I prefer B&B's to hotels for the relaxing environment. I did not find a relaxing environment at this B&B... in fact, over the course of a few nights, it was the opposite of relaxing.

The owner's extended family, including a small child (complete with toys, etc), hang out at the B&B on and off ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. They watch TV, smoke, read, chat, eat, web surf, argue (yes, I said ARGUE!), etc. anything and everything a family would do at their family home, they do in the public areas of the B&B -- except this is NOT a family home -- it's a BUSINESS and a B&B at that. B&B's are typically chosen for the homey and relaxing atmosphere. I think the problem is that this family thinks that "homey atmosphere" applies to their comfort.

Unfortunately, while they are making themselves comfortable, guests are made to feel like intruders. Tired of spending the evenings in my small bedroom I tested my theory while a guest and carried a book to the living room, sat down with a family member watching TV and started reading -- thinking maybe they think no one wants to use the living room -- well, after a few minutes, when they remained and the TV remained on, I returned to my room. I have been to a great many B&Bs and have never encountered anything like this. It cannot be described as "homey" or "making you feel comfortable" -- in a word it's AWKWARD.

If you just need a place to shower and sleep, the location near the beach is nice, there are bus-stops within walking distance, the aesthetics of the house are cute, the "honor system" cheap soda is convenient, and the breakfast which is not great, is not bad.

To be fair, the Inn is run by a nice family -- in my opinion, they just do not have any business sense. At least, no idea how to run a relaxing and cozy B&B.

This BnB was absolutely beautiful. The time they spent on the details is unmatched; from the decorations to hospitality, it was a site to see. I have been to many BnB's throughout California and this is on the top of my list. It is in a prime location. Just down the street is Shorline Village and the Pike where you can do almost anything for entertainment. Great job, I will be sending friends.