When I was growing up, I used to see movies about residential motels and always thought it would be sort of interesting to live in one. Well, a few years ago, I got my wish.
When I lost my business, I got evicted and ended up in a residential hotel in Hollywood that was called The St. Francis. Don't bother looking for this because it's now been turned into a hostel called The Gershwin. You can find it on any number of travel sites featuring hostels. I have to warn you that there is virtually no sound proofing in this place and it can be rather drafty unless the new owners did something about it.
A couple of years after moving out of The St. Francis, I ended up in another residential motel called The Nutel Motel. This one is a bit better because the owner actually treats you like a human being and you get maid service once a week and free toilet paper and towels and sheets to use. It's located at 1906 W. 3rd Street in Los Angeles, just two blocks east of Alvarado. The phone number is 213-483-6681.
This motel has small kitchenettes with a stove and small refrigerator in almost all of the rooms and a color TV and private bath. The rooms aren't very large and you can get a one bedroom apartment for cheaper but you don't have to have credit or a deposit to move in.
It is a popular motel and the only residential motel left in Los Angeles from what I've been able to find. It is first come, first serve and new residents are on probation for the first 28 days to make sure they will be a good tenant. They do not put up with drugs or deadbeats or troublemakers and will evict if one causes problems.
It is in an okay but low income neighborhood and you do have to be on your guard. They do not allow pets and overnight guests cost extra.
It is definitely a good place to go if you are in a bind and need a place to stay but at times it is hard to find a vacancy, so keep trying.
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