The family-owned Ocean Surf Inn is housed in a motel-style building and has a budget look, but it possesses lots of charm and a pleasant, beachy vibe. The bright lobby is done in light-blue and white, with wicker chairs, wall-mounted surfboards, and other beach-themed decor. A surfboard serves as a whiteboard for staff to record the daily air temperature, ocean temperature, sunrise/sunset times, and tidal info. When guests aren't at the beach, the outdoor rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic ocean views, and the interior courtyard are popular gathering spots. The hotel tends to draw couples and families with kids in tow. 

The Ocean Surf Inn is located off U.S. Highway 1 on the Pacific Coast Highway in the quiet Sunset Beach community of Huntington Beach. This part of the highway spans Green Belt park, and the beach across the street is among the widest in Southern California. It’s also generally less crowded than other area beaches. Numerous restaurants are within a short walk of the hotel, but it’s largely a residential area and there aren't many shopping options reachable on foot. The Pacific Coast-Admiralty bus stop is a three-minute walk, and the shops, restaurants, and pier of Downtown Seal Beach is five minutes by car or a 15-minute bus ride. Downtown Huntington Beach features the International Surfing Museum and Huntington Beach Pier, and it's roughly a 10-minute drive from the hotel or about 18 minutes by bus. It's a 25-minute drive to Knotts Berry Farm, and 30 minutes by car to Disneyland. Guests arrive at several airports: Long Beach Airport is 15 minutes by car, John Wayne Airport is just under a 25-minute drive, and Los Angeles International Airport is about 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. 

Guest rooms are a bit more stylish than that of the typical budget hotel. The hotel's colorful, beachy decor follows through to many, though some are bit more generic. Still, units are comfortable and spacious, and they're considerably well-equipped. All have small dining tables with chairs, desks, flat-screen TVs with HBO, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, and some feature furnished balconies with ocean views. One has an en-suite jetted tub. Larger units are advertised as suites, but they don’t have separate seating areas with sofas. Many past guests have reported that the beds are comfortable. Bathrooms are basic but tidy, and feature granite vanities with modern fixtures, and have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

The hotel's standout feature is its rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic ocean views, and guests are permitted to bring their own food and drinks. There's plenty of contemporary cushioned outdoor furniture, but the surrounding railing is rusty and badly in need of a paint job. The hotel lacks a swimming pool and doesn't offer breakfast, but there's free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in the lobby, and vending machines. Other freebies include use of beach towels, umbrellas, sports equipment, and boogie boards, plus there are board games and beach toys for kids. There's also an outdoor shower for guests to use after hitting the beach. A coin-op laundry, business center, ATM, and free covered parking round out the list of features. The front desk has limited hours, but staff is available 24 hours per day. Wi-Fi is free throughout.