Deciding where to stay in Los Angeles, California, can be decisive for you to love or hate your trip. The good location of your hotel is essential in such a large city and with a complicated transport system and a traffic famous for being bad.
In this text, we made a guide with the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles, including tips of hotels well located and for all traveler profiles, from the backpacker to the luxury.
Best hotels in Los Angeles
5 Stars: The Peninsula Beverly Hills
4 Stars: The Charlie West Hollywood Hotel
3 Stars: Beverly Laurel Hotel
For family: Venice on the Beach Hotel
For Couples: Silver Lake Pool & Inn
To Save: Comfort Inn Los Angeles near Hollywood
For Backpackers: HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica
Airport: Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles LAX Airport
Disneyland: Howard Johnson by Wyndhan
Universal Studios: Hilton Los Angeles-Universal City Hotel
Photo by Maks Ershov / shutter shutstock.com
What is the average price of the daily rates in Los Angeles?
Keep in mind that these are average values and depending on the time of year, scheduled event or hotel location, the price can be much higher.
Tips for choosing a hotel in Los Angeles
When choosing a hotel in LA, consider the following tips to ensure an unforgettable stay:
- Proximity to Attractions: LA is vast and often congested. If you’re in town for sightseeing, consider staying in areas like Hollywood if you’re interested in the movie theater scene, or in Santa Monica, if the beach is your priority. Neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills and Bel Air are known for their safety and luxury, while areas like Downtown LA can be more bustling at night. Search the neighborhood before making your choice.
- Although LA is known for being a city of cars, public transport, such as the LA Metro, can be useful. Choose a hotel near a station to facilitate your travels.
- Style and Theme: LA has a variety of themed hotels, from Hollywood classics to modern seaside retreats. Decide which atmosphere you prefer and choose a hotel that aligns with your taste.
- City view: Some hotels in Los Angeles offer spectacular views, whether from the city skyline, the mountains or the Pacific Ocean. If the view is important to you, check this when making your reservation.
- Parking : If you plan to rent a car, check the hotel parking fees. In LA, parking can be expensive and is not always included in the daily rate.
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles?
The 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles are:
- Santa Monica and Venice Beach
- West Hollywood
- Beverly Hills, Grove and Fairfax
- Downtown LA
- Happy and Silver Lake
Travelling to Los Angeles? Read also:
Two-Day Screenplay in Los Angeles
Visit to Universal Studios Hollywood
Below, we explain the advantages and disadvantages of staying in each of these Los Angeles locations, as is transportation for them and hotels.
1. Santa Monica and Venice Beach: for those who like the beach and tranquillity
Located in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, Santa Monica is on the coast and has those are beach neighborhood with promenade, palm trees and good weather. It is worth staying there if you are looking for a quiet Californian vibe.
Santa Monica is one of the favorite neighborhoods of tourists not only for the presence of the beach and the Pacific Ocean, but also for the good restaurants and busy nightlife in the Third St. Promenade. The famous Venice Beach and Malibu are very close.
Photo: oneinchpunch/ shutterstock.com
Inside the neighborhood, you can do everything on foot. To go to other tourist spots, you will need to take buses, subway or go by car. This part of the city is a 30-minute drive away and 1h30 by bus from Hollywood.
Hotel Reviews in Santa Monica and Venice Beach
We have already stayed in Santa Monica, at HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel (note 8.5, $). It is a very comfortable hostel, good for want to save in LA. The attendants are very friendly and the location is excellent, close to Pier and Promenade.
For those looking for more comfortable hotels, good cost-benefit options:
See all hotels in Santa Monica and Venice Beach
2. West Hollywood: for those who want a central location
The Hollywood of the Walk of Fame disappoints many people: it is an ugly neighborhood, dirty and even with some dangerous parts at night.
But you don’t have to be sad: there are several better areas of Hollywood to choose from.
Without a doubt, the best option is West Hollywood or as the locals say, WeHo. Relatively close to everything, it has good restaurants, shops and nightclubs (there the gay nightlife is lively). This is the ideal region for those who like to stay close to the sights.
The locomoção do Oeste de Hollywood is also quiet even for those who are not by car: there are bus lines that take you to Universal Studios, Walk of Fame, etc. This is where the famous and busy Sunset Strip is located.
Keep in mind that Weho stay leans to the more expensive side of the scale.
Hotels in West Hollywood, LA
See all hotels in West Hollywood
3. Beverly Hills: for those who want luxury hotels in LA
The most famous neighborhood in Los Angeles because of its mansions and luxury stores is a lodging option for those seeking comfort and a detach of luxury.
The Rodeo Drive is the most famous avenue there, along with Sunset Blvd. In this region, you can find both guest houses and hotels of 4 or 5 stars.
Photo by f11photo / shutterstock.com
Want to save money in this area, opt for a hotel in Beverly Grove/Fairfax. You will still be in a very central location, and you will find many restaurants, boutique hotels and cool shops. It is a region more frequented by locals, with food fairs and street parties.
It will still be very well located, just south of West Hollywood.
Hotel Reviews in Beverly Hills and Fairfax
See all Accommodation options in Beverly Hills
4. Downtown LA
Downtown Los Angeles, called Downtown, is one more than one area. Although you don’t find classic tourist attractions, you’ll be close to the Art District, Little Tokyo, Koreatown and Chinatown.
You will find a different and busy Los Angeles. Ideal for those who go to LA for work, want to visit some sporting or musical event or have been before in the city and want to discover the life of the locals.
Photo by TierneyMJ / shutter shutstock.com
It is important to stay tuned because some parts of the Los Angeles mall are dangerous. Avoid the region known as Skid Row.
Hotel Reviews in Downtown LA
See all accommodations in Downtown
5. Los Feliz and Silver Lake: for those who like a local climate
The Los Feliz and Silver Lake neighborhoods are between Downtown LA and Griffith Park, in an area near East Hollywood.
In recent years, these are considered the coolest neighborhoods, or as others would say, hipster in the city. Vintage shops, different cafes and bars, markets such as Trader’s Joe’s Joe and Whole Foods, also share space with old 1920s Hollywood star mansions. A metro line passes through the neighborhood.
Photo: superjoseph/ shutterstock.com
See where to stay in Los Feliz and Silver Lake
Mehores Hostels in Los Angeles
In addition to the indications in the neighborhoods above, we made a list of the best hostels in Los Angeles, for those who want to save in the city, and still guarantee a good location:
Where to stay in Los Angeles near the Amusement Parks
Los Angeles has two major parks, Universal Studios, which is inside the city and Disney California in the metropolitan area. If your priority during the trip is to walk in these parks, it may be worth staying close to them.
Hotels near Disney California
For those going to visit Los Angeles because of Disney parks in California, it may be a good idea to stay in Anaheim, which is about a 50-minute drive from Hollywood. Thus, you can escape traffic and facilitate the trip to the parks.
You can walk to Disney or Uber in 3 minutes if you stay at the Holiday Inn Express (3 stars, 8.5 – $$$) or Howard Johnson by Wyndhan (3 stars, rating 8.6 – $$$).
View accommodation options near Disney in Anaheim
Hotels near Universal Studios
To stay near the parks of Universal Studios it is ideal to stay in the regions of Studio City and Universal City.
To stay practically inside the park, the best option is the 4 stars Hilton Los Angeles-Universal City Hotel (4 stars, rating 8.3 – $$$).
Another nearby and budget option is El Royale Gardens near Universal (4 stars, rating 9 – $$).
Where to stay near Los Angeles Airport
The main Los Angeles Airport is LAX. This is where most of the international and domestic flights to the city arrive and leave. LAX is 22km away from Hollywood and 14 km from Santa Monica.
It is possible to get from the airport to the hotel by metro, shuttle, bus, as well as taxi/uber or rental car.
There are four other airports in the LA metropolitan area: BUR; LGB; SNA and ONT. Hardly your flight will arrive or depart from one of them.
Hotels near Hotels near LAX
For those who fly at ungrateful times or overnight connections, it may be worth staying for a night near Los Angeles Airport. The daily rates are between $100 and $300 in this region.
Some tips for hotels near LAX below:
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Inglewood is dangerous?
The neighborhood of Inglewood is a neighbor of LAX Airport and is still where a large American football stadium is located. However, the fame of the neighborhood is not the best.
Is Inglewood dangerous? Can you stay there?
I have never been in person in the region, but I have read several forums and the general recommendation of all places is that it is not worth staying in Inglewood. Yes, the region is dangerous and has a rate of crimes like robberies and rape higher than the average in the United States.
All reviews have mentioned that it is not a place you can walk at night and it is particularly dangerous for women. Keep this in mind if you are thinking of staying in this region.
Conclusion: Where to stay in Los Angeles?
When considering where to stay in Los Angeles, it is essential to take neighborhoods into account and what each has to offer.
Beverly Hills is synonymous with luxury and is ideal for those seeking a high-end experience, with designer designer boutiques and restaurants at their doorstep. Santa Monica offers a charming combination of beach and urban culture, making it perfect for those who want to feel the ocean breeze.
West Hollywood, or WeHo, is the heart of the city’s nightlife and LGBTQ+ culture, filled with vibrant bars, clubs and shops. Downtown LA has seen a renaissance in recent decades and is now full of art, music and gastronomy, ideal for lovers of urban culture.
Finally, Venice Beach is for those who love a bohemian environment, with its famous promenade, street artists and relaxed atmosphere.
Choosing the best hotel in Los Angeles for your trip, just like in any major metropolis, requires a combination of research, reflection on your priorities, and sometimes a little intuition.
Each traveller has their own needs and desires, and LA, with its diversity and grandeur, has something for everyone. By following the tips above, you will not only optimize your stay and be able to dive headfirst into this fantastic city.
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How many days stay in Los Angeles?
It is ideal to stay at least one week in Los Angeles. The city is huge and has a lot of things to do and see. You can start with the classics like Hollywood and Griffith Observatory, but also take the time to explore the Arts District in Downtown LA, which is a full plate for those who enjoy art and culture.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach are a must-see for that California beach vibe, while neighborhoods like Silver Lake offer a more authentic and local experience.
If you are a fan of museums, the Getty Center and LACMA are excellent options. For a more sustainable approach, consider taking an eco-tour or spending a day exploring the city’s second-hand markets. And if you want to get out of the urban environment, a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu or a walk in one of the natural parks on the outskirts of LA can be invigorating experiences.
When is the best time to travel to Los Angeles?
Los Angeles can be visited all year round, but in spring or autumn the weather is more pleasant. Temperatures are usually milder, perfect for exploring the city on foot or enjoying the surrounding areas.
In addition, you will find fewer tourists close by and consequently more empty attractions and more affordable prices. Spring and autumn are also times when Los Angeles usually hosts cultural events, which can further enrich your visit.
Summer is the high season in the city, already winter is colder and also the rainy season.
