Where to Stay in Los Angeles - The Best Areas & Hotels
Los Angeles, California, is a buzzing metropolis with a population of nearly 4 million people in the city alone. With diverse neighborhoods and a total land area that covers 469 square miles, it’s important to know where to stay when coming to the City of Angels.
Being close to the attractions you are coming to see, as well as finding a neighborhood that is safe and close to restaurants and shopping are all important factors when considering where to book your accommodations.
Additionally, finding where to stay in Los Angeles that fits your budget is important when planning your vacation. Whether you’ve come to discover the Hollywood scene, or plan on hitting the beach, there’s something for everyone in this sunny Californian city.
Here’s our guide to where to stay in Los Angeles, complete with recommendations that are close to major attractions and the best things to do in Los Angeles.
You might also like to check out our 48 Hours in Los Angeles Itinerary!
Where to Stay in Los Angeles – The Five Best Neighborhoods
1) Downtown Los Angeles
If you’re looking for where the action is, look no further than to stay in LA’s vibrant downtown. With trendy restaurants and a bar scene, Downtown LA is where to stay in Los Angeles for those who plan on making the most of their nights.
The most historic district in LA, Downtown LA is home to the Arts District, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo—all attractions worthy of putting on any traveler’s list. A mix of high rises and architectural icons, such as Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown has all the class and ambiance LA evokes.
Here’s a round-up of best places to stay in Los Angeles Downtown for the luxury, mid-range, and budget traveler.
Best Hotels in Los Angeles, Downtown
Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles (starting at $489)
You can never go wrong with the consistent hospitality of The Ritz-Carlton. Their LA luxury hotel offers their unprecedented comfort in the heart of LA, complete with the ambiance of Hollywood glamor. Check out the sunset from a westward facing room, or head to their 24th-floor lounge to catch the view of LA lights.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – The Ritz-Carlton
Mid-range: Ace Hotel (starting at $199)
Ace Hotel embodies the New Downtown that is on the rise in this centrally located district of LA. With Art Deco and Spanish influences in the aesthetic, Ace Hotel is housed in an old film studio. An onsite restaurant, rehabbed theater, and trendy boutique selling LA fashion, helps to define Ace Hotel as cool.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Ace Hotel
Budget: PodShare Arts District (starting at $75)
A unique twist on classic youth hostels, PodShare is a co-living community, so be prepared to make new friends. Within walking distance to all that downtown has to offer, PodShare provides free breakfast, complimentary WiFi and a co-working space, as well as a shared kitchen.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – PodShare
2) Hollywood
Hollywood is the where to stay in Los Angeles experience for first timers or for those who are captivated by the film industry. Once an independent city, Hollywood is now considered part of LA and offers the chance to tour Universal Studios, or to drive down iconic Sunset Boulevard.
Also home to Runyon Canyon Park, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Griffith Park Observatory, Hollywood is a great choice when visiting LA.
Best Hotels in Los Angeles, Hollywood
Luxury: The Hollywood Roosevelt (starting at $220)
Within walking distance to major Hollywood attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Hollywood Roosevelt is cool as a cucumber. Reserve a poolside room, check out the hotel nightclub and multiple bars, or relax on the Egyptian cotton sheets.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – The Hollywood Roosevelt
Mid-Range: Elaine’s Hollywood Bed and Breakfast (starting at $160)
Cute as a button, Elaine’s Hollywood Bed and Breakfast is set in a 1910 California bungalow, and offers a personal touch not always found at hotels. With free parking, continental breakfast, and accessibility to Hollywood’s major attractions, Elaine’s Hollywood Bed and Breakfast is an off-the-beaten-path gem.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Elaine’s Hollywood Bed and Breakfast
Budget: Banana Bungalow Hollywood (starting at $58)
Banana Bungalow Hollywood is a little bit quirky, but a lot of fun. A youth hostel aimed at backpackers, Banana Bungalow sits directly on Hollywood Boulevard and is known for bright colored walls as a trademark of its personality. Grab a drink at their Tiki Garden & Patio, or belt it out on Banana Bungalow’s karaoke stage.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Banana Bungalow Hollywood
3) Venice Beach
Venice Beach offers a change of pace for those who are in LA seeking the sun and sand. With boardwalks that replicate the canals of Venice, Venice Beach is where to stay in Los Angeles if you enjoy simple luxuries in life, such as people watching. Also home to LA’s hippie vibe, relax and unwind in Venice Beach.
Best Hotels in Los Angeles, Venice Beach
Luxury: The Kinney Venice Beach (starting at $247)
With bright and colorful murals greeting you upon arrival, The Kinney Venice Beach is great for those who adore a luxurious yet contemporary stay. With bicycle rentals, an outdoor fire pit, outdoor heated pool, and ping pong tables, relaxation is the name of the game at The Kinney. Less than a mile from the Venice Beach boardwalk, The Kinney has you perfectly set for enjoyment.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – The Kinney Venice Beach
Mid-Range: Venice Breeze Suites (starting at $172)
Set in the action of Venice Beach boardwalk, Venice Breeze Suites offers a convenient and affordable stay. Keeping it budget-friendly, additional services such as concierge are cut at Venice Breeze Suites, although amenities such as in-suite kitchens make this accommodation a standout. A rooftop deck with access to a barbeque, with a wet bar makes Venice Beach Suites all the more fun.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Venice Breeze Suites
Budget: Samesun Venice Beach (starting at $70)
Known for being clean and spacious, Samesun Venice Beach is the best bet for hostel-style travelers. Directly on the waterfront, life couldn’t be better than at Samesun. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and the option of shared or private rooms.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Samesun Venice Beach
4) Beverly Hills
With renowned boutique shopping and an unparalleled food scene, Beverly Hills is where to stay in Los Angeles if you want to rub elbows with Hollywood glitz and glamour. Take a drive through Beverly Hills to map out your favorite celeb’s homes. Or head to Rodeo Drive to do some high-end shopping. Additionally, Beverly Garden Park is a beautiful natural spot where you can bask in the beauty of well-manicured roses.
Best Hotels in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills
Luxury: The Peninsula Beverly Hills (starting at $615)
Stately and with the air of sophistication, The Peninsula at Beverly Hills will have you feeling as though you stepped into one of Hollywood’s classic films. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings by way of the complimentary driving service. Or enjoy afternoon tea after a massage at The Peninsula’s spa.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – The Peninsula at Beverly Hills
Mid-Range: Hotel Beverly Terrace (starting at $279)
A gorgeous aesthetic greets you at Hotel Beverly Terrace, with lush outdoors spaces and stunning private rooms. The delicious Cafe Amici, Hotel Beverly Terrace’s Italian restaurant, makes dining in a winning choice. A continental breakfast offered each morning and onsite parking add to the ease of Hotel Beverly Terrace.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Hotel Beverly Terrace
Budget: Cinema Suites Bed & Breakfast (starting at $125)
Enjoy a room in Cinema Suite’s Mediterranean-style home, that offers a freshly prepared breakfast. Clean and with a bohemian touch, Cinema Suites Bed & Breakfast has four bedrooms as well as a private guest house. Walk to the LA County Museum of Art, or catch the bus to Rodeo Drive.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Cinema Suites Bed & Breakfast
5) Santa Monica
Where to stay in Los Angeles for families, Santa Monica is a slower-paced slice of LA life, within reach to restaurants and shopping. Beautiful oceanside accommodations await you in Santa Monica, a former retreat for LA urbanites. Great for art-lovers, Santa Monica boasts some 40 art galleries.
Best Hotels in Los Angeles, Santa Monica
Luxury: Huntley Santa Monica Beach (starting at $329)
If you’re looking for ocean views and a place to pamper yourself, look no further than Huntley Santa Monica Beach. Just five minutes walking to the 3rd Street Promenade, Huntley Santa Monica Beach is conveniently located and offers rooftop dining, and an onsite fitness center. Drive to nearby Malibu or head to Beverly Hills to gain perspective on the beauty of LA.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Huntley Santa Monica Beach
Mid-Range: Bayside Hotel (starting at $195)
A great place to stay if you’re looking to be as close to the beach as possible, Bayside Hotel is a bright and spacious boutique hotel. With dog-friendly rooms, Bayside Hotel is perfect for the whole family. Quintessential Southern California, the hotel is adorned in whites and bright blues that make you certain you’ve arrived at the oceanside.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Bayside Hotel
Budget: Seaview Hotel (starting at $88)
With an almost unprecedented nightly price for the views and level of cleanliness offered, Seaview Hotel should be on any traveler’s list. With a vintage vibe, but modern standards of care, Seaview Hotel is just steps away from the beach. A rooftop deck is great for tanning at, and free parking makes your stay at Seaview Hotel a breeze.
CHECK HERE FOR AVAILABILITY – Seaview Hotel
Conclusion
Los Angeles is as diverse and wonderful as the people who inhabit it. With a range of neighborhoods and attractions that offer great choices at every price point, you’ll be sure to find the accommodation you seek. From beachside hotels to upscale highrises in Downtown LA, this list of where to stay in Los Angeles has you covered.
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About the Author
Marina Yoveva is originally from Bulgaria but she considers herself a citizen of the world. Having traveled to over 20 countries, she loves writing about her adventures, experiences, and tips on Exploreist.com
