Where to stay in Los Angeles? The best areas and hotels

0

Voyage Tips - Advice

Searching for hotels in Los Angeles and short on time? Discover travelers’ favorite hotels in Los Angeles on Booking.com by clicking here!

Pro tip: Book quickly, they go fast!

And for an extensive guide on where to stay in Los Angeles, including my top hotel picks, read my detailed article.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Los Angeles? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Los Angeles very well, I have created this guide of:

  • Los Angeles’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
  • For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Los Angeles

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Los Angeles, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

In Hollywood

Hollywood is undoubtedly the most famous district in Los Angeles.

No surprise there, as it’ where you will find the most famous attractions and activities in the city!

During the day, it is very touristic and lively, but becomes much quieter in the evening.

This district is ideal for staying in Los Angeles:

  • Because it’s an excellent starting point to see the main tourist attractions
  • To easily reach other Los Angeles districts by metro
  • If it’s your first time visiting Los Angeles.

Things to Do in Hollywood:

  • Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame: This renowned sidewalk has over 2,600 brass stars embedded into the pavement, each dedicated to personalities from the entertainment industry (movie, television, sports, music…).
  • TCL Chinese Theatre, which features numerous celebrity handprints
  • Griffith Observatory, for a photo with the iconic Hollywood Sign
  • Hollyridge Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails weaving through the Hollywood Hills
  • Universal Studios Hollywood: the sets are impressive and the attractions are top-notch!
  • Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood: the tour includes stops on the soundstages of TV shows and movies, a visit to the Central Perk set from the series “Friends”, and an interactive experience focused on the DC universe and the Harry Potter franchise.
  • The numerous souvenir shops.

Here are my favorite hotels in Hollywood

  • El Royale Hotel: Located close to Universal Studios. Comfortable and spacious double rooms from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, free parking, comfortable beds. A great choice for its excellent value for money!
  • Thompson Hollywood, by Hyatt: Located 10 minutes from the Hollywood Museum, in the heart of the district. Bright double rooms from 230€ per night, breakfast 17€. Strong points: the swimming pool (perfect for the heat!), the bar and restaurant, the modern decoration.
  • Loews Hollywood Hotel: Next to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Charming double rooms, some with views of the Hollywood Sign, from 255€, breakfast 33€. Strong points: heated pool, location, direct access to the mall with numerous restaurants and a casino.
  • Pendry West Hollywood: This 5-star hotel on Sunset Boulevard offers sublime rooms elegantly decorated with large windows. From 400€ per night, breakfast 56€. Strong points: rooftop pool, views of Los Angeles, hotel design. This is my recommendation for a high-end stay in Los Angeles!
  • Chateau Marmont: Wonderful chateau-style boutique hotel located at the foot of iconic Sunset Boulevard. Enjoy the discreet luxury of its warm rooms from 540€ per night, breakfast 36€. Strong points: beautiful common areas, decor and ambiance, exceptional service. Undoubtedly one of the most prestigious hotels in Hollywood, for an unforgettable night!
Pendry West Hollywood, Swimming pool
Pendry West Hollywood, Swimming pool

In Santa Monica / Venice

If you’re wondering where to stay in Los Angeles near the beach, I recommend choosing accommodation in Santa Monica or Venice district.

These two areas, adjacent to each other, line the most famous beach in Los Angeles: Venice Beach.

The place is extremely lively, at all hours of the day and night, and offers plenty of shops and restaurants.

I recommend this area for staying in Los Angeles:

  • If you’re looking for a lively place
  • If you enjoy walking around
  • For its friendly atmosphere
  • For going out at night
  • For a romantic getaway.

The area is the perfect spot to discover:

  • The famous Venice Beach
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk with its street artists, outdoor fitness areas, skate park, and shops
  • Santa Monica Pier where you’ll find a small amusement park and a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the entire coast
  • Venice Canals: a network of waterways built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney, aiming to recreate the look and feel of Venice, Italy, in Southern California.
  • Downtown Santa Monica and its pleasant shopping street with numerous boutiques
  • Enjoying stunning sunsets.

Where to stay in the Santa Monica / Venice area

  • Venice Breeze Suites: Nice accommodations located across the street from Venice Beach. Spacious suites from 260€ per night. Strong points: views from the rooftop terrace, kitchenette and BBQ area, close to bars and restaurants. Hands down my top choice for value for money in Venice.
  • Venice V Hotel: Located 5 minutes from Muscle beach. Spacious rooms from 300€ per night. Strong points: loan of bicycles, umbrellas and towels, ocean views, good location.
  • Huntley Santa Monica Beach: Located next to Santa Monica Beach. Double room, some with ocean view, from 340€ per night, delicious breakfast 22€. Strong points: airport transfer, great attention from staff, good restaurant in the penthouse.
  • Casa Del Mar: This gorgeous 5-star hotel is located on the beachfront. Enjoy its Mediterranean interiors from 700€ per night. Strong points: beautiful swimming pool, wonderful spa, daily oyster bar, nice decor. An excellent choice pour a luxury stay in L.A!
  • Shutters On The Beach: A magnificent 5-star hotel located directly on the beach in Santa Monica. Rooms with balcony, some with ocean views from 880€, breakfast 46€. Strong points: the views, the good restaurant, the style of the hotel, the pool, the attentive staff. My favorite hotel for a luxury stay in Santa Monica (Los Angeles)!
casa del mar Santa Monica
Casa del mar Santa Monica

In Beverly Hills

When I say “Beverly Hills,” you immediately think of fabulous shops and luxury hotels.

Well, you’re right! Beverly Hills is simply the most upscale neighborhood to stay in Los Angeles.

If you’re willing to pay the price, you can stay in some of the city’s most beautiful hotels such as the Four Seasons and the Waldorf Astoria.

You’ll love this neighborhood:

  • If you’re not afraid to spend money
  • For luxury shopping
  • To potentially spot international celebrities!

Not to be missed in Beverly Hills:

  • A guided bus tour of the most well-known Beverly Hills mansions.
  • Rodeo Drive, the neighborhood’s main street, lined with prestigious shops
  • Beverly Gardens Park, for a photo in front of the “Beverly Hills” sign
  • The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where the famous romantic comedy “Pretty Woman,” starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, was filmed.
  • The Getty Center, featuring a large collection of artworks, from medieval times to more contemporary pieces
  • Beverly Hills City Hall, a beautiful colonial-style building
  • The Grove, an outdoor shopping center.

Beverly Hills’ most beautiful hotels

  • Montrose at Beverly Hills: Located just 10 minutes from West Hollywood Park. Double room from 290€ per night. Strong points: private kitchen, good location, family atmosphere, nice terrace – A great choice for family stays in LA!
  • Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: Beautiful urban resort across from the Beverly Center. Room from 330€ per night, breakfast 37€. Strong points: spa, swimming pool, private parking, great shows at its award-winning Lounge Bar.
  • L’Ermitage Beverly Hills: Wonderful suites located a few minutes’ drive from the Los Angeles Museum of Art. Spend a luxurious stay in its discreet facilities from 740€ per night. Strong points: swimming pool, free transfers in the city, flexible check in, very professional staff.
  • The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection: While in L.A, don’t miss the opportunity to stay at the famous “Pink Palace” on Sunset Boulevard, with its elegant suites and bungalows from 1,010€ per night. Strong points: its upscale Polo Lounge, charming staff and beautiful decor, impeccable service. One of Los Angeles most iconic hotels!
  • Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel: This is a gem of quiet luxury across the street from Rodeo Drive. You’ll find sophisticated rooms from 1,075€ per night. Strong points: The swimming pool, the CUT Lounge with its Michelin star, very good facilities, free airport shuttle. Simply the best luxury hotel in Beverly Hills!
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

In Downtown LA district

Downtown district is Los Angeles’s historic city center.

Here you’ll find historic buildings and some of the city’s most famous museums.

However, it is a bit off-center compared to Hollywood or Santa Monica, though well-served by public transportation.

Note that during the day, Downtown is also a business district, so there’s no problem wandering around.

But at night, it’s less lively and there are quite a few drug addicts and homeless people around. So you should stay in this district only if you don’t plan on staying out or returning too late.

You should stay in Downtown LA:

  • If you’re an art lover
  • If you’re into culture and history
  • To easily travel by metro throughout the city.

Best places to see in Downtown L.A:

  • Bradbury Building: this historic building, built in 1893, is famous for its unique ironwork, stunning woodwork, and the beautiful light that filters through its glass roof. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in L.A.!
  • Grand Central Market: a paradise for food lovers, with over 30 vendors offering everything from traditional Latin American dishes to modern Californian cuisine.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and its extraordinary collection of contemporary works, including pieces by Rothko, Warhol, and Koons.
  • The Broad, a contemporary art museum renowned for its post-war art collections and dynamic architecture.
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall: a must-see for its striking design and acoustic excellence.
  • Los Angeles City Hall: the observation deck on the 27th floor offers one of the best free views of Los Angeles.
  • Olvera Street where local vendors sell traditional Mexican handicrafts, clothing, and delicious street food.
  • Dodger Stadium, one of the oldest Major League baseball stadiums.

Best accommodations in Downtown Los Angeles

  • The Metric – Los Angeles Downtown: Located a 15-minute drive from The Broad museum. Clean and minimalist rooms from 180€ per night. Strong points: very clean, private parking, comfortable beds – An excellent choice for a stay in downtown Los Angeles without breaking the bank!
  • Park Plaza Hostel: Located near LACMA and the Farmers Market. Modern and comfortable double room from 190€. Strong points: pool, parking, ideal location for exploring the city.
  • The Hoxton, Downtown LA: Located a 10-minute drive from Grand Central Market. Warm double rooms from 220€ per night. Strong points: free bicycles, relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Perfect if you’re visiting L.A as a couple!
  • citizenM Los Angeles Downtown: Located in downtown Los Angeles, 400 meters from City Hall. Contemporary double room with bright decor and a large window overlooking the city, from 260€, breakfast 19€. Strong points: design, friendly staff, panoramic views of Los Angeles.
  • Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel: Lodging with a lot of personality located a 10-minute walk from the GRAMMY Museum. Enjoy a mix of art deco and contemporary art inside, rooms available from 310€ per night, breakfast 22€. Strong points: amazing views of the city skyline, great atmosphere at the rooftop bar, great service. Simply my favorite hotel in downtown Los Angeles!
Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel
Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel

Where to Stay in Los Angeles on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget, here’s a selection of affordable hotels to stay in Los Angeles:

  • Orange Drive Hostel: Located around the corner from the Madame Tussauds Museum. Bunk beds in shared dormitory from 40€ per night. Strong points: warm staff, excellent location in Hollywood, impeccable.
  • HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel: Located 200 meters from Santa Monica beach. Beds in dorms from 50€. Strong points: cleanliness, location near the sea.
  • The Rosemary: Located in East Hollywood, close to the subway. Double room from 120€ per night. Strong points: well connected, quiet area, quirky decor.
  • FOUND Hotel, Santa Monica: Located in West Los Angeles, near Santa Monica. Double room from 160€ per night. Strong points: modern, quiet neighborhood, comfortable beds. The perfect choice for an affordable stay in Los Angeles!
FOUND Hotel, Santa Monica, cheap hotel
FOUND Hotel, Santa Monica, cheap hotel

Where to Stay in Los Angeles with Family

  • Palihouse West Hollywood: Located a 5-minute walk from the Beverly Center. Room with 2 double beds from 390€ per night. Strong points: close to the Farmers Market, relaxed atmosphere, lovely pool.
  • Shore Hotel: Located 5 minutes from the Santa Monica Pier. Premier room with 2 double beds and ocean view from 420€ per night. Strong points: heated pool, close to Pacific Park amusement park, the Aquarium and the Cayton Museum for kids. One of my favorites hotels for a family stay in Los Angeles!
  • The Beverly Hilton: Located very close to Rodeo Drive. Spacious rooms with 2 double beds from 440€ per night, breakfast 27€. Strong points: rich breakfast, airport transfers, good location.
  • Pendry West Hollywood: Located on Sunset Boulvard. Quadruple room with city views from 590€ per night. Strong points: beautiful terrace with solarium and pool, great decor, great restaurant, attentive staff.
Pendry West Hollywood, Hollywood
Pendry West Hollywood, Hollywood

What is the best hotel in Los Angeles?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Los Angeles, I recommend you The Beverly Hills Hotel

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you shoud book a night or more at Casa Del Mar for a stay next to the beach, or at the Pendry West Hollywood, if you’re looking to stay in Hollywood district.

Where to stay in Los Angeles: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Los Angeles, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel DistrictPrice (from)
Hotel El Royale Hollywood190$
Thompson Hollywood, by Hyatt Hollywood230$
Hotel Loews Hollywood Hollywood255$
Pendry West Hollywood Hollywood400$
Chateau Marmont Hollywood540$
Venice Breeze Suites Santa Mónica / Venice260$
Venice V Hotel Santa Mónica / Venice300$
Huntley Santa Monica Beach Santa Mónica / Venice340$
Casa Del Mar Santa Mónica / Venice700$
Shutters On The Beach Santa Mónica / Venice880$
Montrose at Beverly Hills Beverly Hills290$
Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Beverly Hills330$
L'Ermitage Beverly Hills Beverly Hills670$
The Beverly Hills Hotel Beverly Hills1010$
Beverly WilshireBeverly Hills1075$
The Metric - Los Angeles Downtown Downtown LA180$
Hostal Park Plaza Downtown LA190$
The Hoxton, Downtown LA Downtown LA220$
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown Downtown LA260$
Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel Downtown LA310$
Orange Drive Hostel Cheap Hotel40$
Hostal HI Los Angeles - Santa Monica Cheap Hotel50$
The Rosemary Cheap Hotel120$
FOUND Hotel, Santa Monica Cheap Hotel160$
Palihouse West Hollywood Hotel for families390$
Shore Hotel Hotel for families420$
The Beverly Hilton Hotel for families440$
Pendry West Hollywood Hotel for families590$
Book your trip now and save money!

You’re traveling in the US? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about USA: All my articles to help you plan your trip to USA are listed there.

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

best area to stay in a Los Angeles
best area to stay in a Los Angeles
Anonymous

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Leave A Reply