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Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles California, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, found in Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, and Downtown LA. Hostelworld.com

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Chain hotels with standard amenities across major neighborhoods. IHG Hotels

  • Boutique Hotels

    Stylish, unique hotels with distinctive design, in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Silver Lake.

  • Luxury Hotels

    High-end properties with premium services and amenities. Booking.com

Other Accommodation

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments, houses, private rooms, cost-effective for groups or longer stays. Vrbo, Booking.com

  • Historic Hotels

    Downtown LA (Millennium Biltmore) and Hollywood (Hollywood Roosevelt) hotels display city past.

  • Beachfront Resorts

    Hotels near the beach in Santa Monica or Malibu with ocean views.

  • Camping & Glamping

    Campsites in the nearby national/state parks or glamping more distant.

Neighborhood Guide

Los Angeles is a collection of various areas, each offering an unique character and appeal for visitors.

Hollywood

Pros
  • Proximity to major attractions
  • Lively nightlife
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Easy access to Universal Studios
Cons
  • Very touristy
  • Can be noisy
  • Some areas are less appealing
  • Crowded sidewalks

Santa Monica

Pros
  • Beach access and relaxed atmosphere
  • Walkable area
  • Good public transit
  • Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade
Cons
  • Can be expensive
  • Traffic to other LA parts
  • Often cooler and foggier
  • Busy beach areas

Downtown LA DTLA

Pros
  • Central for public transit
  • Cultural attractions (museums, theaters)
  • Grand Central Market
  • Revitalized city center
Cons
  • Can feel impersonal
  • Some areas less safe at night
  • Heavy traffic
  • Busy during day

Neighborhood Considerations

Safety & Awareness

Generally, tourist-frequented areas are safe. Petty crime can occur anywhere. In Downtown LA, exercise caution east of Main Street after dark. Always be aware of surroundings.

Proximity to Attractions & Noise

Hollywood nice for attractions and Metro Red Line. Santa Monica for beach activities and Metro E Line. DTLA an excellent Metro hub. Noise levels vary greatly by area.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices help secure accommodation at favorable rates.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Summer, Holidays): Book 3-6 months in advance.
  • Shoulder Season: Book 1-3 months in advance for deals.
  • Low Season: Book 1 month or less in advance for flexibility.
  • Flexibility: More options and last-minute deals in low season.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Global Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda are reliable.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb, Vrbo have a range of options.
  • Hotel Chains: Book directly through hotel websites for loyalty. IHG Hotels
  • Local Info: Discover Los Angeles (DiscoverLA.com) for official tourism.

Important Policies & Fluctuations

Security DEPOSIT & Cancellation terms
  • Most hotels require credit card guarantee.
  • Vacation rentals often require a security deposit.
  • Cancellation policies vary (e.g., free up to 24-72 hours).
  • Always read terms carefully for non-refundable rates.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices significantly higher in summer (June-August).
  • Higher around major holidays (Christmas/New Year, Coachella).
  • Lowest prices in late fall and winter (Nov-Feb, holidays excluded).
  • Booking during the off-peak periods can yield good deals.

Note on Negotiation

Walk-in Rates

Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not customary at established hotels in Los Angeles.

Set Prices

Prices are usually fixed, notably for hotels with online presence.

Economy Motels

Some budget motels might offer limited flexibility, but it's not a common expectation.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for different sorts of travelers and budgets in Los Angeles.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget Hostels

Social opportunities and low cost.

  • HI Los Angeles Santa Monica (Hostelworld.com)
  • The Samesun Hollywood
  • Mid-City Inn (Motel)
  • Various motels along Sepulveda or Sunset Blvd
Mid-Range Options

Comfortable and reliable with good amenities.

  • The Line Hotel (Koreatown)
  • Palihotel Melrose (West Hollywood)
  • Courtyard by Marriott (various locations)
  • The Garland (North Hollywood)

Luxury & Family Choices

Luxury Hotels

Iconic and modern high-end experiences.

  • The Beverly Wilshire (Beverly Hills)
  • The Hollywood Roosevelt (Hollywood)
  • The Edition West Hollywood
  • Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Family-Friendly Stays

Space and convenience for families.

  • Hotels in Santa Monica or Anaheim (for Disneyland)
  • Vacation rentals with multiple bedrooms (Vrbo, Booking.com)
  • Hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Properties with pools and family suites

Solo & Long-Stay Options

  • Solo Traveler

    Hostels in Santa Monica/Hollywood for social opportunities. Boutique hotels in West Hollywood/Silver A lake for independent vibe. DTLA hotels for transit.

  • Extended-Stay Hotels

    Brands like Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, and Element by Westin offer suites with kitchens for longer visits.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Airbnb/Vrbo provide weekly or monthly discounts for apartments or houses, offering a home-like experience.

  • Furnished Apartments

    Various companies concentrate on short-term furnished apartment rentals for longer stays.

Culturally Significant Properties

  • The Hollywood Roosevelt

    Hosted the first Academy Awards, classic Hollywood glamor.

  • Millennium Biltmore Hotel

    Grand historic hotel in Downtown LA, featured in many films.

  • Hotel Figueroa

    Historic Downtown LA hotel with Spanish Colonial architecture.

  • Chateau Marmont

    Infamous for celebrity stays and scandals, a true Hollywood icon.

Beyond the City

Trusted Housesitters

Consider house or pet sitting for an unique stay experience.

  • Exchange services for accommodation.
  • Good for longer stays.
  • Experience local living.
  • TrustedHousesitters
The Langham Huntington

Historic luxury resort in Pasadena with beautiful gardens, a serene escape from city bustle.

  • Serene escape in Pasadena.
  • Historic luxury resort.
  • Beautiful gardens.
  • Peaceful ambiance.

Booking Tip

Check Local Regulations

Be aware of local short-term rental rules, which vary by city within LA County. Research these before booking.

Read Reviews

Thoroughly read guest feedback to gauge property quality and accuracy of descriptions.

Consider Loyalty Programs

Direct bookings with hotel chains can earn loyalty points and perks.