Best Hotels in Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas

Updated On October 2, 2023
LA hotel

Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach… 

You can visit them all or stay in Downtown LA and explore all its hidden gems. 

Los Angeles is amazing and famous, glamorous and … terrible at times. 

We’ll explain why.

Traffic jams in LA are sometimes too time-consuming.

Undoubtedly, you want to see the city and have fun instead of sitting in the backseat of a taxi or behind the wheel, have a look at our recommendations.

So we have chosen the most convenient places in LA and neighborhoods that are close to the main attractions and won’t cause you discomfort.

Not only you can stay in a private apartment, but also choose a cheap hostel or a nice cozy hotel.

However, there’s much more to see than what the advertisements and documentaries promise you.

You just need to go to your perfect place.

Hollywood sign
Hollywood sign

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Some places to stay in are close to the city center, the others are rather located in the neighborhoods.

Anyway, every traveler has a plan and a to-do list so you can choose a room accordingly.

In case you have no idea about what to do in Los Angeles because you were too excited about just getting here at any cost, then we have done it for you.

Airbnb: W5- Private Studio in Hollywood nearby Griffith Park to see the Hollywood sign, Thai Town, Walk of Fame and Sunset Boulevard.

Hotel: Grafton on Sunset with a saltwater swimming pool, on-site restaurant with delicious meals, lounge, and concierge service.

The place is perfect for exploring Beverly Hills.

Hostel: Samesun Venice Beach at the seaside with a nice common area, soft beds, and cocktail bar.

Los Angeles To-Do List

  • Walk around downtown LA, a business and cultural district
  • Have dinner in a trendy restaurant
  • Party in the clubs in the neighborhoods
  • Go to Hollywood, home for celebrities and landmarks
  • Drive to West Hollywood to shop in boutiques
  • Do fitness in numerous studio
  • Buy food at the farmer’s markets
  • Go to Santa Monica and Venice Beach from Beverly Hills, and enjoy the Pacific coastline
  • Stop at one of the beautiful beaches
  • Have fun with your kids in main LA theme parks
Los Angeles street
Los Angeles street

Los Angeles Neighborhood Guide

The Best Places to Stay in Los Angeles

A little less than 18 million people live in Los Angeles.

Why is this city so special and famous?

First, adults and kids come here for Disney Resort, Universal Studios, and Knotts Berry Farm theme parks.

Second, couples enjoy luxurious boutiques and restaurants.

Finally, digital nomads make money in the hammocks in the shades of palm trees.

Los Angeles welcomes you to explore its 8 districts and find the highlight in each of them. 

So the best places to stay in LA are Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Hollywood, and West Hollywood, and of course, Downtown LA.

And if you have walked up and down the city, head to the neighborhoods to get more fun and adventures.

Santa Monica pier
Santa Monica pier

5 Outstanding Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

A hotel room with a balcony view of the ocean and a diverse spa program is the priority for many travelers in Los Angeles.

If this is something you are looking for too, then you will find your perfect vacation quarter. 

Since Los Angeles is as large-scale as 1,302 sq km, you will need transportation to get to the neighborhoods.

In fact, we recommend using a taxi or rent a car. 

The reason is, there’s a network of public transportation in the city but you would probably not enjoy the local subway and buses.

1. Hollywood

A view from the Hollywood hill
A view from the Hollywood hill

The most touristic spot in Los Angeles.

Take a selfie against the famous Hollywood sign and buy food from the trucks in the street is typical.

The best places you can stay in to see most of Hollywood are:

Airbnb: W5- Private Studio in Hollywood not far from Griffith Park.

From here, you can see the iconic Hollywood Sign well. 

Hotel: The Moment Hotel in the center of Hollywood with spacious conditioned rooms, a pool outside, and a restaurant.

Hostel: Orange Drive is not far from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Blvd, and luxurious restaurants.

Breakfast is included.

Hollywood To-Do List

  • Walk of Fame
  • Japanese food
  • Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
  • Hollywood Boulevard
  • Hollywood Forever Cemetery
  • Universal Studio Hollywood
  • Griffith Park
  • Museum of Broken Relationships
  • Hollywood sign

2. Venice Beach

Venice Beach
Venice Beach

On the Pacific Ocean, stay in a hotel or hostel that Venice Beach has to offer.

This area welcomes tourists who long for beaches, living like a hippie and immersing in the counter-culture atmosphere.

Besides, tourists often choose Venice Beach to stay in when they are short of money.

If you also travel on a budget, here are some of the best options for you.

Airbnb: Cozy Beach Single w Peek-a-Boo Ocean View-B14 in walking distance to bicycle rentals, coffee shops, and the world-famous boardwalk.

Hotel: Cadillac Hotel in the central part of Venice is also close to the boardwalk, restaurants, shops, and neighborhood attractions. 

Hostel: Samesun Venice Beach can be named a stylish accommodation with great common room, soft beds, and lounge area.

Breakfast included.

Venice Beach To-Do List

  • Venice Beach
  • Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the main street
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk
  • Muscle Beach
  • Venice Canals 
  • Mosaic Tile House
  • Venice skate park

3. Downtown LA

Los Angeles at night
Los Angeles at night

You must be here if you like nightlife, clubs, loud music and the best cuisines in the restaurants.

As a matter of fact, downtown LA has it all.

This is the right place to stay together with your friends or significant other. 

Party all night and drink to madness.

Airbnb: Large CLEAN Trendy DTLA Loft – 1 Bedroom stylish loft apartment with a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, close to public transport and freeways.

Hotel: Miyako Hotel Los Angeles is a three-star hotel with a jacuzzi, a cozy coffee bar, and a restaurant.

Hostel: Freehand Los Angeles is favorably located close to the Downtown with a pool and modern amenities.

LA Downtown To-Do List

  • Staples Centre
  • Eat sushi
  • Sample craft beer
  • Try local whiskey
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles
  • Go to a nightclub
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall

4. West Hollywood

Los Angeles at the sunset
Los Angeles at the sunset

This is the area of fashion.

In West Hollywood, tourists admire vintage stores, buy decorations for their homes, and get fit in the best studios.

Simply put, you can even meet a celebrity at the farmer’s market in West Hollywood while you are eating yummy food and beverages.

Airbnb: Amazing Hillside Guesthouse with Spectacular Views offers a private balcony and beautiful views of Los Angeles.

Hotel: Grafton on Sunset is a favorite place for many tourists and we recommend it too.

Hostel: Banana Bungalow West Hollywood is located on the Melrose Strip to find the most visited bars, shops, and museums.

West Hollywood To-Do List

  • Visit the farmer’s market
  • Enjoy nightlife on Sunset Strip
  • Hike in Runyon Canyon Park
  • Go the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
  • Check the Comedy Store
  • Find quality food and celebrity spotting at Nobu West Hollywood

5. Santa Monica

Santa Monica train
Santa Monica train

In the Western part of Los Angeles, there’s Santa Monica, a great place to stay for families.

Should we mention that Santa Monica is a combination of the city hustle and bustle and relaxed beach holiday air?

Obviously, if you stay here, you will not need to look for shops, restaurants, and amusement areas because everything is at hand.

Airbnb: Master Bedroom + Private BathVenice House is a charming place in Santa Monica with a private bedroom but shared common areas.

Hotel: Travelodge Santa Monica is not far from the shops, main Santa Monica attractions, and eateries.

Hostel: Ocean Park Hotel is a relatively cheap accommodation close to the beach and to bars, and stores.

Santa Monica To-Do List

  • Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
  • Pacific Park solar Ferris wheel
  • Museum of Flying
  • Farmer’s Market
  • History Museum
  • Camera Obscura Art Lab
  • Tongva Park

Before You Leave

Los Angeles has something for everyone. 

Are you here for a smooth family vacation on the beach?

Have you arrived to try out world-famous cuisines in the streets of Hollywood?

Would you like to spot a movie star choosing artichokes at the farmer’s market?

Los Angeles is waiting for you.

Los Angeles Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Los Angeles Safety Review

Safety Index:
56
  • OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
  • MUGGING RISK: HIGH
  • TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
  • SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

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