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Where to Stay in Los Angeles

ByAnnaEverywhere Hours Updated on:
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When traveling to the nation’s center of the film and entertainment industry, you surely will want to stay in the most exciting areas this giant city has to offer.

Los Angeles is the second most populated city in the US, so finding the perfect place during your stay can be hard. But from the trendiest neighborhoods to the classic old Hollywood spots, LA has something for everyone.

Are you ready to explore everything the city of angels has to offer, learn some fun facts, and check out the best spots in the city? Keep reading for the ultimate where to stay in Los Angeles guide.

Head over to “The City of Angels” to experience firsthand the glitz and glam, and the potential to spot your favorite celeb! LA has a place for all, whether you want to spend the day shopping, sightseeing, celeb hunting, or on the beach, you can do it all here!

How do I know what am I talking about? Simply put: I used to live in Los Angeles. Before I moved to LA I also visited the city million times and stayed in different areas, so can tell you things from both local and tourist perspectives.

Best Hotels in Los Angeles

Best Luxury Hotels in Los Angeles
Dream Hollywood • The Maybourne Beverly Hills • Shutters on The Beach • Beverly Hills Hotel

Best Boutique or Mid-Range Hotels in Los Angeles
Venice V Hotel•  Hotel Erwin • The Wayfarer, DTLA

Best Cheap Accommodation in Los Angeles
The Kinney – Venice Beach • Sixty Beverly Hills • Gateway Hotel Santa Monica

★ First Time in Los Angeles? Stay in Hollywood, especially if you’re young

★ Best Neighbourhood in Los Angeles for Families: Stay anywhere in Santa Monica.

★ Local Neighborhood in Los Angeles: Venice Beach or Silver Lake

★ Best for Nightlife in Los Angeles: West Hollywood

★ Layover in Los Angeles? Culver City

★ Best for Quiet: Malibu or Bel Air

How To Get Around Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is one of the easiest cities to get around! With so many methods of transportation to choose from, it’s easy to not even think about transport till the last minute.

The Los Angeles Metro is the second largest public transportation network in the country (but let’s not be fooled, it’s not good like in Europe so still recommend getting a car because without a car getting anywhere will take forever).

Tickets or cards for public transport routes can easily be purchased online at the Metros TAPToGo site. These TAP cards can be easily reloaded online or at over 100 locations throughout the city.

You’ll also find bright green-colored bikes all over the city that can be rented by the hour or in 30-minute slots using the Metro TAP card. These bikes are usually for shorter durations and require you to download the Metro Bike Share App.

There’s also the touristy Hop on Hop off bus that stops at all the major attractions in LA. You can book tickets for the Red Route (Hollywood Loop) or the Blue Route (Beach Loop). The 48-hour Deluxe ticket is the best choice!

Another popular means of transport is the local taxis. There are almost a dozen taxi companies plying in Los Angeles, so from regular cabs to limos, you have a range to choose from. However, these taxis are only allowed to pick up rides in specific areas, so you must call in advance or use an app to book one.

Of course, the easiest mode of transport is to rent a car and drive around yourself. This way, you don’t have to worry about sticking to schedules or getting anywhere by a particular time!

1. Hollywood

How could there be a “where to stay in LA” list without Hollywood? No visit to Los Angeles will be complete without touring one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world.

The standard may vary – you’ll have cheap and small apartments in some parts and then some of the nicest in the world in Hollywood Hills.

Top 3 Activities in Hollywood:

  • The Hollywood Walk of Fame gives visitors the chance to feel close to their favorite stars. The permanent public monuments to achievement attract millions of visitors each year. From musicians, actors, directors, producers, to fictional characters, if they have a star on Hollywood Boulevard, they’ve made it!
  • Get tickets for a ​TV show taping to immerse yourself in the Hollywood experience. Get up close and personal with celebs, and even score free tickets to be in the audience of a sitcom, talk show, or game show. But incase you don’t make it inside, don’t worry. Do something similar! Go on a tour of the Warner Bros studio and pretend you’re Phoebe chilling at Central Perk or climb aboard Harry Potter’s broomstick.
  • Learn about some insane world records at the Guinness World Records Museum. From the amazing to the disgusting, the museum is home to thousands of world record holders from all over the world.

Fun Facts About Hollywood:

  • In 1923, the famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign read “HOLLYWOODLAND.” The sign was changed in 1949 to the one all recognize today.
  • There are more than 2,600 stars on the Walk of Fame. Will you find your favorite?
  • Hollywood is considered to be the “home” of the US film industry. Today, aspiring actors from all over the world move out to LA to hopefully make it big in Hollywood one day.

Where to Stay in Hollywood

Luxury Hotels in Hollywood

Kimpton Everly Hotel, an IHG Hotel
Featuring a terrace with views of downtown LA, Hollywood Hills, and the iconic Hollywood sign, this stylish hotel offers spacious rooms, suites, and studio apartments. Guests have access to a year-round pool, a specialty cocktail bar, and complimentary wine from 5 PM to 6 PM! There are also bicycles that can be used free of charge to visit nearby attractions.

Dream Hollywood
Looking like a dream, this hotel has a sun terrace and rooftop pool next to which meals are served. The sophisticated hotel is a short walk from the Capitol Records building and Dolby Theatre and has perfect views of the Hollywood Sign.

Loews Hollywood Hotel
Just a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Dolby Theatre, this fantastic hotel offers luxurious rooms. Guests enjoy California-inspired cuisine at the onsite restaurants and have access to the best amenities as well as a sun terrace and rooftop pool.

Mid-range & Budget Hotels in Hollywood

Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills Hotel
Perfectly located just off the freeway, this hotel offers views of the Hollywood Sign. Spacious rooms include refrigerators and every necessary amenity. Guests can grab a meal at the diner-style 101 Coffee shop that serves traditional American food, beer, wine, and coffee.

Hollywood Historic Hotel
Built back in 1927, many of the rooms still feature the original fixtures and furnishings from those days. If you want a stay in vintage surroundings that take you back to the Old Hollywood days, stay here. And don’t forget to stop for a craft cocktail at the onsite 1920s Edmon bar.

Palihotel Melrose
This urban boutique hotel is within a 2 km walk from many attractions and offers spacious rooms and suites, some with terraces. Plus it’s right in the heart of the Melrose Shopping District!

2. Venice

Venice Beach is perfect for anyone looking to soak up some of that California sunshine while on their visit to LA.

Venice has a mix of attractions and activities for the whole family and is one of the most popular destinations for folks visiting Los Angeles.

From fun in the sun and fantastic shopping to stunning artwork, Venice is one of LA’s top neighborhoods.

Many people flock to Venice if they’re looking for a relaxing stay during their time in California. It’s almost impossible to feel stressed out in the laid-back atmosphere of Venice.

If you have the time, you can also take some surfing lessons on Venice Beach or go kayaking with sea lions in Marina Del Ray.

Top 3 Activities in Venice Beach:

  • Be sure to check out the famous Muscle Beach where locals love to come and flex their muscles at the outdoor gym.
  • Take a stroll on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Shops, restaurants, skateboarders, and street performers provide all-day entertainment.
  • Catch a tan! If you are in Venice for a vacation, take the time to bask in the sunshine. Many say it’s similar to being on the Mediterranean Sea!

Fun Facts About Venice Beach:

  • It was named after Venice, Italy.
  • Around 28,000 to 30,000 people visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk and parks nearby every day.
  • Venice was founded in 1905 and was intended to be a seaside resort town.

Where to Stay in Venice Beach

Mid-range Hotels in Venice Beach

Hotel Erwin
A short walk from the Venice Beach Boardwalk and the Venice Skate Park, this hotel overlooks the Pacific ocean. The onsite High Rooftop Lounge is the only rooftop bar on Venice Beach, and the perfect place to watch the sunset. Try to pick a room or suite with a balcony and ocean view!

Inn At Venice Beach
A short walk from Venice Beach, this urban accommodation is within walking distance of restaurants, stores, and shops. Vibrant rooms and suites include balconies, fridges, and coffee makers.

Budget Hotels in Venice Beach

The Kinney – Venice Beach
This artfully decorated hotel is fabulously vibrant and colorful. Guests enjoy access to a private outdoor area with a fire pit, ping pong tables, and a heated pool. Rooms and suites are equipped with fridges and coffee makers and microwaves are available on request. Plus, the beach is 1.5 km away.

Venice V Hotel
This 1915 landmark turned hotel was once a hangout for the Hollywood elite. Bright and colorful rooms and bungalows feature ocean views, and some also have ocean-view walk-in showers. There is no pool, but with the beach just outside, you don’t really need it.

Venice Suites
These studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites are right on the beachfront at Ocean Front Walk. Featuring vaulted ceilings, wooden floors, and well-equipped kitchens, they’re the perfect base for families visiting LA.

3. Koreatown

For a totally different LA experience, head over to Koreatown. Away from the more ‘touristy’ areas, you’ll find this neighborhood always buzzing.

You’ll find some of the best Korean BBQ and fun karaoke bars over here as well. This area has a more ‘hip’ vibe, and crowds gather all night at the 24/7 bars and clubs.

If you are looking for a more laid-back or quiet stay while in LA, steer clear of Koreatown. The neighborhood is constantly filled with people. K-town’s mix of historic buildings, traditional spas, bubble tea cafes, and specialty grocery stores make it the perfect place to stay while on a visit to LA.

Top 3 Activities in Koreatown:

  • Shopping in Koreatown is a blast. The best K-Pop stores in LA can be found here. Plus, if you happen to into K-Beauty, you’ll find the best stores here outside of Korea.
  • Catch a movie at The Wiltern, one of LA’s most famous theatres. It doubles a concert venue too, so you may even be able to see on your favorite musicians perform.
  • Learn a new thing or two at the Korean American National Museum. Hear the stories of the native people of Koreatown, and gain insight into the Korean culture.

Fun Facts About Koreatown:

  • 54% of the residents of Koreatown are actually Latino. Many Korean shop owners learned how to speak Spanish. On the other hand, many of the Spanish shop owners have brushed up on their Korean.
  • The neighborhood is one of the most diverse in LA. Korean-Americans only make up 23% of the city.
  • It wasn’t formally known as ‘Koreatown’ until 1980.

Where to Stay in KoreaTown

Luxury Hotels in KoreaTown

The Line Hotel
Located in a mid-century building, this hotel has floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Los Angeles. Rooms feature modern designs and eclectic artwork, while the airy restaurant by the pool is amazing.

H by H Hospitality
With mountain views from some of the rooms, this classy hotel is affordable yet amazingly decorated. Everything is perfect, from the classical dark-themed decor to the piano in the bar, to the gorgeous grounds and tasty cafe food.

Mid-range & Budget Hotels in KoreaTown

New Seoul Hotel
This gem in Koreatown features authentic Korean decor and modern furnishings. In addition to the best amenities, the hotel also has an amazing sun terrace.

Hotel Normandie – Los Angeles
This historic hotel built in 1926 is within walking distance of the Wiltern Theatre. Rooms at this boutique hotel include coffee makers and refrigerators, flatscreen TVs, free WiFi, and the best of amenities. Apart from enjoying Californian cuisine at Le Comptoir and American cuisine at Casell’s Hamburger, guests will enjoy spending time in the amazing lobby!

Ramada by Wyndham Los Angeles/Wilshire Center
Set in the heart of Koreatown and the Wilshire business center, this hotel is within walking distance of Universal Studios and the Wiltern Theatre. The onsite restaurant Korea Town Pizza Company offers delicious food as well as happy hour specials. The Albertson Wedding Chapel, Melrose Avenue, and Paramount Studios are less than 3 km away.

4. Beverly Hills

Another Los Angeles infamous neighborhood is, of course, Beverly Hills. What used to be a modest village is now one of the most sought-after areas in the world. It’s a major tourist attraction and the hub for folks in the entertainment industry and looks especially amazing from a helicopter.

With tons of designer retail stores and residential streets lined with mansions, you’ll feel like you’re in a movie staying here. Rodeo Drive is at the center of ultra-luxurious boutiques and restaurants. Many visitors will catch a glimpse of a celeb eating lunch or going in for a beauty treatment on Rodeo.