WHERE TO STAY in Los Angeles [December 2024!]

The City of Angels is famous world-wide for its beautiful people, beautiful weather, and beautiful beaches. Los Angeles is high on every traveller’s go-to list, and with excellent reason!

But LA is like a large bunch of towns within one giant city and, as such, it can be a headache deciding where best suits you! That’s exactly why our expert travel gurus decided to take the hassle out of it by creating this insider guide on where to stay in Los Angeles, broken down by your interests or priorities.

With so much sun, sand and star-spotting on your schedule, you’ve now got one less thing to worry about.

So let’s get to it, and before long you’ll be living like an LA local, confident you know precisely where to stay in Los Angeles!

Quick tips – Where to stay in Los Angeles

Where to stay in Los Angeles

Just looking for the best and not picky on the region? Check out our favourite choices for Los Angeles in general!

Best Airbnb overall – Roxanna’s Airbnb

This luxurious gorgeous house is located in Northeast Los Angeles between Downtown Los Angeles and South Pasadena. Restaurants, shopping and entertainment are only a short drive away. You’ll truly love staying in this space with its glass breakfast table, carved wood furnishings and private front garden.

 

Best budget hotel overall – Magic Castle Hotel

It is set amongst a range of popular eateries and is minutes on foot from Hollywood/Highland Metro Station – bonus! This unique 3-star hotel offers an on-site fitness centre, a 24-hour reception and a concierge. A laundry service, laundry facilities and a safe are also available. The name is pretty great too!

 

Like good weather? These are the best times to visit Los Angeles!

Best mid-range overall – Plaza la Reina

Plaza la Reina provides comfortable 4-star accommodation in Los Angeles. It is close to Westwood Memorial Park, eateries and shops. Rated 9.4, partly for its spacious rooms, the hotel offers wired internet, as well as a sunny garden for guests to relax in.

 

Best luxury overall – The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection

Recently refurbished, The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection provides relaxed 5-star accommodation in Los Angeles. It features a golf course, a Turkish steam bath, a sauna and an outdoor pool. It also has its very own wellness centre, La Prairie Spa, for pampering yourself!

 

Los Angeles’s neighbourhood guide

Located in Southern California, on the west coast of the United States, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis that covers an immense area.

The second most populous city in the US, it’s one of the most popular to visit too. And is there any wonder? You’ve got so much to see and do in and around the city, you’d need to visit several times to get it all in… Challenge accepted!

LA is made up of a number of residential areas, each broken down into many neighbourhoods. If you’re from a neighbourhood on one side of the city, it’d be a bit of a trek to head to one on the other side (especially since everyone drives and, you know, there’s THAT traffic). Even the locals have rarely visited them all!

There’s Brentwood, on the beach, where A-listers live but keep quiet about it to maintain their privacy. And Culver City, with its history and diversity making it one of the more authentic feeling areas in a city of image-consciousness. Los Feliz is home to hipsters and history and deserves a day of your attention to its eclectic range of stores and services. And of course, there’s Hollywood – LaLa land, or Tinseltown, is home to blockbusters, aaand about a million tourists craning to catch a peek at the stars on their way to and from work! Be sure to get yourself a picture of that sign on the hill. If you didn’t, did you really even go to LA!?

Whatever you’re into, Los Angeles probably has a neighbourhood specialising in it!

Los Angeles’s five best neighbourhoods to stay in:

Neighborhood #1 - Beverly Hills

(Where to stay in Los Angeles your first time)

Sitting in western LA, Beverly Hills is THE place to go to for high-end shopping, upscale eateries, and celebrities. Lifestyles of the rich and famous is a saying coined just for this area! And for that reason, it’s the best place to stay in Los Angeles for your first time in the city.

You can take an open-top bus through the neighbourhood, with your guide pointing out the homes of your favourite celebs. You might just spot them having lunch at one of the exorbitantly priced restaurants in the area, if you’re lucky.

Rodeo Drive is here too, that shopping street Julia Roberts was denied from in Pretty Woman.

It’s also fairly easy to walk around, especially in the shopping district, and public transport services Beverly Hills well, it being such a central destination.

If you’ve hired a car, there are a bunch of free parking lots outside the very centre, but forget the wheels if you’re heading in. Even if you do find a spot in there, it’ll be hideously expensive! Catch one of those kooky tourist buses instead!

Five things to do in Beverly Hills:

• Go window-shopping on Rodeo Drive. The luxury is unmatched!
• Keep your eyes peeled and do some celeb-spotting in the Golden Triangle restaurant area.
• Snap a selfie in front of the famous Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park.
• Watch the Electric Fountain come alive with light and colour; best at night.
• Walk the red carpet of the Beverly Hills Hotel and dare to dream a little!

Where to Stay in Beverly Hills

Best Airbnb in Beverly Hills – Margaret’s Airbnb

This charming Spanish guesthouse is situated in a fantastic location. It’s beautifully decorated and is also both quiet and secluded. Just a stone throw’s away is a variety of restaurants and coffee shops. The bungalow itself has antique French furnishings, plenty of natural light and a bathroom with a rain shower head. This is truly a fantastic place to stay at in Beverly Hills.

 

Best budget hotel in Beverly Hills – Maison 140 Beverly Hills

The various amenities this modern 3-star hotel has to offer include a swimming pool. Maison 140 Beverly Hills is surrounded by the area’s well-known sightseeing attractions, including Rodeo Drive and Century Plaza Towers, which are within walking distance.

 

Not trying to go 100mph? The top museums in Los Angeles are great places to slow down and appreciate the city!

 

Best mid-range hotel in Beverly Hills – Sirtaj Hotel

Contemporary in its design, Sirtaj Hotel is positioned in a well-known area of Los Angeles. This modern 4-star hotel provides a number of facilities, such as vip rooms, valet parking and a coffee bar. Staff are available 24/7 and can assist with booking tours and tickets.

 

Not yet booked? Take a look at our favorite hotels in Los Angeles!

 

Best luxury hotel in Beverly Hills – Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

The iconic Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offers 5-star accommodation in Los Angeles. It also features a stunning outdoor pool and a sauna. Guests can soak up the outdoors and the views on the terrace or have a beverage at the bar. Staff are available 24 hours a day.

 

Interested in Los Angeles? Read up on the history of Los Angeles!

Neighborhood #2 - Pasadena

(Where to stay in Los Angeles on a budget)

Northeast of downtown LA, Pasadena is a city within a city. Its distance means its prices are significantly lower than closer to the coast, but its useful connections make it the best place to stay in Los Angeles on a budget. Though Pasadena is one of Southern California’s best connected towns, in terms of transit, it’s also a lot more walkable than most.

Pasadena has a much quieter feel than central LA, and that’s what makes it so attractive to many. You can experience all the glamour of the high-end shopping, the nature of the surrounding mountains, and the fine dining of the city in smaller scale, and with less of the crowds. Also, there’s the fun fork-in-the-road monument, just for the giggle!

It’s also home to the famous Rose Bowl, home to the UCLA Bruins. Did you know, though, that it has a function other than being a world-class stadium that can cater to 90,000 fans of sport, music or 4th of July fireworks shows? On the second Sunday of every month, a stadium-sized flea market pops up here: every bargain-hunter’s dream!

Pasadena has all your California-loving heart could desire, without the Hollywood price-tag!

Five things to do in Pasadena:

• Watch NASA scientists manoeuvre the Mars Curiosity Rover from Mission Control at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
• Attend an event at the Rose Bowl, especially if you happen to be about for New Year’s Day!
• Take your time to enjoy all the Huntington Library has to offer. Hint: it’s more than ‘just’ books!
• Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls, but go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
• Pay homage to the astronomers of the early 20th century at Mt Wilson Observatory.

Where to Stay in Pasadena

Best Airbnb in Pasadena – Mary’s Airbnb

This charming cosy studio is in close proximity to Pasadena and is a great place to stay to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It comes with a comfortable queen-sized bed along with a kitchenette and even a patio to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. At night, you can even see the twinkling lights of Pasadena and Los Angeles for a truly incredible experience.

 

Best budget hotel in Pasadena – Best Western Pasadena Royale

Located a short walk from Sierra Madre Villa Los Angeles Metro Station, this 2-star hotel is an ideal base while in Pasadena. It also offers a Jacuzzi and an outdoor pool. The in-house day spa offers a variety of facial and body treatments.

 

Like good weather? These are the best times to visit San Francisco, California!

Best mid-range hotel in Pasadena – Hilton Pasadena

Hilton Pasadena is a unique setting when visiting Pasadena and is close to everything the area has to offer, including a metro station. The multiple amenities this modern 3-star hotel has great views and offers include valet parking and an outdoor pool.

 

Need some advice? You can read about some popular things to do in Los Angeles (with a few hidden ones too)!

Best luxury hotel in Pasadena – Hotel Constance Pasadena

Hotel Constance Pasadena offers free Wi-Fi and immaculate rooms. It also provides a ticket service and a swimming pool. This 4-star hotel offers a tour desk, a concierge and luggage storage. Welcoming and professional staff are available 24 hours a day.

 

Need a little more convincing? These day trips from Los Angeles will help you make up your mind!

Neighborhood #3 - Sunset Strip

(Best area to stay in Los Angeles for nightlife)

We’ve all heard of Sunset Boulevard, but it’s the mile and a half section of street between Hollywood and Beverly Hills that has earned our accolade of best area to stay in Los Angeles for nightlife.

The Sunset Strip is an iconic stretch of clubs and bars that have been the site of a lot of famous events and happenings throughout its time. A unique mix of sleaze and glamour, night owls can find their niche in the land of giant billboards.

Home to Rock ‘n’ Roll in LA, the Sunset Strip is where bands like Led Zeppelin and the Doors made their mark on the US. Speaking of, it’s here at the Alta Cienega Hotel that you’ll find the hotel room memorial to Doors’ singer Jim Morrison. It’s where he used to sleep off his benders on the Strip!

More modernly, there are a bunch of legendary destinations here, from the Viper Room with its long, sometimes tragic history, to the Hollywood Bowl, the perfect spot for a balmy summer’s evening concert. Of course, being LA, the names it can draw are some big ones!

Wherever you head on the Strip, you’ll find a crowd ready to party with you. It’s up to you to decide where!

Five things to do in Sunset Strip:

• Catch the funny people on show at The Comedy Store.
• Spend a ghoulish night at Jim Morrison’s old room 32 at the Alta Cienega Hotel.
• Channel your inner rock star at the Viper Room, Johnny Depp’s old place.
• Have a shot of something amber at Whiskey-A-Go-Go!
• Finish off your evening with a hot-dog from the iconic Pink’s.

 

Want to go deeper? Take a cool tour in Los Angeles to learn more than you could on your own!

Where to Stay in Sunset Strip

Best budget hotel in Sunset Strip – Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel

The Best Western Plus offers 3-star accommodation with air-conditioned rooms. This Los Angeles hotel was constructed in the 1960s and was refurbished recently to provide modern comforts to its guests. Guests have rated the food onsite as sensational!

 

Best mid-range hotel in Sunset Strip – The London West Hollywood

This unique hotel provides modern 4-star accommodation, as well as a rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Just a short walk from Sunset Strip, it offers luxury rooms equipped with an iPod docking station, wireless internet access and a mini bar.

 

Best luxury hotel in Sunset Strip – Chateau Marmont

The one and only! Guests of this legendary 5-star hotel can make the most of the outdoors on the terrace, with its spectacular views, or enjoy a drink at the bar. The on-site day spa provides a variety of facial and body treatments. It also has a fitness centre with a swimming pool.

 

Best Airbnb in Sunset Strip – David’s Airbnb

This gorgeous house comes with a total of two-bedrooms and can accommodate up to six guests. It’s in close proximity to Hollywood along with the Sunset Strip. Relax in the roomy and modern living room after a long day or make yourself a meal in the fully-equipped kitchen. Both bedrooms come with queen-sized beds, and there’s even a stylish dining room that’s furnished with blue accent chairs.

 

California is amazing! You can see more of it with these great day trips from San Diego!

Neighborhood #4 - Venice

(Coolest place to stay in Los Angeles)

Venice Beach, on the coast just southeast of Culver City, is everything that one dreams of when thinking of Southern California: the long stretches of sand, the sculpted bodies by the beach, the long boardwalk lining the coast. It’s all this, while retaining a community feel and a charm that could have easily been lost in such surroundings.

The canals of Venice are what gives it its name, like its European cousin. Just like the original, this Venice is home to a lot of art and history, with a Bohemian buzz that earns it the title of coolest place to stay in Los Angeles.

It’s also eco-friendly, so ditch the plastic bags and straws here. The sea is blue, the sand is white, and the neighbourhood is green!

Wander along the canals and down the Ocean Front Walk at leisure, soaking up that dreamed-of backdrop of palm trees lining your way. Oh, and keep an eye out for the…ahem… unique people you’ll spot on your travels!

By bike or blades is an alternative to make your way along this stretch: wind in your hair, sand in your shoe, not a care in the world!

Five things to do in Venice:

• Spot the muscle-bound working out at the outdoor gyms of Muscle Beach Venice.
• Coordinate eating an icecream while roller-blading down the boardwalk.
• Get your groove on at the Venice Beach Drum Circle, taking place on the weekends.
• Grab a drink at the Townhouse Bar and Speakeasy.
• Slam dunk if you can at the Venice Beach Recreation Centre (think White Men Can’t Jump).

Where to Stay in Venice

Best Airbnb in Venice – Thea and George’s Airbnb

Venice Beach is only a short distance away from this guest house and this location is one of the newest boutique and restaurant destinations in Los Angeles. Relax in the impeccably designed living room, cook up a storm in the fully-equipped kitchen or rest in the wave-themed bedroom that’s also installed with Amazon Echo. At the end of the long day, treat yourself to a rain shower or watch the sunset from the outdoor patio.

 

Best budget hotel in Venice – Venice on the Beach Hotel

Venice on the Beach Hotel is set in Los Angeles and is within a short walk of local attractions, such as Muscle Beach. It also offers a swimming pool and a terrace. All the rooms at the 2-star hotel feature a private bathroom, a refrigerator and a ceiling fan.

 

Best mid-range hotel in Venice – The Rose Hotel

The Rose Hotel Los Angeles provides comfortable 4-star accommodation in Los Angeles. It is conveniently located for guests wanting to discover the area’s attractions. Rated an incredible 10.0 on travel sites, the hotel has 11 rooms and has been recently refurbished.

 

Best luxury hotel in Venice – The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey

The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey offers elegant rooms, a Jacuzzi and outdoor tennis courts. It also provides a sauna and an outdoor heated pool. The restaurant serves local cuisine and overlooks the ocean. In the evening, guests are welcome to wind down in the comfortable lounge bar.

 

Neighborhood #5 - Santa Monica

(Best neighbourhood in Los Angeles for families)

Santa Monica made it onto National Geographic’s top ten beach cities in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Located just north of Venice Beach, and on the very end of Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica is a drawcard for locals and tourists alike.

The famous pier will naturally be your first stop. That iconic ferris wheel against the skyline is reminiscent of Baywatch and inspires images of picture-perfect family days out on the amusement rides of Pacific Park overlooking the water.

The area is much easier to traverse on foot than other LA neighbourhoods, and is considered to be a good school district, a surefire way of reassuring yourself of the safety of an area.

For family activities, you can’t go past the beach itself, or the Santa Monica Aquarium. The best place to while away a day with the kids is in the enormous Palisades Park overlooking the water, where you can picnic and play your hearts out.

Santa Monica is also the site of the end of Route 66, the iconic highway running from Chicago to LA, and only stopping because the Pacific Ocean got in its way!

Five things to do in Santa Monica:

• Scream yourself silly on the rides at Pacific Park.
• Picnic and play at Palisades Park, by the sea.
• Check out the marine life up close at Santa Monica Aquarium.
• Splash in the waves of Santa Monica Beach and spot the iconic lifeguards with their orange lifesavers!
• Wander at leisure through the pedestrianised Third Street Promenade.

Where to Stay in Santa Monica

Best Airbnb in Santa Monica – Santa Monica’s Beach Airbnb

The beach can’t get any closer to this. Wake up to crashing waves along with breathtaking views at this apartment. There’s a total of three bedrooms to accommodate up to four guests and the dining area also faces the ocean. You’re also welcome to use the shared patio that comes with a jacuzzi as well as an outdoor kitchen. This is a fantastic place to stay to get a taste of Santa Monica.

 

Best budget hotel in Santa Monica – Sea Blue Hotel Santa Monica

A satisfying breakfast is served every morning at Sea Blue Hotel Santa Monica, and there are numerous restaurants and cafés nearby. The 3-star hotel is close to 4th/Colorado Los Angeles Metro Station, making it easy for guests to explore Santa Monica and its surrounding areas.

 

Best mid-range hotel in Santa Monica – Shore Hotel Santa Monica

The contemporary rooms of this 4-star hotel feature views of the ocean, the city or the garden. All have their own bathroom with robes and amenities. Santa Monica’s attractions, such as Pacific Park and Third Street Promenade, are within a 10-minute walk.

 

Best luxury hotel in Santa Monica – Casa Del Mar Santa Monica

This 5-star hotel makes for an ideal base in Santa Monica. It also offers an outdoor pool and a Jacuzzi. Casa del Mar Hotel Santa Monica has a gym with personal training classes and a swimming pool. Welcoming and professional team members are available 24 hours a day.

 

A final thought…

Los Angeles is an enormous array of neighbourhoods, each with that something different to make it stand out. And now, thanks to our guide, you’ll know a lot more about five of them.

Once settled in one of our areas, why not explore further afield and discover a new favourite?
The City of Angels deserves a good amount of your time to even scratch the surface of what it has to offer.

With a base at The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection, and all the pampering it has on offer, you’ll feel rejuvenated again each day!

So there you have it: our travel pros top tips on where to stay in Los Angeles. The rest is up to you!

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