Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A Guide to 5 Amazing Areas

Although living in San Francisco for nearly a decade between us, we had never really spent any considerable time in Los Angeles until recently. On our last visit we spent over a week living in LA and exploring the city’s many distinct neighborhoods. The extensive city – which is truly GIGANTIC – has so much to offer, and there’s a nearly unlimited number of areas to consider staying.

Deciding where to lay your head will surely mold your LA experience enormously – are you spending time engaging in sights, flavours, and amusements, or stuck commuting amid drivers` road rage? We`ve assembled this guide to help you opt for Los Angeles lodgings by narrowing choices and imparting our views on what gifts each area below offers.

Our best advice? It would be most helpful to find out which attractions you plan to visit while staying in LA, and then choose accommodations near the majority of those locations. This approach will save significant time that could otherwise be wasted stuck in traffic moving between different areas.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles: The 4 Best Places to Stay

If visiting LA for greater than three or four days, our suggestion would be to lodge in two or three diverse areas. You could spend a few days by the beach unwinding, a few days attaining your adrenaline rush at the theme parks, and the rest of the time in Downtown LA or West Hollywood to thoroughly explore different parts of the city.

In this guide to identifying the most suitable places to stay in Los Angeles – based on experiences exploring the expansive California metropolis – you`ll gain the information needed to select lodging in LA and find an ideal home base for your visit.

The following examines four neighborhoods that should be focused on in the search. Each has distinctive benefits and drawbacks, covered below, and the choice somewhat relies on what is sought.

In many cities a `best for first-timers` option exists, but Los Angeles depends more on your desired experience. Much depends on personal interests and tastes.

If you don`t have time to read the entire post? Here’s a brief summary (though we`d definitely recommend reading the section for the neighborhood you select!).

• If you wish to remain near the beach, stay in Santa Monica.
• For a brief weekend excursion (and those on a tight budget), stay in Downtown LA.
• If you wish to lodge in one of the coolest neighborhoods in LA, stay in Silver Lake.
• If you wish to stay in an area with amazing nightlife, stay in West Hollywood (also super LGBTQ+ friendly).

Santa Monica: Best Place to Stay Near the Beach

If proximity to the beach is important, Santa Monica would be a sensible choice. Additionally, it’s located on the west side of the city, meaning navigating around town may be somewhat easier due to the reverse commute traffic patterns.

This seaside neighborhood is a destination in its own right, boasting a mix of celebrities, surfers, and hippies who call this place home. While most people come here solely for the beach, and it is an amazing beach, there are plenty of other things to do in the area.

The famous Santa Monica Pier is a lively attraction with arcades, shops, open-air cinemas, and real-time music. Simply under it is an aquarium which facilitates informative talks and hands-on activities that are ideal for families.

Santa Monica can be an expensive area to stay; if you are on a budget, nearby Venice Beach is more cost-effective (more on that in a second).

Alternatively, another option is taking the train from Downtown Los Angeles to reach Santa Monica if just wanting to spend a day there. You can actually catch a train from Downtown LA!

Pros and Cons of Staying in Santa Monica

Benefits: The beach! You’ll be within walking distance of the finest beach in LA. The Farmers Market in Santa Monica is EXCELLENT too. The stretch along Montana Avenue is one of our favorite stretches in LA, with all sorts of bars, restaurants, and shopping that is worth a visit.

Downsides: It will require some time to reach Downtown LA, Silver Lake, and other eastern areas. Planning to experience those places together makes the trip over more sensible. Parking is a challenge here, and payment will likely be necessary – either at a hotel or garage – if staying with a vehicle. Expenses also rise the closer one is to the coastline.

Santa Monica Highlights

• Spend the day exploring Santa Monica State Beach and Santa Monica Pier. The long stretch of sand at Santa Monica State Beach offers relaxation and water activities. Be sure to check out Santa Monica Pier, a busy boardwalk full of games, shopping, and dining. While there, stop at Pacific Park, the amusement area on the pier with thrilling rides providing spectacular ocean perspectives.
• Take a stroll through the greenery of Palisades Park. The 25 acre park by Santa Monica Beach has lovely views of the sea and trails for walking, running, or cycling.
• Head to iconic Venice Beach. Known for its t-shirt shops and street performers, explore Muscle Beach to see bodybuilders practicing in front of attentive crowds. Also tour the Venice Canals where birds and paddle boarders float on the waterways.
• Purchase fresh foods at the Santa Monica Farmers Market. This highly regarded LA farmers market offers quality local produce, alongside celebrities and chefs, open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
• Browse the stores lining Third Street Promenade. Spread along three pedestrian zones, it houses 80 retailers from independent boutiques to designer brands. Afterwards, try some of the tasty restaurants and bars.

Where to Stay in Santa Monica

In our opinion, the best location to remain in Santa Monica is the northern end of the neighborhood, between the beach and near Montana Avenue, a strip full of eateries, bars, and shops that was our favorite “cutesy” street in LA.

However, a couple beachfront hotels are worth considering. But staying will be costly. Accommodations in Santa Monica are expensive as it`s a highly coveted location.

As mentioned above, if budget is a concern, many of the hotels in Santa Monica are going to drastically impress, at least in relation to cost. If you’re looking to indulge though – perhaps you’re celebrating a special event – this is the place to do so. The atmosphere cannot get any better than beachfront luxury in Santa Monica.

The Georgian Hotel

The Georgian is certainly the most affordable hotel in this vicinity, which is surprising since it’s steps away from the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. They have 84 rooms, some of which have ocean views, and a rooftop restaurant where visitors can watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It’s pet friendly too – with a surcharge, of course.

Palihouse Hotel Santa Monica

The Palihouse Hotel has been an iconic feature of LA since the early 1900s. It includes designer furnishings and is only five minutes from the beach. All rooms except classic rooms offer kitchenettes. While it is too small for an on-site gym, they collaborate with local gyms providing a range of equipment and exercise classes.

Proper Hotel

The Proper Hotel is a hotel that brings great delight to the senses through its beautifully crafted interior design built around natural materials and hues. It has earned accolades for its stunning aesthetic and includes highlights such as a rooftop pool along with proximity to local eateries and hangouts. Wellness is also emphasized through amenities like a yoga terrace with regular sessions and an Ayurvedic spa facility.

Casa Del Mar

Casa Del Mar is one of few beachfront hotels in LA. It is an ultra-luxury hotel with a pool providing vistas of the beach and live music every evening. Each of the rooms is elaborately decorated and has four-poster beds, curated bookshelves, and a small sitting space. The spa offers sought-after treatments like oxygen facials and warm stone massages.

Shutters on the Beach

This beachfront hotelregularly hosts prominent guests owing to the high quality amenities available. The hotel provides private wellness sessions or surf lessons on request. Even for non-guests, reserving a table at the onsite restaurant is recommended, where they host a lobster brunch on weekends.

Downtown LA: Best for Short Trips + City Lovers

Downtown Los Angeles is a popular area to lodge because it is packed with intriguing attractions – from Grand Central Market to Staples Center – and bars, eateries, and clubs. For that reason, it is one of the best places to stay in LA if vehicle access is not available.

While historically serving as the heart of the city, the grand bank buildings have been transformed into unique shops and world-class dining establishments. The large number of skyscrapers in this neighborhood means that Downtown LA functions as the commercial center of Los Angeles. This is the best area to visit if one wishes to experience lively nightlife and some of the finest eateries in town.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Downtown Los Angeles

Advantages: If you’re there for a brief trip, then Downtown LA is a great home base because there’s plenty to do and see in the area, and you can easily travel to Hollywood, the Arts District, Chinatown, and Silver Lake. It’s also reasonably priced, with a huge selection of excellent hotels. If you enjoy art and culture, this is the place to be – the Broad, Staples Center, and many of the music venues like the Philharmonic are here.

Disadvantages: It has a very urban environment, though there are a few green spaces. It is also next to Skid Row, which is infamous and not the best place to be. Parking is difficult, so if you have a vehicle you’ll need to pay for parking.

Downtown LA Highlights

• Consider sampling the top cuisine in LA at Grand Central Market. Established in 1917, this staple of LA brings together many of the city`s finest restaurants under one roof. No matter your taste, you`ll find excellent options here.
• Browse and dine at ROW DTLA. This downtown shopping center occupies 32 acres housing unique shops, eateries and cafes. It features globally recognized brands alongside independent labels together in one place. Be sure to check out Smorgasburg on Sundays – it`s a massive open air market with food trucks and stalls serving incredibly diverse fare.
• See what`s happening at LA Live. LA Live is a massive entertainment complex home to Staples Center, a movie theater, bowling alley, nightclubs, restaurants, and even a museum. If you ever need a fun activity, there`s usually something enjoyable happening at LA Live.
• Savor quality coffee! Some great coffee companies like Verve Coffee Roasters, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Stumptown Coffee operate cafes downtown. But the pinnacle is Cognoscenti Coffee, with two nearby locations considered among LA`s finest coffee shops.
• Indulge in delicious tacos at Guisados. This is a personal favorite spot for eating downtown. Aside from a couple choices, the full menu is gluten-free, with every taco having bold yet slightly spicy flavor.
• Browse the shelves at the Last Bookstore. This bookstore occupies a former bank building, with vintage tomes finding a fitting home among the marble columns and high ceilings. Support independent booksellers by stopping by to discover your next great read.

Where to Stay in Downtown LA

This part of the city is home to incredibly trendy hotels, and best of all is that they are more affordable than other areas of the city.

If utilizing a vehicle, be prepared to pay a small additional cost for parking daily.

The Freehand Hotel

The Freehand Hotelhas a style that gives the impression of stepping back to the 1960s, with colorful printed tiles, wood paneling, and comfortably worn furniture. It`s one of the best combinations of character and affordable rates in the city. We have stayed at their location in New York City, and found it suitable.”

The conventional hotel rooms (they also feature suites, which offer ample living space) are on the smaller side, which the pricing reflects, but you won`t be spending much time in your lodging anyway – you`ll be exploring LA! The hotel`s dining and drinking areas are regular hangouts for the trendsetting group in LA.

The Broken Shaker cocktail bar is on many lists of the best bars in LA. There is a rooftop pool and a small gym in the basement.

The Hoxton

The Hoxton, which represents one of my favorite hotel chains globally, has a vintage atmosphere with traditional touches and a clean, impartial color scheme. It’s at the southern end of Downtown LA, nearby Staples Center, the Fashion District, and Santee Alley, an enjoyable market place to wander and shop for trinkets, some of which you didn’t realize you required. The building it’s in was once the home of the LA Railway HQ, but has since been restored with aspects that pay tribute to their London roots.

The hotel attracts a trendy group of both locals and visitors to its restaurants. There is a swimming pool open from sunrise to sunset offering scenic views of Downtown LA. The pool bar serves a variety of classic and new cocktails.

Ace Hotel LA

The Ace Hotel, which is a hipster hotel chain that I have stayed at in both Seattle and New York City, inhabits a building designed like Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The grandeur of the Gothic architecture has shaped the vintage style inside the hotel, and they have even restored the theater in the basement.

Alongside classic rooms, the hotel offers spacious industrial loft-style rooms with huge windows overlooking the city. For a special treat, get one of the rooms with a scenic view.

NoMad Hotel

The NoMad Hotel exudes elegance with its lavish interior and a beautiful rooftop pool offering views of the city. Accommodations range from cozy rooms to spacious suites, all featuring restful beds, hardwood floors, and – a first for me – complimentary newspaper delivery each day (something I appreciate). There`s also a gym equipped with Peloton bikes if wanting to work out prior to exploring the area.

The rooftop pool area also includes a popular cafe and a cocktail bar. Most of the suites at the Nomad come with a freestanding bathtub offering beautiful views of the city.

Hotel Figueroa

Hotel Figueroa is an area of tranquility found in the center of a very busy metropolis. It’s one of the oldest lodgings in LA, and it underwent renovations spanning two years to restore it to its original “Spanish Colonial splendor from 1926” (I appreciated the wording here). Originally intended exclusively for female professional travelers, it has maintained aspects of that ethos as it developed into one of the finest boutique hotels in Los Angeles through the years following.

It is decorated with clean linear designs and plump, glamorous furnishings with subtle pops of color. The decor celebrates women`s art, with female artists highlighted significantly. However, the best amenity is the coffin-shaped outdoor pool area with plenty of sun loungers.

Hotel Indigo

The Hotel Indigo is a great reasonably priced hotel choice in virtually any city internationally, such as Los Angeles. The lodging quarters are stylishly designed yet uncomplicated, nevertheless they provide fairly spacious accommodations compared to numerous other hotels. The onsite dining and drinking establishments are the Metropole Bar and Kitchen providing meals and The Penthouse bar designated as 18 Social. Additionally, they offer a swimming pool, given it is LA.

The Wayfarer

The The Wayfarer Downtown LAdifferentiates itself from competing lodgings. While room dimensions are modest, clever layout and furnishings negate any sense of constraint. Guests choose views overlooking the cityscape or urban area, and whether a king bed or twin setup suits them best.

The rooftop pool incorporates a tiki bar supplying tropical cocktails. They additionally hold a DIY eatery on site where you opt for their cuisine and are offered portioned ingredients to cook your own repast. This restaurant frequently facilitates cooking classes and presents wine pairings also.

Silver Lake: Best For Feeling Like a Local

Silver Lake and Echo Park are adjacent neighborhoods that are near to Chinatown and Downtown LA. Since these areas mainly cater to locals, there are amazing cafes, quirky boutiques, and hidden gems to explore. There’s truly only one location to stay here that’s not a temporary rental, and we think you should avoid temporary rentals in Los Angeles.

You should be aware before deciding to remain here that this location is considered the central area experiencing gentrification in Los Angeles. It`s a desirable neighborhood, which has led to increased demand and rising rent prices that have forced out communities who have lived here for decades to renovate their apartments and convert them into temporary lodgings for visitors, or open a new fashionable clothing boutique.

We’re not going to fix gentrification here, but you should be aware of the impact that your visit (and others) have on this community. We definitely suggest staying in a hotel rather than a vacation rental, as the latter removes much-needed long term housing and prioritizes making more money for landlords.

With all that being said, we really enjoyed this area of the city, and it’s suitably located for visiting the adjacent neighborhoods like Downtown LA and Los Feliz (and Hollywood).

Pros and Cons of Staying in Silver Lake

Advantages: There are many excellent restaurants, bars, and additional attractions in the neighborhood. Moreover, it`s surrounded by other fascinating areas to explore, and near Dodger Stadium, Elysian Park, and Griffith Park.

Downsides: This area has become popular for urban renewal in Los Angeles. Those not comfortable with that may prefer searching elsewhere. Sunset Boulevard lacks charm as a walking street, busy with many lanes of hurried traffic (we envisioned it calmer), but the nearby reservoir provides a quainter setting with less noise. Accommodation options mainly consist of temporary rentals – actually just one quality hotel, so lodging picks are restricted (though that hotel is great).

Silver Lake Highlights

• Explore the finest coffee venues in LA. Silver Lake and Echo Park are residential neighborhoods that are a bit unconventional; consequently, they take their coffee very seriously. If you have been perusing this blog for some time, you are aware that I cherish my coffee and will seek out the best coffee in every place I go to. Pay a visit to Intelligentsia and Dinosaur Coffee in Silver Lake, and Woodcat Coffee Bar in Echo Park.
• Indulge in remarkable Thai cuisine at Night + Market Song. This relaxed restaurant serves a selection of popular and scarce Thai street food. While it is an unrestrained setting with loud shared tables and a small counter serving as a bar, the delicious and authentic food attracts the LA elite group.
• Browse the shelves at Stories Bookstore. This bookshop’s shelves are full of previously loved books from classics to unusual discoveries. On the outdoor patio is a small cafe where you can sit and enjoy the book you just obtained.
• Hike to the best perspectives in LA in Elysian Park. There is a place in Elysian Park dubbed “the Secret Swing” which has the most spectacular views over LA and is one of the most well-known spots for Instagram images. While it is a bit of a hike, the perspectives at the top are completely worthwhile. The swing tends to disappear from time to time, so be conscious it might not be there when you visit.
• Procure locally-grown produce at theSilver Lake Farmers Market. This farmers market is open Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Here you will find the freshest produce, grown right in LA.

Where to Stay in Silver Lake

As mentioned previously, there is essentially one hotel option in this vicinity.

Silver Lake Pool and Inn

The Silver Lake Poolroom and Innis a hipster’s imagination, situated right in the heart of Silver Lake. It is right at the junction of Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards, which puts you within easygoing length of sites like Intelligentsia Coffee and the farmers market.

The accommodations provide ample space (the smallest offering over 250 square feet) and beauty, with furnishings and fixtures sourced locally and abundance of natural illumination. They also provide double rooms containing two beds, ideally accommodating groups touring the city.

The rooftop terrace with its pool and views of the Hollywood sign makes for an especially memorable spot to enjoy sunset cocktails. Each comfortably furnished room includes a Nespresso machine and tablet guide to local activities. Free wifi and pet-friendly policies add value, while underground parking costs just $20 nightly in this convenient location.

West Hollywood: Best Central Location

Hollywood itself – the main strip – could be considered a tourist trap, to be frank. The Walk of Fame isn`t that exciting, and it`s crowded and unclean. Plus, prices can be inflated, and the feel of the city isn`t truly experienced.

Instead of residing in Hollywood, we advise remaining in West Hollywood, which is a brief stroll away from all of the sights but has more of a residential feel to the neighborhood and is closer to some of the cuisine, beverages, and other parts of LA that we enjoy.

West Hollywood also provides the finest spot to lodge in LA for nightlife enthusiasts. Sunset Boulevard is home to some of the most renowned clubs globally, and Santa Monica Boulevard features a huge concentration of LGBTQ+ bars and pubs.

Pros and Cons of Staying in West Hollywood

Benefits: West Hollywood stands as THE place to be after dark. Additionally, it sits in an extremely central location, especially for areas on the east side, while not too far removed from spots like Santa Monica.

Disadvantages: It can be noisy and crowded, so if you prefer a tranquil retreat, this may not be the ideal choice.

West Hollywood Highlights

• You may encounter renowned personalities atBook Soup. Book Soup on Sunset Boulevard is a iconic LA destination. Celebrities such as Elton John, Bette Midler, and Stephen King have been seen browsing the shelves. They don’t only sell books here; they also sell record players and a great selection of LPs.
• Take a stroll down the renowned Sunset Strip. During the day, the Sunset Strip is full of popular stores. At night, the strip transforms into one of LA’s biggest nightlife hubs. If you want a sophisticated night out, head to one of the hotel bars, such as the Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel. For a trendy night out, head to one of the rock clubs like the Viper Room.
• Laugh until your sides ache at iconic comedy venues such as theLaugh Factory orComedy Store. These locations attract big comedy names like Tiffany Haddish and Dave Chapelle. Be sure to check out who is playing during your stay.

Where to Stay in West Hollywood

West Hollywood has a suitable balance of hotels that offer good value, and hotels that are worthwhile splurges and great for special occasions (or just a treat-yourself weekend).

Andaz West Hollywood

The Andaz is an extremely stylish hotel directly on the Sunset strip. It offers amazing perspectives of the LA skyline from some of its 240 rooms, and some even have patios with that unforgettable vista. If you’re not one of the fortunate ones, you can always head up to the rooftop swimming pool or bar to soak up the views (and the beverages). It’s additionally quite affordable, which makes it a great mix of value, style, and location in West Hollywood.

Kimpton La Peer Hotel

The Kimpton La Peer hotel is popular because guests will have extra amenities if staying there. Bicycles can be borrowed to explore the area from the hotel, and short rides (under a mile) in the hotel Tesla may be taken if needing a ride nearby (quite luxurious). The hotel also offers coffee, kombucha, and juice by the reception desk.

Sunset Tower Hotel

Sunset Tower is straight from the golden era of Hollywood, today it remains a well-known celebrity hangout and a monument to lavishness. The service here is unrivaled, with staff regularly going further than expected. The spa is by Joanna Vegas, and if you are in town around the Emmys, celebrities are often here for treatments before the event.

The West Hollywood Edition

The Edition is located right on Sunset Boulevard. When guests enter, they will completely forget they are in the center of one of North America`s largest cities thanks to an abundance of indoor tropical vegetation and greenery. The clientele here trend toward edginess and fashion, and visitors may feel slightly more trendy merely from spending five minutes in the lobby. Be sure to check out the spa while there, which focuses on natural and plant-based remedies (including those using CBD).

Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals in Los Angeles: Which to Choose?

One aspect of Los Angeles rentals I want to briefly discuss is temporary lodging.

If you didn’t already know, Los Angeles (like most West Coast cities) is facing a serious housing shortage, and while I wouldn’t single out vacation rentals as the primary instigator, they definitely contribute to the problem.

I have mixed views about temporarily living in vacation rentals located in urban areas.

On one hand, as a traveler living with Celiac Disease who typically relies on kitchen access, campervans offer an accommodation that has enabled visiting locations not as easily experienced staying in hotels, where use of a small refrigerator might be uncertain.

On the other hand, in cities where there is a housing crisis caused by a lack of supply and surging demand (which basically describes every major city on the West Coast, at this point), vacation rentals contributes to the problem by removing long term rental units from the market, since the landlord can usually earn more money by renting it out for a weekend at a time.

There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to staying in vacation rentals. To be a responsible traveler in LA, our recommendation would be to opt for hotels in Los Angeles. There are tons of great hotels, so you’ll have no trouble finding an amazing place to reside.

Los Angeles Geography: A Rough Overview

The city is quite expansive, offering literally hundreds of accommodation choices spanning diverse neighborhoods each with their unique personalities and cultures.

At a super high level, we could separate the city into eastern and western regions. And we will speak in broad strokes here, so keep in mind exceptions may occur. LA is immense, so we will focus on areas most likely to interest you when searching for the ideal place to stay.

On the eastern portion of LA, neighborhoods like Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Downtown LA can be found (among various others such as Koreatown and Chinatown). This side of the city feels more densely developed, particularly Hollywood and Downtown, and is generally more affordable than locations further west (with the exception of areas similar to Los Feliz and Silver Lake).

On the west end of the city, you’ll find the Pacific Ocean and neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City. The atmosphere here is MUCH different, with beachy vibes all around and a more relaxed setting. It’s also more residential, and significantly more expensive as you get closer to the shoreline.

Should you Rent a Car in L.A.?

In other coffee guides of mine, I have discussed my perspective on the three predominant types of coffee shops found throughout urban areas worldwide. They are:

It spreads extensively across over 500 square miles without a genuine public transportation system, meaning visitors will likely be tempted to rent a car to make the most of their stay.

We recommend utilizing rideshare services instead of renting a vehicle, saving those funds. Parking can be quite difficult – anticipate roughly $30 extra per night if staying somewhere requiring parking.

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The primary lesson we took from our time in LA is that it is an remarkably large city. Though we spent an entire week exploring this last visit, we did not make it to every location on our list. Or even reasonably near completing it, truly. Because of this, it is incredibly significant to carefully choose where you lodge in LA – it can have an immense impact on your experience. And you`ll need to plan a return excursion to hit all the things you missed on your first trip!