No trip to the United States is complete without visiting the world-famous La La Land. The shining star of Los Angeles has to be that iconically conspicuous Hollywood sign which greets visitors from around the world to Tinseltown.
The spotlights, street performers, and outlandish cinemas placed anywhere else other than Hollywood would come across as tacky, but with that pinch of movie magic, the buildings along the walk of fame attract both your luxury tourists and adventurous backpackers.
Other than New York, Hollywood has to be the most visited place in all of the United States. Therefore, you will find tons of hostels in the shadow to the Hollywood sign.
As you probably already know, America is not a budget country by any stretch of the imagination and Los Angeles is no exception.
We made this guide so YOU can find the best backpackers hostels as close to the Hollywood studios as possible!
Keep your fingers crossed and you may just be the next big thing when exploring the sights of famous Hollywood!
So peep our guide to the top hostels in Hollywood below!
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Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Hollywood
The Best Hostels in Hollywood
Making the pilgrimage to Hollywood is on most people’s bucket list. This small neighborhood of Los Angeles is the birthplace of many of our favorite films that we grew up with which we still watch to this day.
Other than the obvious lot tours and climbing up to the Hollywood sign, this area is just brimming with movie magic in the form of its colorful cinemas and animated street performers.
It is important to know that Hollywood is just a small part of the larger city of Los Angeles. When looking at hostels you need to be careful you are not booking a bed on the other side of town when you want to be as close as possible to your favorite stars.
Dorm rooms and private beds are not cheap when staying in Los Angeles and Hollywood is no different. No matter what you are looking for, be it a lively hostel, private bunks, a cozy room, or merely just a place to sleep at night, this guide has you covered no matter how you like to travel!
Banana Bungalow West Hollywood – Best Overall Hostel in Hollywood
Banana Bungalow West Hollywood (not to be confused with Banana Bungalow) is located on the edge of Hollywood, right on the border with swanky Beverly Hills.
Much like their sister hostel, Banana’s West offers daily activities to keep the party going along with bar crawls, stand up comedy, movie nights, and karaoke! The hostel’s hip design includes a tiki lounge and kitchen.
Top it all off with cool helpful staff, you have the makings for the perfect Hollywood adventure!
Banana Bungalow Hollywood – Best Party Hostel in Hollywood
Banana Bungalow rolls out the red carpet for backpackers by offering so many activities, parties and games around their hostel that you may not even find time to go out and explore Hollywood.
Banana Bungalows has a youthful hip hostel that boasts a billiards room, live music, karaoke nights, barbeques, a movie theatre, tiki garden, and so much more.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it does. Banana’s also organizes tours from limo rides to pub crawls. There truly is never a dull moment when staying at Banana Bungalow Hollywood!
Walk of Fame Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Hollywood
Walk of Fame has all of the hostels beat when it comes to its location. This hostel is so close to the action that if you time your trip just right you can watch the stars stepping out of their limos from the 2nd and 3rd story windows!
Other than being a stone’s throw away from all of the best cinemas in Hollywood, Walk of Fame also hosts daily events which are perfect for meeting other backpackers.
After hanging out all night, start the day off right with their delicious breakfast! With Walk of Fame’s location, chill vibe, and great staff, this hostel is one of the best places to stay in Hollywood!
Libra Hotel – Best Cheap Hostel in Hollywood
For travelers looking to save a few bucks, be sure to check out the recently opened Libra Hotel. This hotel offers budget dorm beds just outside of Hollywood in vibrant Korea Town.
Being in Korea Town means that you can eat at some of the best restaurants for half the price of other places around Los Angeles. The hotel has spacious lounges and comfortable dorms, are with new tasteful furniture.
Top it all off with the hotel being located right next to the subway station, Libra Hotel is one of the best places to base yourself when backpacking in Los Angeles!
What if they’re all full?
Popular hostels sell out, especially during peak season. But backpackers are flaky and cancel all the time. We’ve built a tool that lets you know as soon as a bed becomes available, so you don’t have to keep checking 😉
Orange Drive Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Hollywood
Sometimes it is just not enough to go sightseeing. To get the true movie star experience you need to be staying in a piece of Hollywood history.
You can do just that by staying in this classy manor built in 1910 which was turned into a boarding house during the golden age of film, being home to no other that Marylin Monroe!
For couples, this romantic mansion is the perfect place to cozy up in one of the classicly styled private rooms or even just relax in the lounges surrounded by antique furniture! Your romantic Hollywood dream vacation starts here!
Podshare – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Hollywood
Podshare is by far one of the most innovative designs for a hostel, period. Each of the bunks strikes the perfect balance between privacy and being social. The concoction of guru interior designers, Podshare has been featured all over the web by such publications such as vice.
This hostel is particularly geared for digital nomads, the whole interior is made to increase productivity as well as comfort. An added bonus is that when booking into one pod share, guests have access to any of the branches located throughout Los Angeles!
More Best Hostels in Hollywood
Are you looking to stay in a specific neighborhood? Check out our guide to Hollywood’s best areas to stay.
Samesun Hollywood
If you want to wake up, step outside and be on the Walk of Fame, this is your spot. Location wise, it’s tought to be, you’re smack in the middle of all the Hollywood chaos. The hostel itself has a social vibe, so you won’t struggle to find people to hit the bars with. The rooms are simple but have everything you need, a comfy bed, privacy curtain and a place to store your bags. If you’re needing some space the private rooms are pretty snazzy. There’s a shared kitchen and laundry facilities which helps to keep your costs down. Overall a great spot for backpackers to perch up and explore LA.
Freehand Los Angeles
Freehand Los Angeles is Half hostel, half boutique hotel, without the hefty price tag. If you like the idea of dorm prices with a side of rooftop pool and fancy cocktails, this is your place. This hostel has a mix of spacious suites, hotel rooms and premium shared rooms so whatever you’re budget there’s something for you. The hostel has a bar, restaurant, fitness center and common rooms, you won’t find yourself bored that’s for sure. Enjoy 360 views of LA from the rooftop pool and bar whilst being well-connected to everything LA has to offer. If you’re after a hostel with a sprinkle of luxury that isnt going to break the bank, don’tmiss out on Freehand LA.
The Rumi
For those who want a hostel but without the crazy pub crawls and 3am nights The Rumi is the perfect hostel for you. This place is clean, quiet, and surprisingly comfy. It’s not the most social spot, so don’t expect a rowdy backpacker crowd but if you’re after a comfortable bed, a chill vibe, and a solid base to explore LA, this does the job. The garden terrace the perfect spot for your morning coffee or evening drink and there’s a shared kitchen if you want to save some dolla and cook at home.
USA Hostels Hollywood
USA hostel is about as close as you can get to a perfect hostel. USA offers a rooftop terrace, a delicious breakfast, barbeque nights, and shuttle buses. For solo travelers in the USA, this hostel has daily events which are the perfect way to get up and meet fellow travelers.
USA also provides guests with tours around the Hollywood area, ranging from simple walking tours to a more luxurious look at Tinseltown from a stretch limo! No matter how you look at it, USA Hostels is one of the best youth hostels in Los Angeles!
Travel Safety Tips for Hollywood
Sort out your insurance before you go. There are several good options, but our overall pick is SafetyWing. Most of the Broke Backpacker team has used it at one point or another, and we’ve filed claims for rabies jabs in Bali, a hospital stay in Mexico, and a clinic visit for a stomach bug that wouldn’t quit. All paid out.
It’s month-to-month, no lock-in, no itinerary required, and you can buy it after you’ve already left. A little over $2 a day if you’re under 40.
New SafetyWing customers: use code BROKEBACKPACKER for 8 free weeks of electronics theft coverage. You have to scroll down and click the pink camera on their landing page to enter it, and you have to do it before creating your account.
Why you should travel to Hollywood
Hollywood is that magical place where fantasy comes to life, where dreams become reality. Standing on the very spot where some of your most celebrated stars have stepped is more than enough to make your trip into one to remember for a lifetime.
From the Hollywood sign to the iconic Capitol Records skyscraper, you will find yourself constantly finding things a snap a picture of!
Out of all the hostels in Hollywood Orange Drive Hostel won us over for being a hostel which lives and breathes classic Hollywood magic!
Ready…set… action! Your first step to stardom starts here! Get ready to walk the red carpet and start your Hollywood adventure!
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Hollywood has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in California for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Hollywood before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
