The City of Angels has been calling artists and musicians to its gates for decades. This is creatives and artists congregate for the film, music, and art that have captivated generations.
But LA is more than just Hollywood, and more than just palm trees, athleisure outfits, and year-round beach weather, though we can’t complain about consistent sun. Los Angeles has diversity, culture, food, and art around every corner. Its surf and skate district is alive and well, and it’s a city that not only stays with the trends but helps invent them.
Each district in LA is totally distinct, and LA is not so much one city as several spread-out cities combined. Most travelers are surprised by long it takes to drive around LA.
This is why it’s crucial to base yourself in an area close to your interests, and the reason we wrote this guide on where to stay in LA. In it, we’ve broken down the best places to stay in Los Angeles to help you find the perfect spot for your vacation.
Looking for somewhere to stay but don’t have much time? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in LA.
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Tree House Getaway in the Hollywood Hills | Best Airbnb in Los Angeles
This swanky Treehouse has everything you need to feel like a superstar in the Hollywood hills. Wake up surrounded by nature enjoying a peaceful start to your morning as you sip on your coffee. This apartment has a large bedroom with king king-sized bed, spacious bathroom, kitchenette, living room and huge porch.
You’re within walking distance of enough tourist attractions to fill your camera roll making exploring LA a breeze. If you’re looking to perch up i LA without breaking the bank, this is the place to be.
Samesun Venice Beach | Best Hostel in Los Angeles
A great seaside location and hip décor are just two of the reason this Venice Beach hostel is my top choice for where to stay in LA. It has a cool common room, comfortable beds and an on-site bar and lounge. A delicious breakfast is also available to guests throughout their stay.
Grafton on Sunset | Best Hotel in Los Angeles
Grafton on Sunset is a luxurious and modern four-star luxury hotel in West Hollywood – and one of my recommendations for where to stay in Los Angeles. It has a beautiful saltwater swimming pool, concierge service, and a great on-site restaurant and lounge. It is centrally located and ideal for exploring Hollywood, Beverly Hills and beyond.
Hollywood
Hollywood, California is a top destination for tourists and our recommendation for where to stay in Los Angeles for the first time.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a fun and funky neighbourhood located on the Pacific Ocean and on of the best places to stay in Los Angeles if money is tight. West of Downtown LA, this neighbourhood epitomizes California cool.
Downtown LA
Downtown LA is the neighbourhood in the centre of the city. It is a busy metropolis punctuated with high towers, tall buildings, bustling streets, and lively shops.
West Hollywood
West Hollywood is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in LA. It is one of the most fashionable parts of town known for its high-end boutiques and independent vintage shops.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a fabulous neighbourhood located in western LA, and one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles by the beach. It perfectly combines the convenience of a busy city with the laid-back atmosphere of the beach.
Los Angeles is a massive and sprawling city. The second most populous city in the United States, it’s home to more than 17 million people who hail from all corners of the globe.
Famous for its palm trees, pristine beaches, and fashionable and fabulous people, Los Angeles is a great destination for travelers of all ages, styles and budgets.
It is divided into eight districts that are home to diverse and exciting neighborhoods. This guide will highlight the top activities and attractions by interest, and help you decide where to stay in Los Angeles based on those.
Centrally located, Downtown Los Angeles is the heart of LA’s business and cultural districts. Home to trendy restaurants and luxurious hotels, this neighborhood is where you’ll find the hottest parties and liveliest clubs.
Northwest of downtown Los Angeles is Hollywood. Famous for celebrities and movie sets, this area of the city is packed with iconic landmarks, vibrant sights, and exciting people watching. There are some great accommodation options including some of the top rated hostels in LA.
Head west to the fun and funky district of West Hollywood. High-end boutiques, fitness studios, and a farmer’s market perfect for celeb-spotting are just a few of the reasons this district is a favorite amongst travelers and locals alike.
Continuing west and you’ll pass through Beverly Hills en route to Santa Monica, Venice Beach and the Pacific shoreline. Known for their stunning beaches and idyllic views, these neighborhoods are packed with great restaurants, interesting attractions, and fun activities for kids and adults of all ages.
Still not sure where to stay in Los Angeles? Don’t worry, read on for more information.
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5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Los Angeles
The city of Los Angeles is spread out over 1,302 square kilometres. Choosing where to stay when visiting Los Angeles can be tough. Although it has a public transit network, the buses and metro leave a lot to be desired. Uber is available, but you should expect delays on the busy and chaotic city streets.
The easiest way to explore the different neighborhoods is by renting a car or staying at the center of the action, which means you want to pick the best area to stay in LA for your specific interests.
Some neighborhoods are better suited than others to certain activities. Do you want to have the beach at your doorstep? Perhaps you’d like to see LA’s top sights and explore on foot? Or, maybe you want to be within walking distance of the best clubs and hottest bars. All of these things are possible if you stay in the right location and find the best place to stay in Los Angeles based on your interests.
Here are the best areas to stay in Los Angeles broken down by interest.
1. Hollywood – Best Neighborhood in LA for Tourists
The best location to stay in Los Angeles for beginners! Hollywood, California is a top destination for tourists and my recommendation for where to stay in Los Angeles for the first time. Here you’ll find some of Los Angeles’ most iconic sights including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the unforgettable Hollywood sign making it the best place to stay in LA for tourists.
It’s also a great destination for foodies. With everything from high-end restaurants and world-class cuisine to cheap eats and street food trucks, if you’re keen on sampling great dishes from around the world, this is the place for you!
Tree House Getaway in the Hollywood Hills | Best Airbnb in Hollywood
This swanky Treehouse has everything you need to feel like a superstar in the Hollywood hills. Wake up surrounded by nature enjoying a peaceful start to your morning as you sip on your coffee. This apartment has a large bedroom with king king-sized bed, spacious bathroom, kitchenette, living room and huge porch.
You’re within walking distance of enough tourist attractions to fill your camera roll making exploring LA a breeze. If you’re looking to perch up i LA without breaking the bank, this is the place to be.
Orange Drive Hostel | Best Hostel in Hollywood
This Hollywood hostel benefits from an amazing location. It’s close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood’s top restaurants. It has a full kitchen, and modern common room, and each stay includes free breakfast. Enjoy a relaxing environment just a few steps from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
The Adler a Hollywood Hotel | Best Hotel in Hollywood
This charming and colorful hotel is in the center of Hollywood. It has a gym, and swimming pool, and each room is outfitted with a private bathroom and free wifi. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar or dine on a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant.
The Hollywood Roosevelt | Best Luxury House in Hollywood Hills
Imagine staying in the heart of Hollywood Boulevard with everything you need within walking distance. Sounds like the LA dream right? Well, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the LA lifestyle and be in the thick of the action than staying at the Hollywood Roosevelt.
Not only is this hotel in an exceptional location but they know how to do luxury. Enjoy spacious rooms with large comfy beds, and a clean modern bathroom and you’ll have access to the outdoor pool, gym and spa. What more could you want? A night here doesn’t come cheap but if you’ve got the cash to splash, get yourself booked in.
Things to see and do in Hollywood
- Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- See the hand and footprints of your favourite stars at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
- Spend the day at Universal Studios where you can ride rollercoasters and step inside your favourite films and TV shows.
- Wander the iconic Hollywood Boulevard.
- See the final resting place of celebrities, like Judy Garland and Joey Ramone, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
- Spend a day at the exciting Warner Brothers Studios, where you can explore film sets and TV sets.
- Take a sightseeing bus around celebrity neighborhoods.
- Enjoy stunning views of the city from nearby Griffith Park, a great place for a hike.
- Tickle your taste buds with a famous In-N-Out burger.
- Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, a quirky and interesting museum.
- Catch a glimpse of the iconic Hollywood sign.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Venice Beach – Best Place to Stay in Los Angeles on a Budget
Venice Beach is a fun and funky neighborhood located on the Pacific Ocean. West of Downtown LA, this neighborhood epitomizes California cool. Famous for its iconic beaches and bohemian atmosphere, Venice Beach is the epicenter of LA’s counter-culture, hippie living and vintage vibes.
Not only is Venice Beach one of the coolest and best areas to stay in Los Angeles, but it is also my top choice for travelers on a budget. Here you’ll find a good selection of low-cost hostels and boutique hotels. With a wide variety of accommodations, this is where you will find great value not too far from the city.
Guest Studio with Pool and Hot Tub | Best Airbnb in Venice Beach
If you want everything during your stay – and yes, I mean everything! – look no further than this stunning Airbnb. It’s located in a top area, offers a pool and a hot tub, multiple surfboards, a washing machine and dryer, skateboards, bicycles, a super comfy bed, a ping pong table… do I need to go on? On top of all these cool things, the guest studio also has a sauna, which is pretty rare for Venice Beach!
Samesun Venice Beach | Best Hostel in Venice Beach
Where is the best place to stay in Los Angeles? It could be Venice Beach. A great seaside location and hip décor are just two of the reason this stylish hostel is my top choice for where to stay in Venice Beach. It has a cool common room, comfortable beds and an on-site bar and lounge. A delicious breakfast is also available to guests throughout their stay.
Hotel Erwin | Best Hotel in Venice Beach
If you want to stay as close as possible to the beach, you can’t find a better place than this stunning boutique hotel. You have unrestricted views of the sea, beach and street promenade from your private balcony. There’s also a massive rooftop where you can have a couple of drinks with your friends. In addition to that, you can also make use of the in-house bicycle rental or head to the fitness center with your day pass, which is included in your booking. If you’re getting hungry but don’t want to go out again, you’ll be happy to hear that the hotel has its own restaurant as well.
Venice On The Beach Hotel | Best Hotel in Venice Beach
This charming hotel is just a short walk from Muscle Beach, the Venice Boardwalk and the neighborhood’s most famous attractions. It has a swimming pool and an outdoor terrace. Guests will enjoy relaxing in their spacious and comfortable rooms that are fitted with fans, a fridge and a private bathroom. Venice Beach is definitely amongst the best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles.
Things to see and do in Venice Beach
- Wander down Abbot Kinney Boulevard. The main street in Venice Beach where you’ll find a mix of local boutiques, great restaurants and fun night spots.
- Grab a cone of fresh French fries at The Wee Chippy.
- Soak up the sunshine on Venice Beach.
- Treat yourself to mini doughnuts at Zelda’s Corner.
- Watch the street performers, magicians and musicians who set up shop on Venice Beach Boardwalk.
- Grab a slice of amazing pizza at Big Daddy and Sons.
- Paddle along the Venice Canals and see the neighborhood from a different angle.
- Cool down with a cone of fresh gelato from Venice Coffee and Creamery.
- Pump some irons at Muscle Beach.
- Marvel at the detail of the Mosaic Tile House.
- Grab a board and practice some tricks at the Venice skate park.
- Enjoy fresh and delicious seafood and poke bowls at Poke-Poke.
3. Downtown LA – Where to Stay in LA for Nightlife
Downtown LA is the best place in the center of the city. It is a busy metropolis punctuated with high towers, tall buildings, bustling streets, and lively shops. It’s where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in the city and a myriad of cuisines to enjoy and explore. Downtown is one of the top places to stay in Los Angeles if you want to be in a central location and save a few bucks.
Downtown LA is also home to some of the most vibrant nightlife in Los Angeles. From trendy bars to lively clubs to celeb-filled hotspots, this is where to stay in LA if you’re looking to drink, dance and party the night away.
Angel City Historic Loft | Best Airbnb in Downtown
Chic and clean, this space is perfect for two to four guests and has everything you need for an epic stay. This historic apartment is oozing with charm and funky decor. Enjoy city views from the rooftop area, plus you’ve got a rooftop pool, gym and laundry area.
The apartment itself has a bedroom with a large queen bed and a queen sofa bed if you’ve got extras with you. You have a living room plus a fully equipped kitchen if you want to save a few bucks and cook at home. It’s no surprise this is one of the best Airbnbs in LA.
2 Bedroom apartment with rooftop pool & gym | Best Apartment in Downtown
Okay, this apartment is setting the bar HIGH. Stay in style with this swanky apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, living room and two spacious bedrooms. Head up to the rooftop where all the magic happens, you’ve got a rooftop pool, sauna and gym. Plus there are some EPIC hangout spots perfect for a beer at sunset. Don’t miss out on this one.
Freehand Los Angeles | Best Hostel in Downtown
Freehand Los Angeles is one of the best hostels in the city – and my recommendation for where to stay in Downtown LA. It is conveniently located making it easy to explore the neighborhood and city. It has 24-hour reception, an outdoor pool and a range of modern amenities.
American Hotel Los Angeles | Best Hotel in Downtown
Thanks to its hip and rustic décor, and fantastic location, this is one of the best hotels in Downtown LA. It has comfortable rooms with modern amenities, including cable and satellite TV and air conditioning. Guests will love lounging by the pool before a night on the town.
Things to see and do in Downtown
- Watch top athletes battle it out at the Staples Centre, home to the LA Kings and LA Lakers hockey and basketball teams.
- Sample great craft beer at Angel City Brewery.
- Dine on amazing food at one of the food vendors at the Grand Central Market.
- Sip on delicious whiskey cocktails at Seven Bar Lounge.
- See panoramic views of LA and enjoy DJs spinning the latest tunes at The Rooftop at the Standard Downtown LA.
- Catch a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
- Enjoy great beer and a wonderful atmosphere at Boomtown Brewery.
- Grab a spot at the Edison, a hip bar built in the basement of an old Downtown nuclear power plant.
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Grab an eSIM!4. West Hollywood – One of the Coolest Areas to Stay in Los Angeles
Photo: Jeff Gunn (Flickr)
West Hollywood is one of the coolest and best places to stay in LA. It is one of the most fashionable parts of town known for its high-end boutiques and independent vintage shops. Here, you’ll also find a great variety of home décor stores and fabulous fitness studios.
A bit about West Hollywood: it’s built on a grid of wide and lush boulevards and is easy to walk around. West Hollywood is also a hub for the LGBTQ communities and Hollywood up-and-comers, since it’s close to Beverly Hills.
Its colourful farmer’s market and world-class restaurants are great for sampling delicious dishes, sipping exotic drinks, and spotting a celebrity or two. West Hollywood is the best part of LA to stay in tune with the decadent, gauche Hollywood spirit.
It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.
Beautiful & spacious suite with private bath | Best Airbnb in West Hollywood
This cute studio is the perfect spot to relax after a long day of exploring. It’s decorated with an eye for detail, which gives it a super charming and welcoming vibe. Enjoy a large queen-sized bed with a spacious bathroom, living room and fully equipped kitchen.
Banana Bungalow West Hollywood | Best Hostel in West Hollywood
Thanks to its central location, this hostel is my top choice for where to stay in West Hollywood. Situated on the Melrose Strip, this hostel is close to bars, restaurants, shops and museums. It has a cool design and rustic décor, and guests will love making use of the BBQ area and lovely terrace.
Grafton on Sunset | Best Hotel in West Hollywood
Grafton on Sunset is a luxurious and modern four-star hotel – and one of my recommendations for West Hollywood as well as favorite places to stay in LA. It has a beautiful saltwater swimming pool, concierge service, and a great on-site restaurant and lounge. It is centrally located and ideal for exploring West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and beyond.
Le Parc Suite Hotel | Best Hotel in West Hollywood
This swanky hotel is ideal for travellers looking to enjoy an elegant stay in LA. Located in West Hollywood, Le Parc Suite Hotel has a golf course, sauna and swimming pool. Each room is tastefully decorated and comes with a kitchenette, private bathroom and luxurious robe and slippers.
Things to see and do in West Hollywood
- Shop til you drop at Sunset Plaza.
- Enjoy great drinks with a dash of Hollywood history at the Chateau Marmont.
- Browse the stalls of fresh and fragrant flowers, fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market.
- Dine on refined Mediterranean dishes at Fig & Olive.
- Wander the infamous Sunset Strip.
- Start your Sunday with an amazing brunch at The Terrace.
- Grab a quick, cheap and delicious bite at Pink’s Hot Dogs.
- Take a hike through Runyon Canyon Park.
- Sip amazing cappuccinos at Urth Café.
- See impressive works of art including the very instagrammable Urban Light at LACMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
- Laugh the night away at the Comedy Store where world-famous comedians regularly pop in to perform their sets.
- Sample interesting and innovative drinks at E.P. & L.P.
- Enjoy great quality food and celeb spotting at Nobu West Hollywood.
5. Santa Monica – Best Place In Los Angeles For Families To Stay
If you ask me where the best place to stay is, it’s Santa Monica. Santa Monica is a fabulous neighborhood located in western LA, and one of the best places to stay in LA by the beach. It perfectly combines the convenience of a busy city with the laid-back atmosphere of the beach.
It has everything from outdoor adventures to high-class shopping and dining. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Santa Monica.
It’s also my top choice for families visiting Los Angeles. In addition to the restaurants and shops, here you’ll find a wide variety of family-friendly activities, from the Santa Monica Pier to the Farmer’s Market.
If you’re up for a road trip, head down the coast and stay in Long Beach. Another awesome city within California – full of rich history to discover.
Large 3 bedroom family apartment | Best Airbnb in Santa Monica
Accommodating up to 6 guests at a time, this 3 bedroom bungalow is the perfect place for you and your family. You’re in a prime, but safe location, only a 5 minute walk to Santa Monica beach. It’s equipped with everything you need, including a modern kitchen where you can cook delicious meals to refuel after a long day of exploring the area. If you don’t feel like making use of the kitchen, there are plenty of restaurants around too.
HI Los Angeles | Best Hostel in Santa Monica
A stone’s throw from the amazing beach in Santa Monica, HI Los Angeles is the perfect base for experiencing the best of LA. You’re a short walk from heaps of cafes, restaurants, bars and of course the Santa Monica pier.
The hostel has mixed and female-only dorms available with comfy beds or if you need a little more privacy and escape the snorers, they have some swanky private rooms available. Overall a top hostel if you’re a solo traveller heading to LA and don’t want to empty the funds on experience accommodation
1-Bedroom Apartment in the heart of Santa Monica | Best Apartment in Santa Monica
If you’re looking for a dream apartment in the heart of Santa Monica look no further, amigo. This cosy one-bedroom apartment has everything you need for an epic stay. It’s like a home away from home with a fully equipped kitchen, living room and balcony area. You’re in a great location to get out and explore all the famous sights of LA and steps away from delicious restaurants, cars and bustling bars.
Travelodge Santa Monica | Best Hotel in Santa Monica
This hotel is my best recommendation for where to stay in Santa Monica. It is close to shops, attractions, and restaurants. The hotel has free wifi, a modern gym, and its own lush golf course. Enjoy family-sized rooms and all the essentials at this charming Santa Monica hotel.
Things to see and do in Santa Monica
- Relax on the beach or play in the surf at Annenberg Community Beach House.
- Go shopping along the Third Street Promenade.
- See sharks, octopus, fish and more at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
- Dive deep into the history of the area at the Santa Monica History Museum.
- Sample a diverse array of delicious foods at Street Food Tuesday, a weekly celebration of Santa Monica’s best street food stands, stalls and trucks.
- Head to the Pacific Park amusement park and ride the solar Ferris wheel.
- Relax in the Palisades Park.
- Browse the stalls of produce, crafts, treats and sweets at the Farmer’s Market.
- View the world through an unusual lens at Camera Obscura.
- Play games, ride the carousel and enjoy the view at the Santa Monica Pier.
- Head over to the stunning Manhatten Beach for the day.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Los Angeles
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Los Angeles and where to stay.
What To Pack For Los Angeles
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for LA
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in LA
There is a reason LA traffic and the 401 are so famous. Famously awful, that is. When you’re planning your trip to LA you want to book accommodation in the best area for your interests so you can avoid the traffic at all costs. The best areas to stay in LA are spread across the city and each has its own character.
And there is plenty to do in LA, whether you want to be close to healthy restaurants, LA’s best nightlife, sunny side beaches, or the original skate culture in Venice Beach.
This guide has covered the top areas in the city of Angels. That said, if you’re still not sure where to stay in LA, I highly recommend Orange Drive Hostel.
If you need some more inspiration about where to stay in LA, consider checking out these motels in LA for a truly authentic and affordable experience.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Los Angeles.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Los Angeles.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Los Angeles instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Los Angeles is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
place to see the best place if i am driving and arriving along the coast from SF to LA in afternoon/evening and then spending next day 1 full day before flying out from La airport next morning?
I think that staying in Santa Monica will be your best bet.