Where To Stay In LA: Hotels + Neighborhood Guides

Figuring out the best area to stay in Los Angeles is one of the most important things to sort out when you come to visit this sprawling, yet fascinating Southern California city. LA is a car-centric city, where you have to factor in the daily traffic, which can easily double your travel time. Whether you want to stay by the beach or head further inland, here’s an in-depth guide to the different popular neighborhoods in the city, and the best places to stay in LA for visitors within those areas.

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Where to Stay in Santa Monica

This is the ideal home base if you want to be close to the beach and in a cooler area of the city temperature-wise. Santa Monica is also closer to LAX than if you were to stay more inland like downtown. Keep in mind that this area also tends to be more expensive because of its prime location.

The Gateway Hotel

This hospitable mid-range hotel is less than two miles from downtown and the Santa Monica Pier. Amenities include a garden sun deck, same-day laundry, business center, free continental breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. There is also free underground parking, which means you don’t have to worry about circling the block for street parking.

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Bayside Hotel

A laid-back boutique hotel that is ideal if you want to be steps away from the beach. Take advantage of amenities like the central garden after a long day of sightseeing or bike rentals for cruising down the boardwalk. The hotel is dog-friendly if you want to bring your four-legged family member along on your trip.

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Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

A luxury beachfront hotel that boasts a pool with a front row seat to sweeping views of the beach, and is a quick five-minute walk to the pier. This is definitely the beach hotel of my dreams. Rooms and suites are both available. There is also plenty of dining and lounges on-site, where you can get breakfast or stop by for a sunset drink.

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Highlights to see:

• Santa Monica Pier – the most iconic sight that should not be missed with its Ferris wheel and Twilight on the Pier-free summer concerts on Wednesday nights from 7-10pm.
  
• Santa Monica State Beach – great for a beach day in the shadow of the pier.
• Main Street – is located a mere two blocks from the beach, offers locally-run restaurants and boutiques, and stretches all the way down to Venice.
• Third Street Promenade features blocks of shopping, with a huge parking lot available.

Where to eat:

• Bondi Harvest – serves healthy Australian breakfast foods.
• Milo and Olive – for some of the best pizza on the Westside.
• Urth Caffe – ideal for grabbing coffee and dessert and grabbing a seat on their cozy headed patio.
• Cassia – for Southeast Asian inspired-dishes (just make sure to make reservations first).

Where to stay in Venice

Santa Monica’s funky neighbor, Venice is a city of contrasts where you will find trendy cafes next to blocks filled with homeless encampments. This city also has a great beachside location, with cooler temperatures, especially during early summer when the infamous June Gloom covers the coast.

Venice on the Beach Hotel

For those who want to be right on the beach, this is a solid choice. The location is on the quieter section of Venice Beach, away from the noise of the boardwalk. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, cozy fire pits, and a free continental breakfast. Rooms and suites are available.

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Hotel Erwin

A stylish luxury hotel on the beach that is a great central home base if you want to go all out and have the quintessential Venice experience. The rooftop bar itself is worth fighting for a spot during sunset (and worth checking out even if you’re not staying there). There is a free shuttle available and Abbot Kinney is a 10-minute walk when you want a change of scenery.

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Highlights to see:

• Venice Beach Boardwalk – the main stretch right on the beach with plenty of vendors and performers. Most importantly has prime people watching.
• Venice Canals – the opposite of the boardwalk with million-dollar homes and tranquil walkways along the network of waterways. One of my favorite spots in the city to get away from it all.
• Abbot Kinney – a main thoroughfare that is filled with trendy shops and restaurants.

Where to eat:

• Gjusta – trendy counter-service deli/bakery that is worth braving the somewhat confusing ordering system (take a number and wait for it to be called) for their in-house cured smoked salmon and freshly made-salads. If you’re there for just coffee and baked goods there is a separate (usually shorter) line.
• Wurstkuche – a casual spot that has an impressive selection of gourmet sausages, including veggie/vegan options, and Belgian/German beers.

Where To Stay In Hollywood

This is as central as you’ll get, with easier access to the west and east parts of Los Angeles, instead of staying on the Westside and having to drive all the way across town to sights on the Eastside or vice versa. You are also located near Universal Studios if that’s something on your itinerary.

Trylon Hotel

A smaller independently-owned hotel that is centrally located in Hollywood. Walking distance to Hollywood Boulevard (Hollywood Walk Of Fame, TCL Chinese Theater), but not right on it. A great alternative to the bigger chains in the area. Great value for the location, and amenities.

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Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk of Fame

This reliable hotel chain offers an excellent option in Hollywood, that is a short walk away from Hollywood Boulevard, as well as a short drive (or Metro ride) from other popular attractions like Sunset Boulevard and Universal Studios. The rooms are spacious and a hearty breakfast is included in your stay.

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The Hollywood Roosevelt

If you want to treat yourself to classic Hollywood glamour, this is the hotel to stay in. Once home to stars like Marilyn Monroe, this 4-star hotel is located right on Hollywood Boulevard, and pulls out all the stops. Highlights include a rooftop terrace, the hotel’s famous outdoor pool, and notable restaurants and bars.

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Highlights to see:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame – just barely worth braving the chaos of Hollywood Boulevard, to see if you’ve never been.
• Paramount Studios – take a tour of one of the city’s iconic film studios.
• Japan House – a great change of pace from the frantic pace of Hollywood with a free museum, library and cafe featuring Japanese artifacts, books and edible treats.

Where to eat:

• The Spare Room – a hidden bar in the legendary Roosevelt Hotel and boasts an attached bowling alley.
• Pizzeria Mozza – a solid spot for some of the city’s best pies, with memorable options like squash blossom.
• Luv2eat Thai Bistro is located in a non-descript strip mall, but the Southern Thai cuisine more than makes up for it.
• Musso & Frank Grill – where you go to experience old school Hollywood with martinis and fillet mignon done just right.

Where To Stay In West Hollywood

Adjacent to Hollywood, this trendy neighborhood is a lot less touristy and much more local. WeHo as it’s called by locals is known for its lively nightlife, including LGBT clubs. It’s one of the best places to stay in LA due to its great central location without the hoards of tourists that nearby Hollywood attracts.

Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel

This reasonably-priced 3-star hotel is as central as you can get, being on the Sunset Strip. Rooms are spacious with family suites available. The scenic pool area serves as a quiet retreat to recharge at after a long day of sightseeing. A continental breakfast is included.

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Grafton On Sunset

Located on the the Strip, this modern boutique hotel is an ideal place to call home in the area. The amenities include a restaurant and a bar where there are live performances. Relax at the pool area that boasts one of the largest saltwater pools in the area. Breakfast is included.

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Sunset Tower Hotel

If you want to treat yourself to a classic luxury Hollywood hotel, this place doesn’t disappoint. From the panoramic room views of LA to the attentive staff that make you feel at home. The building itself is layered with decades of Hollywood history playing out right on the Sunset Strip. Amenities include a restaurant/bar and an outdoor pool.

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Highlights to see:

• Whisky A Go Go – an iconic night club that open in 1964 and has since hosted rock’n’ roll royality like Led Zeppelin and The Doors. See the current line-up here.
• ONE Archives – as one of the largest LGBT organizations in the US, the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives has an impressive collection of artifacts including books, art, photos and personal papers. Entry is free, but $5 donations is suggested.
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – easily recognizable for its outdoor lamppost installation, this impressive art museum is located on Museum Mile. The adjacent La Brea Tar Pits are also highly recommended.
• Chateau Marmont – a famed hotel where there are frequent celebrity sights at the bar.

Where to eat:

• Night + Market – head over to this popular Thai spot for pork toro and crispy rice salad, just be warned that they don’t hold back on the spice.
• Carney’s Sunset Strip – a solid spot to grab hot dogs or hamburgers in an actual train car when on the Sunset Strip. A bonus is that they’re open until 3am.
• Connie and Ted’s – get your fill of New England-inspired seafood dishesf like Jo’s Wicked Good Chowda’ Sampler and lobster rolls.

Where To Stay In Downtown LA

This is the historic core of the city, and it’s a lot of fun to stay in. There are various areas to visit, including Japantown, Koreatown, Chinatown, and the trendy Arts District.

Freeland LA

A great affordable option, that is a great adult-centric hostel with activities like pool parties. There is a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool, as well as 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Great central location in the historic core. Lodging options include suites, rooms, and shared dorms.

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Hotel Figueroa

This luxury hotel located in a historical building is reasonably priced for its central location and amenities, which include two restaurants and bars, and rooftop pool. Sights nearby include the Grammy Museum and the Staples Center that are both under a five-minute walk.

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Ace Hotel

This hip, centrally-located hotel is situated right in the historic core of the city, and is walking distance from sights like the Orpheum Theater, the Fashion District, and the Grammy Museum. Highlights include a restaurant/bar/lounge area, a rooftop area, and an outdoor pool.

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Highlights to see:

• Walt Disney Concert Hall – take a free self-guided tour of this architectural masterpiece.
• The Broad – across the street from the Disney Concert Hall, this contemporary art museum has an impressive display of over 2,000 pieces. Admission is free, but doesn’t include entrance into Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, which requires a separate free ticket. Across the street, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a great alternative.
• LA City Hall – a historic building that is worth visiting for it stunning Rotunda and it panoramic views from the observation deck.

Where to eat: 

• Grand Central Market – this food hall has a dizzying amount of good things to eat. Egg Slut may be the stair of the show (with lines to prove it), but don’t overlook other older options, like: Tacos Tumbras A Tomas, Wexler’s Deli, China Café or La Huerta for dessert.
• Bottega Louie – for the ultimate brunch, this is the spot to go for impressive (and pricey) dishes. The bakery itself is worth a stop by itself for a box of macarons.
• Sushi Gen – located in Little Tokyo, this casual spot serves up fresh sashimi and rolls. It’s tiny, so be prepared for a wait.

Related post: Things To Do In Downtown Los Angeles

Where To Stay in Los Feliz

The east side is a bit further from the action but is a quieter neighborhood to stay in and is close to downtown and Griffith Park, as well as nearby neighborhoods like Echo Park and Silverlake.

Cara Hotel

This stunning boutique hotel feels like you have escaped to the coast of Greece. The on-site restaurant boasts a menu that is based around local, seasonal ingredients and is highly recommended. There is also a bar as well that serves coffee in the morning and specialty cocktails at night.

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Highlights to see:

• Griffith Park and Observatory – a great spot to get views of the city and the Hollywood sign
• Skylight Books – a popular indie bookstore that has author appearances and book festivals
• Greek Theater – catch a concert at this open-air venue

Where To Eat:

• HomeState – breakfast tacos and Tex-Mex options
• Pine and Crane – located in neighboring Silverlake, this restaurant offers some of the city’s best Tawaiinese food

Related post: 10 Weekend Los Angeles Getaways

Additional LA neighborhoods to Consider

Long Beach – located in the South Bay, it’s a bit further from downtown, but the hotels tend to be cheaper.

Manhattan Beach – also located in the South Bay, this lively beach town is a fun place to stay and is not too far from LAX.

Photo sources: feature photo, West Hollywood