Top Accommodations in Los Angeles: Essential Guide for First-Time Visitors

1. Introduction

Los Angeles is a fantastic city and definitely the most popular tourist destination on the West Coast. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, but trying to find a hotel in LA is similar to looking for a needle in a haystack. With more than 1,000 hotels to choose from, this detailed guide on all the best hotels in Los Angeles compares all the most popular destinations in LA to help you find the best city area and hotel room for you.

2. Best Places To Stay In Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a very big city that encompasses several smaller areas that are also cities by definition. Beverly Hills is not part of the city of LA administratively, but it is such an iconic part of the area that everyone disregards the technicalities. And it’s one of the best places to stay in LA, even if it’s technically a different city.

LA is massive, and choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip. Consider the attractions you’re most interested in and how you plan to get around, and then decide on the appropriate area. If you want to party like a rockstar, make it West Hollywood or Santa Monica if you enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the sounds of the whooshing waves. Let’s get into all the top places to stay in Los Angeles.

3. West Hollywood

The bustling West Hollywood is an excellent area of LA for first-time visitors. It’s known for live music venues and clubs where the party never stops. This is by far the best part of LA for nightlife, whether you want to rock out with up-and-coming bands at Whisky a Go Go or laugh until your stomach hurts at The Comedy Store.

West Hollywood is also known for the Sunset Strip, a vibrant neighborhood along Sunset Boulevard. That’s precisely where you’ll find most of the area’s best bars and clubs, but also some of LA’s best hotels.

Consider staying here if you’re looking for mid-range or high-end hotels with premium service and excellent amenities. This isn’t the best area of LA for budget stays, but it offers more options than neighborhoods like Beverly Hills or the Hollywood Hills.

Luxury: The West Hollywood Edition

The West Hollywood Edition is a luxury hotel on Sunset Boulevard. Featuring a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an excellent spa, the hotel is truly a top choice for a lavish stay in LA. The guest rooms at The Edition are all extra large and decorated with contemporary, LA-style furnishings, which means a lot of white furniture with warm wooden accents.

Every room at this fabulous hotel offers an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. All the guest rooms have walk-in showers, while the larger suites offer both a shower and a bath. The hotel offers rooms on lower and higher floors, and I must point out that the rooms on higher floors have some of the best views of LA.

Mid-Range: The Charlie West Hollywood

The Charlie West Hollywood is a four-star hotel set in a house that Charlie Chaplin once called home. As far as unique stays go in LA, this is one of the best options. The hotel is also within walking distance of Melrose Avenue, where you’ll find some iconic LA sights like the Pink Wall and the Hollywood Improv.

The Charlie offers spacious suites, all featuring a bathroom and a kitchen. Every suite also has a desk, a seating area, a TV, and a coffee maker. Guests have access to a dishwasher in their room and the hotel’s laundry room. Everyone staying at The Charlie gets a private terrace, and guests can also use the shared garden space.

Mid-Range: Hotel Ziggy Los Angeles

Hotel Ziggy is a nice hotel with excellent rates for Sunset Strip. And it’s a hotel you won’t regret booking, which I can’t say about some of the other, cheaper hotels in this area. Trust me on this one.

In addition to the premium location, this boutique hotel offers medium-sized rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms. Every guest room has a desk, seating area, and a TV. All guests at the Ziggy Hotel are welcome to make use of the saltwater pool and 24-hour gym. Some of LA’s best clubs and live music venues are just a short walk from this hotel, so definitely consider staying here if you want to experience this aspect of life in Los Angeles.

Budget: Banana Bungalow West Hollywood Hotel & Hostel

The Banana Bungalow is one of the very few true budget options in West Hollywood. I originally wasn’t going to include it because its cleanliness ratings don’t meet my very high standards, but it’s good to be aware of the option, especially if cleanliness isn’t a major concern for you. Beds at this hostel are as low as $35 per night, with breakfast included, which is possibly the lowest rate in LA.

Guests can also enjoy free coffee and tea all day long at this property, which is pretty cool. Billiards, foosball, and table tennis are available in the common spaces, so there’s plenty of opportunity for mingling and entertainment. The hostel’s cheapest option is dormitory beds, but it also offers a double room with a private bathroom.

Pros of Staying in West Hollywood

• Excellent nightlife
• Very LGBTQ+ friendly
• Great for luxury hotel stays

Cons of Staying in West Hollywood

• The hotels aren’t cheap
• Limited public transport
• A crowded neighborhood

4. Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is probably my favorite area of LA for a first visit. It’s one of a few walkable neighborhoods in the city with enough attractions to keep you busy for a couple of days. Choose a hotel in Downtown LA if you don’t have a car to get around because many interesting sights are within walking distance, plus the neighborhood has great public transport connections to other parts of the city.

Ride the Angels Flight Railway, discover the modern art displayed at The Broad, see the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, and get something to eat at Grand Central Market. Downtown LA is the undisputed heart of the city with music arenas, historic movie theaters, and high-rise buildings.

This part of LA offers various hotels in every price range, making it one of the best city areas for a budget stay. It also highlights the divide between the vastly wealthy and the poor; just a few blocks from the high-rise office buildings and lavish hotels is Skid Row, the neighborhood with the largest population of homeless people in the US. Keep this in mind when exploring Downtown, and stay away from the more dangerous neighborhoods, especially at night.

Luxury: The Ritz Carlton

There are many luxury hotels in Downtown Los Angeles, but few are as fabulous as The Ritz Carlton. It’s one of the tallest skyscrapers in the neighborhood and one of the priciest hotels in the city, making it a prime option for a true luxury stay in LA. The hotel features very spacious rooms and suites, all equipped with private bathrooms, TVs, desks, and seating areas.

If you’re going to book a room at this hotel, make sure it’s on one of the higher floors. All the rooms at the Ritz Carlton have huge windows, but only the ones on the higher floors offer sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline. As for the other amenities, this luxury hotel boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, and several restaurants.

Mid-Range: Omni Los Angeles Hotel

Omni Los Angeles is a nice four-star hotel with an excellent location in Downtown LA. It’s situated next to the Museum of Contemporary Art and steps from the Angel’s Flight Railway. Choose a room at this hotel if you want to be within walking distance of some of the best landmarks in Downtown Los Angeles but also just a couple of minutes from the Grand Park metro station.

The Omni offers an outdoor swimming pool, three restaurants, a bar, and a spa and wellness center. All guest rooms are spacious, featuring ensuite marble and granite bathrooms. Desks, seating areas, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers are included in every room. Try to get one of the high-floor rooms for sweeping city views from your bed.

Budget: Freehand Los Angeles

The Freehand Los Angeles is probably my favorite option for budget travelers. It’s a four-star hotel with fantastic private rooms and mixed dormitories. Travelers can book a single bed in a larger dormitory and spend a night in the heart of LA for less than $70. Yes, that’s still a bit steep for a budget stay, but the hotel has a rooftop pool with a sprawling deck that offers fabulous views of Los Angeles.

Moreover, the larger dormitories have two ensuite bathrooms, which is twice as many as you get in most hotels. Smaller, female-only dormitories are also available, slightly pricier per night. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from the 7th Street metro station, which can take you to the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame in under half an hour or even all the way to Santa Monica in under an hour. It’s worth noting that the private rooms are pricier, so only the dormitories are a true budget option in this part of LA.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Los Angeles

• Walkable area
• Affordable hotel options
• Lots of attractions and landmarks
• Great public transport connections to the rest of the city

Cons of Staying in Downtown Los Angeles

• Quite far from Hollywood and Beverly Hills
• Very busy during the day
• Not all areas are tourist-friendly

5. Beverly Hills

Few places in this world are as well-known and legendary as Beverly Hills. The posh LA city is recognized worldwide for Rodeo Drive, the iconic shopping street lined with luxury fashion stores. Beverly Hills is synonymous with wealth and opulence, catering to a niche group of travelers.

If you’ve got money to burn, you’ll love it here. However, if you’re trying to visit LA on a budget, I do not recommend staying in Beverly Hills at all. The neighborhood is nice and generally safe, but it’s also one of the most expensive areas in LA. There are no true budget hotels here, only cheap mid-range hotels and very old hotels that are falling apart.

Beverly Hills offers iconic LA landmarks and locations, and it’s pretty close to West Hollywood and Hollywood. It’s a good base for a more thorough exploration of LA, especially if you want to stay in a quieter part of the city. Just remember that everything here is very expensive.

Luxury: The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of the best five-star hotels in this upscale area. It is on Sunset Boulevard, so it is just a short drive from The Strip and Rodeo Drive. Come here if you want to enjoy some much-deserved relaxation. Everything about this hotel screams luxury, from the high-end furniture to the vast ensuite bathrooms with double sinks.

The Beverly Hills Hotel suites are in a league of their own, but it’s the bungalows that offer the authentic Hollywood experience, inspired by their most famous guests. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and a full-service spa, as well as three restaurants.

Luxury: Beverly Wilshire

We’re talking about Beverly Hills, so of course, I had to include two luxury hotels. Beverly Wilshire offers the best shopping location in the area because it is only a few feet away from Rodeo Drive. It overlooks the Rodeo Drive Steps, and all that stands between this hotel and the best shopping in Los Angeles is a street crossing.

This is a Four Seasons hotel, so everything about it is top-notch. The rooms are large and modern, featuring private bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. The beds are extremely comfortable, and every room has a desk, a seating area, and a TV. All guests can use the hotel’s outdoor pool and enjoy dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred steakhouse with a menu created by Wolfgang Puck.

Mid-Range: The Beverly Hilton

The Beverly Hilton is the best option for a mid-range hotel in Beverly Hills. This four-star hotel features large rooms with comfortable double beds and roomy private bathrooms. All the guest rooms include a desk, couch, and flat-screen TV. Terraces with Downtown LA views are reserved only for specific rooms.

The Beverly Hilton offers a swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center, and several entertainment spaces, making it a great place to stay. Guests can play outdoor chess, visit the beauty salon, or just relax at the hotel lounge.

Budget: Maison 140 Beverly Hills

Maison 140 Beverly Hills is one of the most affordable hotels in this area, with rooms going for around $200, which is about as cheap as it gets in Beverly Hills. The hotel needs some updating, but it’s generally in pretty good condition. All the rooms have somewhat dated but charmingly decorative Parisian Inn-inspired furniture.

The guest rooms are medium-sized, featuring large ensuite bathrooms. Every room includes a desk and TV, and all guests get access to free Wi-Fi. However, the hotel lacks other facilities, as there is no restaurant, pool, or gym on the grounds.

Pros of Staying in Beverly Hills

• The best part of LA for luxury hotel stays
• High-end shops and restaurants
• One of the safest areas of LA

Cons of Staying in Beverly Hills

• Worst area for budget travelers
• Fewer tourist attractions
• Far from Downtown LA

6. Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a small city on the coast, situated west of central Los Angeles. It’s a more peaceful area near LA with easy beach access, a small amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier, and more affordable hotel rates. If you want to experience a different kind of Los Angeles while staying close to the beach, Santa Monica might just be perfect for you.

The small city is connected to Downtown LA by metro and bus, and you can be in the heart of Los Angeles in less than an hour. From there, you’re just 20-30 minutes away from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and all the tourist sights that might interest you. If you have a car in LA, you’re just a 20-minute drive along Santa Monica Boulevard from the center of all action.

Moreover, Santa Monica is much closer to the airport than central LA, making it my top choice for shorter stays in Los Angeles. You’ll be able to avoid traffic more easily, and Uber will be significantly cheaper than if you were to travel to the airport all the way from central Los Angeles.

Luxury: Shutters On The Beach

Shutters On The Beach is a fantastic five-star hotel located on Santa Monica Beach. The hotel is also within walking distance of Venice Beach, along with all the top attractions in Santa Monica. The beachfront hotel features an outdoor pool, two restaurants, and a great spa center. Everything about this hotel resembles a huge country house, which is perfect for a relaxed vacation.

Both restaurants are on the beach with lovely panoramic views. As for the guest rooms, they’re all spacious with extra-large and comfortable double beds. Every room has a spacious private bathroom, TV, a seating area, and a coffee machine. Superior rooms have balconies that overlook the beach, providing the best experience Shutters offers.

Mid-Range: Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica is an excellent hotel for travelers who want to stay close to the beach. The rooms are contemporary with colorful accents that create a cozy atmosphere. Each room features a spacious private bathroom, a desk, a small lounge area, and massive windows with stunning views.

The Viceroy has two outdoor pools lined with cabanas, making it perfect for a relaxing day spent sipping cocktails by the pool. For meals, the hotel offers a restaurant with eclectic indoor furniture and a sprawling outdoor terrace. Overall, if you enjoy staying in design hotels, you will not be let down by Viceroy Santa Monica.

Budget: HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel

HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel is one of the cheapest hostels in the LA area. If you’re on a tight budget and looking to spend as little money as possible on accommodation, this is one of the best options. The hostel is steps away from Santa Monica Beach and Palisades Park, plus it’s within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier.

The metro station is also nearby, providing direct access to Downtown LA. Everything at the hostel is squeaky clean, which is essential for me. Guests can stay in single-sex or mixed dormitories, which can have 4-10 beds. A private room with an ensuite bathroom is also available and is worth the money if you’re traveling with friends. The hostel has a lounge area, a TV room, and a garden for all guests to enjoy.

Pros of Staying in Santa Monica

• Best for beach vacations
• Cheaper than Downtown LA and Hollywood
• A safe area for tourists
• Closer to the airport

Cons of Staying in Santa Monica

• Quite far from the city center
• Fewer landmarks and attractions in the area
• Crowded with tourists

7. Culver City

Culver City is a fantastic area of LA for a very specific group of travelers. If you’re excited to visit the City of Angels for its moviemaking history, consider staying in Culver City. It is slightly farther from Hollywood and Downtown LA than most people prefer, but it has so many interesting attractions that you don’t need to venture into Los Angeles proper to have a good time. It takes just 45 minutes to reach the Downtown area by public transport.

Once the center for film production in the 1920s, Culver City later became equally important for television production. It was the home of MGM for much of the previous century and is still the headquarters for Sony Pictures Entertainment and National Public Radio West.

Tour the Sony Pictures Studio to see where the Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are filmed, and then catch a movie at the historic Culver Theater. The city has a buzzing gastronomic scene with numerous top-notch eateries and cocktail bars. Staying here is significantly cheaper than in LA proper, which is great if you want to save some money.

Luxury: The Culver Hotel

The Culver Hotel is one of the best hotels in Culver City. This four-star hotel is situated next to the Culver Theater, offering a stellar location less than a mile from Sony Pictures Studios. The hotel is housed in a historic building erected back in 1924.

The rooms at the Culver Hotel exude vintage luxury. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a small seating area, and a coffee maker. The hotel also provides in-room spa services, which is pretty amazing. Though there’s a restaurant on-site and a fitness center, the absence of a pool is likely why this hotel doesn’t boast a five-star rating.

Mid-Range: The Shay

The Shay is a Hyatt hotel, in a similar price range to the Culver Hotel. It’s located on the northern edge of Culver City, directly opposite the Culver City light rail station. You can be in Downtown LA in under 30 minutes from this hotel, which is awesome for sightseeing. The Shay Hotel offers large rooms with modern furnishings and two on-site restaurants.

Every guest room includes an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a TV, a coffee maker, and a seating area. I really like the warm and cozy decor of the rooms that include plenty of colorful accents. The Shay also boasts a fitness center and a rooftop pool with a cocktail bar, adding to the hotel’s appeal.

Budget: Travelodge by Wyndham Culver City

Travelodge by Wyndham is a solid option for travelers on a tighter budget who prefer not to stay in hostels. This hotel offers affordable double rooms and studios at reasonable rates. All guests have access to a private bathroom in the room, as well as a desk and a seating area. Rooms come with coffee machines and comfortable beds in a peaceful Culver City setting, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

Additionally, the Travelodge Hotel is just a 20-minute walk from Sony Pictures Studio, and it’s close to several bus stops that can help you reach Downtown LA in under an hour. There’s a restaurant on-site and a vending machine for drinks, but it’s worth noting that the hotel doesn’t have a fitness center, spa, or pool.

Pros of Staying in Culver City:

• Affordable hotels and restaurants
• Easy access to Downtown LA via public transport
• Great for movie lovers

Cons of Staying in Culver City:

• Fewer tourist attractions than in LA proper
• Traffic jams can prolong the journey into LA
• Fewer hotel options

8. Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a trendy area of LA that has been rapidly gaining popularity. Nowadays, it’s known as the hipster part of the city, which means one thing: craft coffee shops galore. If you can’t resist a good cup of coffee, you might just feel at home in Silver Lake.

This neighborhood is predominantly residential, with very few hotels. However, that’s not a bad thing; Silver Lake is generally more peaceful, considered safe for both locals and tourists.

By staying at a hotel in Silver Lake, you’ll be roughly half an hour from both Hollywood and Downtown LA. The neighborhood also borders Los Feliz, allowing easy hikes to the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. Overall, it’s an excellent location for exploring tourist attractions in LA, especially if you prefer being away from the crowds of the busiest tourist centers.

Luxury: The Paramour Estate

The Paramour Estate is an expansive luxury property in the heart of Silver Lake. Featuring opulent guest rooms, suites, and cottages, this is one of LA’s premier estates for anyone who wants to feel like a movie star. You can rent the entire property, although the cost can be quite high. Thankfully, individual room rentals are also available.

All the rooms and suites boast luxurious decor and designer furniture. There’s a pool on the grounds that guests can enjoy, and the estate is just minutes from the Silver Lake Reservoir, offering beautiful nature and relaxing walking trails.

Mid-Range: Silver Lake Pool & Inn

Silver Lake Pool & Inn is a four-star hotel featuring modern and spacious rooms. The hotel is on Santa Monica Boulevard, roughly an hour’s walk from both the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, keeping you close to all the top tourist attractions in Los Angeles. The rooms are clean and beautifully decorated, with spacious ensuite bathrooms and warm wooden decor.

Moreover, the inn provides an outdoor pool, which is quite nice for a refreshing dip. Guests can relax on poolside loungers or at the on-site coffee house, experiencing why Silver Lake is known as a hipster’s paradise. The hotel also features an Italian restaurant for delicious dinners, although it doesn’t offer a fitness center or a spa.

Budget: Comfort Inn Los Angeles

Comfort Inn Los Angeles is an affordable option located on West Sunset Boulevard. It’s only half an hour from the city center by public transport, with a bus stop right across the street. This small hotel includes breakfast with every nightly rate, which starts at just $130 for a double room – exceptionally cheap for LA.

The Comfort Inn rooms are medium-sized and include ensuite bathrooms. The furniture is a little outdated, but everything is functional and clean. Every room features a TV, microwave, desk, minifridge, and small seating areas, making for a pleasant stay.

Pros of Staying in Silver Lake

• Accommodation is more affordable
• Safe area for tourists
• Very close to Hollywood and Downtown LA

Cons of Staying in Silver Lake

• Few tourist attractions in the neighborhood
• Limited hotel options
• Considerably far from Beverly Hills

9. Best Areas To Stay in Los Angeles FAQ’s

What is the best area to stay in Los Angeles?

The best area to stay in Los Angeles is either West Hollywood or Downtown LA. Either area offers easy walking access to famous landmarks and attractions, plus good public transport connections to the rest of LA.

Should you stay in Downtown LA or Hollywood?

Downtown LA is generally better than Hollywood. Downtown LA is walkable and offers many hotels in every price range, while Hollywood is often overpriced, dirty, and can feel like a tourist trap.

Where should I go for the first time in LA?

You should go to Downtown LA, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills for your first visit to LA. Each place offers excellent opportunities to discover unique city landmarks.

What is the safest area in Los Angeles for tourists?

West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills are generally considered safe for tourists. Downtown LA is mostly safe, but tourists should avoid certain areas (such as Skid Row) that are known for a high homeless population.

10. Where Not To Stay In Los Angeles

You might not like to hear this, but Hollywood is one of the worst areas of LA for a hotel stay. The neighborhood can be dirty and overcrowded, with overpriced hotels and restaurants. This area is the most touristy part of Los Angeles, making much of it seem like a massive tourist trap. The top attractions, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Paramount Pictures Studio, can be visited without staying in the neighborhood.

Instead, consider staying in West Hollywood or even Silver Lake. Both areas are relatively close to Hollywood, allowing access to the top tourist sights without a car. Silver Lake is a charming residential neighborhood with walking access to the Griffith Observatory and hiking trails leading to the Hollywood Sign, making it a top choice for experiencing LA’s hiking culture.

Other areas to avoid include Compton and West Adams, both of which have a high crime rate and are known for substantial police activity. Instead, consider Culver City, Santa Monica, or even Venice Beach if you’re okay with being farther from central LA. You’ll find better hotel rates and more enjoyable surroundings while remaining in a safe part of the city.

Also, consider Hotel Bel Air if you’re fine staying outside central LA. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in the city, where you can experience the feel of Hollywood royalty. Plus, it’s close to popular tourist attractions; both the Getty and Beverly Hills are less than a 10-minute drive from this iconic hotel.

11. Why We Love Los Angeles

We love Los Angeles because the city promises glitz and glamour, and it delivers! It’s the best city in the world for celebrity sightings, whether you’ll catch them shopping on Rodeo Drive or heading to work in Hollywood.

LA is a great place to visit as it offers something for everyone. If you’re into beaches and surfing, enjoy the best time at Santa Monica and Venice Beach. However, head to West Hollywood to experience some of the best nightlife in California and discover the city’s many clubs, live music bars, and comedy clubs.

This fabulous city is also a top destination for hiking and nature excursions. Numerous state parks, forests, and recreation areas can be easily visited on day trips from Los Angeles. Furthermore, countless trails in the hills above the city offer excellent hiking opportunities.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to plan your next trip? Use resources that are tried and tested.

Find Flights: Start planning by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

Find Hotels: Discover the best prices on hotels through Booking.com or TripAdvisor.

Apartment Rentals: For apartment rentals, find the best prices on VRBO.

Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. Recommended providers include:

• Safety Wing – Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Activities: For walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, and private guides, check out Get Your Guide.

Need more help with your trip? Don’t forget to visit our Resources Page for trustworthy travel companies.