Best Hotels in Los Angeles: Ultimate Stay Guide

Hotels in Los Angeles: Where to Stay

The following pages will give you an idea of what each part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area is like, with the pros and cons of staying there. Browse around and once you find an area you like, you can review lists of the best hotels in that area.

No matter where you stay in the city of Los Angeles, hotel tax is 12%. Other cities may have slightly different rates.

Tips About Where to Stay

• The greater Los Angeles metropolitan area – which encompasses five counties – is a very big place. Traffic is as notorious as you’ve heard, so it’s beneficial to stay off the freeway as much as you can. Think about what you want to see, review the map, and pick your place to stay for greater convenience.
• Getting around LA without an automobile is extremely difficult. Areas that are along the Metro train lines are noted, and you may be able to take the trains to visit various attractions.

Bed and Breakfast in LA

For reasons that remain unclear, Los Angeles has very few true bed and breakfast lodgings. There are plenty of Airbnb rentals, but only a handful of genuine “B&B” places, where guests are pampered with large breakfasts.

Hotels in Los Angeles: Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice to Redondo Beach

The cities included in this area lie along the shores of the Santa Monica Bay. They include Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Attractions in the Beach Cities

Read the profiles of each city to discover what activities and attractions are available.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Beach Cities

• Close to the beach, with a relaxed oceanside ambiance.
• The location is not central, so depending on where else you want to visit, it could be a long distance away.
• Lodging can be pricier than in other areas, especially if you have a view of the water; however, most hotels do not charge for parking.
• Cooler than inland regions and less smog, but can be foggy all day long in June and into July.

Hotels in Los Angeles: Downtown and Pasadena

Downtown Los Angeles has much more to offer than many people realize. It has become vibrant, full of interesting activities and sights to explore. Moreover, film crews can often be spotted in downtown, especially on weekends.

Pasadena, just a few minutes’ drive north of downtown, is a good side trip or a convenient place to stay if you need easy access to downtown without the hustle and bustle.

Attractions

Downtown:

• California Science Center
• Dodger Stadium
• Griffith Park

In Pasadena:

• Huntington Library, Pasadena
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena
• Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena

Pros and Cons of Staying Downtown

• Central location and very convenient to many freeways. It’s also easy to use the Metro trains to reach other parts of Los Angeles, and frequent downtown shuttles make getting around the area simple.
• Hotels lower their rates on weekends, yet most charge for parking.
• Close to the performing arts center, Staples Center, and L.A. Live.
• Downtown has a reputation for being dull, which is often unfounded. However, it can feel less lively than other parts of the city.

Pasadena is a good choice for moderately priced lodging, except during events like the Rose Bowl. Its location near freeways and Metro access offers convenience for exploring other parts of the city.

Hotels in Los Angeles: Hollywood and Sunset Strip

Hollywood and nearby Sunset Strip are cloaked in stereotypes and images from the films. While some of the expectations might not hold true, you’ll find plenty of iconic sites. If nightlife is what you’re after, Sunset Strip could be the perfect fit.

Attractions in Hollywood

• Farmers Market
• Guide to Hollywood Boulevard
• Hollywood Bowl
• Melrose Avenue
• Sunset Strip

Pros and Cons of Staying in Hollywood

• There’s a lot to do, but the area can become crowded because of its popularity. Sunset Strip, in particular, can be congested at night.
• Some hotels are pricey and add fees for parking, especially those centrally located.
• Some larger hotels offer stunning views from their upper floors.
• If you stay near Hollywood Boulevard, using the Metro trains to access other parts of Los Angeles, including Universal Studios, is convenient.

Hotels in Los Angeles: Beverly Hills and Westside Los Angeles

This area of Los Angeles includes Beverly Hills, UCLA, Westwood, Brentwood, and Century City. It’s popular for upscale shopping and museum exploration.

Attractions Near in Beverly Hills and Westside LA

• Rodeo Drive
• La Brea Tar Pits
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Pros and Cons of Staying in Beverly Hills and Westside

• Some of the city’s best hotels are located here, although they can be quite expensive. However, moderately priced accommodations can also be found, so don’t rule out this area simply based on budget concerns.
• Conveniently situated for visiting top museums in Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Getty Museum. Also convenient for events at UCLA.
• Central location but not directly close to freeways.
• One of the most picturesque areas of the city, surrounded by luxury shops and beautiful homes.

Hotels Near Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located midway along the coast of the Santa Monica Bay, presenting numerous hotels nearby. However, the area lacks scenic beauty and has several drawbacks.

Pros and Cons of Staying Near LAX

• The primary advantage is proximity to the airport, which is helpful if you need to catch an early flight or arrive late.
• Poorly insulated hotels can experience significant airplane noise.
• Most hotels charge for parking (some charged significantly).
• The location is convenient to the freeway and near beach towns, but there is little to do immediately around the airport. This spot might be practical if you’re working in the area, especially with local aerospace companies.

Hotels in Los Angeles: Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Disneyland

About the Theme Parks

Los Angeles theme parks are spread across the metro area. If you’re planning to visit more than one, consider booking a hotel near each one.

Don’t get lured into costly amenities like swimming pools if you’ll be at the theme park all day. Chances are, you’ll only return to your hotel to rest.

Pros and Cons of Staying Near the Theme Parks

• It’s evident you’ll choose these locations if most of your time will be spent in the parks.
• Due to high visitor numbers, some hotels around the theme parks may neglect upkeep and service quality.

Hotels in Los Angeles: Catalina Island, Long Beach, Orange County

The areas highlighted may be the ideal spots for you, depending on your planned activities.

Attractions

• Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
• Queen Mary, Long Beach

Pros and Cons

• Long Beach serves as a great base for exploring much of the Los Angeles area. Its access to freeways makes it somewhat central, especially for trips including both LA and Disneyland.
• Catalina Island provides a fun getaway, though access is mostly governed by ferry schedules.
• Orange County is home to Disneyland but also boasts excellent beach towns; however, it tends to be expensive and crowded.

Los Angeles Beach Hotels

You can find excellent beachfront accommodations in the LA area, often just a few steps from the shore. Check out the following lists:

• Los Angeles Beach Hotels
• Orange County Beach Hotels

How to Find a Cheap Los Angeles Hotel

Finding affordable hotels in LA can be challenging, especially if you prefer a clean and pleasant environment. It’s tricky to discover budget-friendly accommodations where you can truly relax without concerns.

As a frequent traveler, I continually search for promotions. I’m eager to share my knowledge, ensuring that you never have to pay full price again.

Best Areas to Find a Cheap Hotel in LA

Pasadena, located north of downtown, is an excellent base for visiting other parts of the city on the Metro Train System, including Hollywood and downtown. Hotels located on the east side of town tend to offer good value.

Expect to find lower rates around LAX airport, but beware: many of the hotels near the airport, particularly along Century Boulevard, charge for parking, typically around $25 daily—which can negate any anticipated savings.

Other areas that host a greater selection of budget hotels include Wilshire Boulevard west of downtown and the South Bay Beach cities along Pacific Coast Highway, particularly in El Segundo, not far from LAX.

Ways to Get an Even Cheaper Los Angeles Hotel Rate

Using the telephone might seem quaint today, yet it’s still one of the best strategies to reduce your hotel costs. Employ these tips for finding the best hotel rate by phone.

AAA or AARP memberships often yield lower rates when booking directly on a hotel’s website.

Using Tripadvisor to Get a Low Rate on an LA Hotel

Here is the procedure I utilized to uncover well-reviewed Los Angeles hotels at low nightly rates:

1. Visit the Tripadvisor Los Angeles hotels page.
2. Select your destination and travel dates.
3. Use the pull-down menu to select hotels rated 4 (out of 5) or higher.
4. Use the pull-down menu to choose the lowest price range that yields results.
5. Sort by price, from lowest to highest.
6. Avoid places with just a few reviews, as it’s easier for property owners to secure a handful of endorsements than to amass numerous genuine reviews.

Low-Cost Alternatives to Cheap Hotels

PodShare is an innovative and economically friendly option in Hollywood, excellent for solo travelers. It provides personal quarters with a television, alongside access to shared kitchen and bathroom facilities—think of it as a contemporary hostel.

If you aim to save substantially, consider Airbnb, where you may discover individuals willing to rent out their couches for minimal fees. For greater privacy, my recommendation is to rent an entire apartment or cottage through Airbnb.

If you’re curious yet uncertain, read this review from a family travel perspective.

Budget Chains to Try in Los Angeles

Consumer Reports magazine rated Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham highly in the budget hotel category. It was closely followed by Red Roof Inn, Super 8, while Comfort Suites also received commendable ratings, albeit slightly more expensive than the others.