Where to Stay in Los Angeles: 7 Best Areas & Hotels

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Los Angeles, it’s a difficult decision – especially for first-timers. The city covers an area of over 500 square miles (1,295 km2) and is full of awesome neighborhoods! That is a lot of different areas, and hotels to wade through if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay. 

This is where my guide is going to come in handy! This article is going to go through where to stay in LA, some of the best hotels in each area, and the best nearby attractions. 

When it comes to choosing your accommodation in the city, there is a lot to think about. You’ll want to be close to one of LA’s metro stations, be within walking distance of some attractions, and have some great places to eat nearby. 

However, it’s important to state that Los Angeles is not a cheap city, and you’ll need to factor in your budget too! So, let’s find the best place to stay in Los Angeles that’s suited to your needs.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Where to Stay in Los Angeles

If you’re wondering where to stay in Los Angeles, you have a lot of choices. The city is split into 15 districts, and then into a further 87 neighborhoods. 

This article is going to cover the 7 most popular areas of LA, and why they attract so many tourists. Each neighborhood offers something unique, and special, but there are several different things to consider. 

One of the most important factors is your budget! Some of the areas on this list are way more budget-friendly than say the likes of Beverly Hills. Location plays a big part in the price of hotels within the city, so this needs to be taken into account. 

If you’re in a hurry, you can have a quick scan of this guide below. It will go through the best parts of LA to stay in, and what each one offers for travelers.

Area	Recommended Hotel
Downtown LA (budget-friendly, first-time visitors, nightlife, food)	citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hollywood (first-time visitors, food, nightlife, sightseeing)	Dream Hollywood
West Hollywood (LGBTQ+ friendly, nightlife, shopping, food)	Andaz West Hollywood-a concept by Hyatt
Beverly Hills (luxury stays, fine dining, designer shops, food)	Huntley Santa Monica Beach
Venice (budget-friendly, beach, culture, atmosphere)	Inn at Venice Beach
Beverly Hills (luxury stays, fine-dining, designer shops, food)	Sonder Beverly Terrace
Pasadena (culture, history, shopping, sports)	Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town

Best Areas to Stay in Los Angeles

1. Downtown LA

Downtown LA is located in the city center and is made up of smaller areas including the Arts District, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo.

If it’s your first time in the city, this area is one of the best places to stay with plenty of dining options, nightlife, and lots of public transport links. There are a couple of metro stations in the area and bus links to other popular neighborhoods including Santa Monica.

Some of the most popular clubs and bars in the area include the Exchange LA and the Edison. Downtown LA also has plenty of rooftop bars in the area, where you can get amazing views of the city!

There are also a ton of tourist attractions within walking distance including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, LA Live, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). 

If you’re wondering where to stay in LA, then this area is a great choice. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly areas in the city, so is the place to go if you’re looking to save a few dollars.

2. Hollywood

The Hollywood neighborhood is one of the most popular places to stay in Los Angeles, and it’s no wonder why! 

It’s home to some of the most iconic attractions that need to be in every Los Angeles itinerary including the famous Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, and Grauman’s Chinese Theater. You can also take a wander along Hollywood Boulevard, or visit Hollywood Bowl.

Hollywood is one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles – especially for tourists visiting for the first time. With plenty of attractions to visit, great public transport links, and a great nightlife scene, this is one of the top places to be!

Some of the most popular bars and clubs in the area include Academy LA, Hotel Cafe, and Mama Shelter which is a funky rooftop bar and restaurant. 

It’s also a favorite area with foodies as there is a wide variety of choices. Whether you’re looking for fine dining options, authentic restaurants, or simply a street food truck – this area has something for everyone! Some of the top choices include In-N-Out Burger, Katsuya Hollywood, and Musso & Frank Grill. 

Although there are plenty of expensive accommodation options within Hollywood, you’ll still be able to find some cost-effective options.

3. West Hollywood

If you love a good party scene and are wondering where to stay in Los Angeles then West Hollywood may be the place for you! Some of the top party spots in the area include Bootsy Bellows, Nightingale Plaza, and 1 OAK. 

West Hollywood is also incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly with several gay bars and clubs located along Santa Monica Boulevard. You’ll be spoilt for choice, but some of the best gay bars include The Abbey, The Bayou, and Hi-Tops!

When it comes to tourist attractions, there may not be as many popular sights in this area but there is still plenty to do. You can take a walk along the Sunset Strip, visit Runyon Canyon Park, spend the evening at the Comedy Store, or visit the Urban Light art installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) which is one of the most Instagrammable places in LA.

West Hollywood is also home to some of the best shopping in Los Angeles with Sunset Plaza, Melrose Avenue, and Sunset Boulevard all located in this area. You’ll also come across plenty of vintage and boutique stores. 

With fabulous nightlife, plenty of trendy restaurants, and endless shopping opportunities, West Hollywood is one of the best parts of LA to stay in.

4. Santa Monica

Santa Monica is one of the most family-friendly areas in LA, and with a view like that – who wouldn’t want to stay here?

This area is world-famous due to the Santa Monica Pier, the beautiful beach, and of course, its laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax, take a wander along the beach, and spend some time with the family. 

Santa Monica is also popular with foodies, as there are plenty of great restaurants, cheap eats, and fine dining options. If you decide to stay here, make sure you head to Street Food Tuesday – where you’ll find an array of food trucks, stands, and stalls.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Los Angeles, then this area is a great option. Not only does it have a variety of food choices and relaxing vibes, but there are also plenty of attractions to visit. 

Some of the most popular places to visit in this area include the Santa Monica Pier Museum, the Farmers Market, and Tongva Park. You also have the chance to watch the sunset from the Pacific Wheel and have a go on some of the fair rides along the pier!

5. Venice Beach

Venice Beach is situated along the Pacific Coast Highway south of Santa Monica. It’s famous for its iconic beaches, quirky stores, and an endless array of dining options. As well as funky restaurants and cafes, you’ll also find food vendors lining the streets.

There are also plenty of awesome places to visit in this part of Los Angeles. Some of the top spots include the famous Venice Beach, Muscle Beach, the Skate Plaza, and the Venice Beach boardwalk. If you simply fancy taking a stroll, make sure to wander along Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Main Street.

Not only is Venice Beach one of the best places to stay in LA, but it’s also one of the coolest areas in the whole city. However, that’s not the best part! Venice Beach is extremely budget-friendly, so if you’re strapped for cash this is the place you need to stay.

Many of the popular attractions are also located very close together, making this area of Los Angeles extremely walkable.

6. Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is one of the most famous areas in LA and is known for its wealth, fame, and of course, the 90210 zip code. If you’re wondering where to stay in Los Angeles, and have a bit of spare cash then opting for a luxury stay in Beverly Hills is truly something else!

There are plenty of incredible sights to see in the area including Sunset Boulevard, the Greystone Mansion & Gardens, and Franklin Canyon Park. Heading down Mulholland Drive is another popular activity, as it’s famous for being home to plenty of celebrities.

However, the most famous part of Beverly Hills is Rodeo Drive! It’s one of the best places in the city to spot Hollywood celebrities and is home to over 100 designer boutiques. If you’re looking for a bit of glitz and glamor, luxury jewelry stores are also found here. 

If you want to do LA on a budget, this is not the area you want to stay in! Beverly Hills is extremely luxurious and is known for its world-class 5-star hotels. You’ll pay much more for hotels in this area than most other places in Los Angeles.

7. Pasadena

When people are searching for where to stay in LA, Pasadena isn’t often an area that comes up. However, it has a lot to offer for people traveling to Los Angeles.

Pasadena is located about 12 miles away from Downtown LA and is a popular city known for its culture and history. With its brilliant architecture, culture, and variety of tourist attractions, it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of central Los Angeles. 

The old town of Pasadena is well known for its shopping and dining options, but there are other sights to see too! 

Popular attractions here include the Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. However, the city is most popular for the Rose Bowl, and its New Year’s Day Rose Parade.

There are also plenty of outdoor activities available including hiking, cycling, and climbing. It’s the perfect way to relax after spending a day exploring Los Angeles and is a great place to stay if you don’t want to be in the center of the city.