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Where To Stay In Los Angeles — Planning a trip to los angeles? This guide covers the best things to do, where to stay, travel tips, and everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles: Real Traveler Picks & Local Tips
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from countless trips to LA, it’s this: where you choose to stay can make or break your experience in the City of Angels. Los Angeles is a sprawling playground of neighborhoods. Each one has its own vibe, flavor, and surprisingly different daily rhythm. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” area here—which is why I wanted to lay out some real travel experiences and practical advice to help you decide exactly where to stay in Los Angeles.Case Study: The Time I Stayed in Santa Monica
For my first proper LA trip after college, I booked four nights in Santa Monica. I’d read about its iconic pier, breezy beach scene, and endless restaurants, but wasn’t sure it was worth the higher hotel prices. (Spoiler: it was.) My base: Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica—a mid-range hotel with bikes, comfy beds, and a chill vibe just a few blocks from the sand. What worked:- Daily runs along the beach path
- Quick walks to Third Street Promenade for amazing poke bowls and shopping
- Easy rideshare (or Metro) access to Venice and Downtown LA
- Hotels are pricier May–September. Look for mid-week deals or stay on the inland side of Ocean Avenue.
- The Metro E Line now connects Santa Monica to Downtown LA—no car required!
- It’s ideal for families, couples, or anyone who wants a blend of beach and city vibes.
Mid-City Magic: My Favorite Melrose Airbnb
On a more recent solo trip, I decided to dive into LA’s creative side and booked a private studio I found on Airbnb near Melrose Ave. The area is midway between Hollywood’s buzz and West Hollywood’s style, with a more local, walkable feel. My base: A sunny guesthouse near Fairfax, just blocks from the famous Melrose murals. What worked:- Walking to brunch spots and coffee shops—Urth Caffé and Bluestone Lane were standouts.
- Browsing urban art and boutique shops without feeling overwhelmed by tourists.
- Access to both Hollywood attractions (Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre) and The Grove’s farmers market.
Downtown Dreaming: A Real Urban Adventure
Downtown LA (DTLA) is not for everyone—but it’s come a long way if you crave urban energy, art, and foodie finds. I spent a weekend at the Ace Hotel, which is inside a restored historic theater. Both mornings, I grabbed coffee at Verve, then explored world-class art at The Broad and MOCA. Best bits:- Grand Central Market’s explosion of global flavors—get the breakfast sandwich at Eggslut!
- Stunning rooftop bars, like Perch, with panoramic skyline views
- Easy Metro access to Hollywood, Koreatown, and Pasadena
- Downtown is best for culture hounds, foodies, and business travelers
- Parking fees add up—consider arriving by train (Amtrak/Metrolink stop nearby) or ride share
- Staying here puts you closer to concerts, major league sports, and hidden gems like Little Tokyo
Venice Beach: LA’s Boho Playground
One memorable trip with college friends saw us renting a quirky VRBO house in Venice, just a short stroll from the boardwalk. Venice is a pulsating mix of street art, classic skate culture, and surprisingly upscale dining. It’s a blast for groups and backpackers, thanks to a more laid-back, community vibe. Venice essentials:- Morning walks through the Venice Canals Historic District
- People-watching on Muscle Beach and Abbott Kinney Blvd
- Cheap eats at Venice Ale House and Gjelina Take-away
Hollywood: Glitz, Grit, & Everything In-Between
Hollywood is what many first-time visitors imagine when they think of LA—movie history, neon lights, and tourist attractions galore. On a group trip, we stayed at Mama Shelter—a playful boutique hotel with affordable rates and a rooftop bar. Pros:- Walking distance to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre
- Close to the Red Line Metro for day trips to Universal Studios and Koreatown
- Great for nightlife, film buffs, and action-lovers
- Neighborhood feels busy and touristy—choose an upper-floor room for quiet
- Street parking is a challenge—spring for the hotel valet
So What’s the Best Neighborhood to Stay in LA?
It really depends on your style and what you want to do! Here’s a quick guide based on my trips and local advice:- Beach Lovers: Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or even Manhattan Beach (a quieter, upscale option)
- First-Timers & Star Seekers: Hollywood or West Hollywood for classic tourist sights and nightlife
- Culture Vultures: Downtown LA or the Arts District for museums and live music
- Foodies: Koreatown, Silver Lake, or Los Feliz for late-night bites and unique bars
- Families: Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offer more relaxed, safe, and kid-friendly stays
Transport Tips: Getting Around LA
LA has a reputation for traffic—and yes, it’s often true. That said, you don’t always need a car:- The Metro system (rail and bus) is cleaner and more useful than some expect—especially for reaching Downtown, Santa Monica, Hollywood, and even Universal Studios.
- Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are crucial for late-night trips, beach hopping, or if you’re carrying lots of stuff.
- If you do rent a car, watch out for hotel parking fees and street cleaning rules—they’re enforced!