Where to Stay in Los Angeles in 2024! • 10 INCREDIBLE Areas

Los Angeles, also known as the ‘City of Angels,’ is one of the most popular destinations for people interested in popular culture and the second most populous city in the USA! If you’ve decided to visit the city, you’re probably thinking about where to stay in Los Angeles, am I right? 

LA is an extremely big city -it consists of more than 400(!) neighborhoods, and most of the attractions are spread all across the city. Since the city is so big, you can’t easily walk from one place to another (and I wouldn’t rely on public transportation either), and it’s super important to choose the right place to stay so you can visit all the attractions on your bucket list. 

I visited LA countless times, and I can provide recommendations for the very best (and safest) LA neighborhoods. I can start off by saying that Santa Monica is the best place to stay in LA, especially if you’re visiting for the first time, as it offers a great blend of beaches and cool attractions. 

But whether you choose to stay here or in any of the other recommended areas, I urge you to book your stay as soon as possible. LA is wildly popular, and hotels sell out super quickly – make sure you have a spot!

Let’s dive into the recommendations!

If you’re in a hurry

Here are the best places to stay in Santa Monica, LA, the ultimate spot for first-time visitors:

• Best luxury hotel: Shutters On The Beach
• Best mid-range hotel: SureStay Hotel
• Best budget hotel: HI Los Angeles

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Which area should you choose?

First of all, here’s a map of all the LA neighborhoods featured in this post so you can easily visualize them:

Los Angeles is a very BIG city, and it’s divided into 8 large districts, which are further divided into several different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and unique advantages. If you’re having trouble deciding, here is my list to help you choose:

• Where to stay in LA for the first time: Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills
• Where to stay in LA near the beach: Venice Beach and Santa Monica
• Best place to stay in Los Angeles on a budget: Silver Lake and Venice Beach
• Where to stay in LA for nightlife: West Hollywood, Culver City, and Koreatown
• Where to stay in LA with family: Los Feliz, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills
• Best place to stay in LA on a business trip: Downtown LA and Beverly Hills
• Where to stay in LA for shopping: Beverly Hills and West Hollywood

1. Santa Monica – where to stay in LA for the first time

Santa Monica is situated on the West Coast of the greater Los Angeles area and is the perfect place to stay if you’re coming to LA for the first time. During your stay, you’ll get to experience an amazing beach vacation but also get a taste of that vibrant city life. Santa Monica really has it all – it’s upscale, family-friendly, and has a lively atmosphere and a 3.5-mile beach!

The first thing to note about Santa Monica is that it provides easy access to the beach; the main beach here, of course, is Santa Monica Beach (map). Then, I highly recommend you pay a visit to the Original Muscle Beach (map), an outdoor gym dating back to the 1930s.

If you venture North of Santa Monica, you can also explore the Pacific Palisades, a high-end neighborhood, and visit Will Rogers State Beach (map). I’d also suggest a visit to Palisades Park (map) for the best ocean views and Montana Avenue, the ultimate shopping spot with over 100 shops! And if you continue going North, you’ll get to the one-and-only Malibu!

Now, let’s get back to Santa Monica. The main landmark is the Santa Monica Pier (map), a seaside spot with plenty of nice restos, coffee shops, an aquarium, an amusement park, and a 26-mile bike trail. Spend some time admiring the animals in Heal the Bay Aquarium, and go for a ride on the Ferris Wheel at the Pacific Park. 

Another great aspect of this area is that it’s extremely walkable – you can easily get everywhere on foot, so it’s a great place to stay in LA without a car. The Third Street Promenade is a great example; this is a touristy, open-air shopping mall spread over 3 car-free blocks, where you’ll find everything from designer shops to farmers’ markets. 

In case you’re looking for some cool destinations outside Santa Monica, I’d recommend heading West to Brentwood and paying a visit to The Getty or venturing a bit further to Westwood to see the UCLA campus and Westwood Village. 

Luxury (US$350 and up)

• Shutters On The Beach – As one of the best luxurious hotels in Santa Monica, Shutters on the Beach offers 2 oceanfront restaurants, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and a heated terrace with an ocean view. 
• Santa Monica Proper Hotel –Outdoor pool, fitness center, terrace, bar, free bikes, and private parking are just some of the perks you can enjoy during your stay at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. 

Mid-range (from US$150 to US$350)

• SureStay Hotel – Situated near the Santa Monica Pier, the hotel provides free parking, laundry facilities, a free continental breakfast, and access to a business center and a terrace. 
• Gateway Hotel Santa Monica – This Santa Monica hotel boasts a gym, a 24-hour business center, and a bar and has a super friendly staff that’s always ready to assist you. 

Budget (up to US$150)

• HI Los Angeles – This cute and affordable hostel is super close to Santa Monica Beach and provides accommodation in shared dormitories, free Wi-Fi, and assistance from the 24/7 front desk. 
• Rest Haven Motel – Guests at this motel can explore the nearby Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach, use the front desk safe and luggage storage service, and benefit from free parking. 

2. West Hollywood – where to stay in LA for nightlife

If you like partying, fashion, shopping, and celebrity spotting, West Hollywood is your kind of placce! Situated 8.5 miles (13 km) northeast of Downtown LA and right next to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood awaits you in one of the best LA locations, with trendy restaurants, shopping spots, and a booming nightlife scene. 

The first thing that will grab your attention is the Sunset Strip, a 1.7 mile (2.7 km) of Sunset Boulevard, the hub of Hollywood nightlife. There’s plenty to see and do on the Sunset Strip; you can start off with shopping at Sunset Plaza, see a live music performance at Whisky a Go Go, and attend a comedy show at The Comedy Store. 

As you walk along the Sunset Strip, I’m sure you’ll want to stop and snap a photo; here, you’ll find some of the most Instagrammable spots in LA. West Hollywood is also a hub for the LGBTQ community – you’ll find plenty of gay bars along Santa Monica Boulevard. 

Then, you should head to Melrose Avenue and grab a matcha latte at Urth Caffe Melrose, relax at West Hollywood Park (map), or plan a hike at Runyon Canyon Park (map) – one of the best things to do in LA as a solo traveler and a great opportunity to see the iconic Hollywood sign. 

You can also leave the neighborhood and visit Fairfax, a neighborhood situated South of West Hollywood. This is where you’ll find The Original Farmers Market (map), but if you’re in the mood for more shopping, head to Beverly Grove and shop at The Grove or at the Beverly Center. 

Besides shopping and dining, there are a couple of cool museums here – the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum – I highly suggest visiting both!

Luxury (US$300 and up)

• The West Hollywood EDITION – One of the top luxury hotels on the Sunset Strip, The West Hollywood EDITION offers a rooftop terrace, a poolside bar, and a restaurant. 
• Kimpton La Peer Hotel – During your stay in the Kimpton La Peer Hotel, you can enjoy the Italian cuisine at the hotel restaurant, hit the gym, and admire the onsite art gallery. 

Mid-range (from US$200 to US$300)

• Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel – Located a short walking distance from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this hotel offers a complimentary English breakfast and access to a golf course. 
• Beverly Laurel Hotel – This comfortable boutique hotel awaits with individually furnished rooms, an outdoor pool, a coffee shop on site, free Wi-Fi and parking, and helpful staff. 

Budget (up to US$200)

• Banana Bungalow – Offering both private rooms and shared dormitories, this property also has a Tiki garden, a shared lounge and kitchen, a karaoke stage, and a billiards lounge. 
• Vibe Hotel – Even though the hotel is slightly lower-rated, it’s a great choice for a budget stay in West Hollywood, with free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa. 

3. Venice Beach – best spot in LA for a beach vacation

Situated just South of Santa Monica, Venice Beach is the ideal spot if you want to experience some amazing California beaches – it sounds like a great place for vacation, right? The area has a bohemian vibe to it, boosted by the street performers and the colorful murals lining the streets. 

The eponymous Venice Beach (map) is the top spot to spend your days swimming and sunbathing. The Venice Boardwalk is a great place to admire the views or for skating (or using any kind of equipment on wheels for that matter – bicycles, scooters – you name it!). Thanks to its chill funky atmosphere, street musicians everywhere, it just feels like people are a bit friendlier in this part of the city (I think I am right!). 

From Venice, go down the coast to explore other beaches; I recommend Manhattan Beach (map) and Hermosa Beach (map), but it’s also a good idea to check out San Pedro and Long Beach. 

Another must-do is exploring the Venice Canals (map), man-made canals inspired by those in Venice, Italy. And if you want to see more of the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, I advise you to head South to Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey. 

Venice Beach is one of the safest places to stay in Los Angeles, and it’s also super-walkable, which is why it’s good for both a family stay and a romantic getaway. And if you need more things to do, why not pay a visit to Orange County, where you can explore Santa Ana and Anaheim, where you’ll find Disneyland Park, the most iconic amusement park in the area. 

If you’re having trouble deciding whether to stay in Santa Monica or Venice Beach, I can tell you that Santa Monica is more upscale and a bit more relaxed and quiet. Venice Beach is more nightlife-oriented and budget-friendly, so it attracts a lot of young people. 

Luxury (US$280 and up)

• The Inn at Venice Beach – One of the best boutique hotels in Venice Beach, The Inn has a terrace and a garden and offers concierge services, bike rentals, luggage storage, and self-parking. 
• Hotel Erwin – If you’re looking for some beachfront luxury, this hotel overlooks the Pacific and is steps away from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, with a rooftop lounge and 2 restaurants. 

Mid-range (from US$120 to US$280)

• Venice V Hotel – This beachfront lifestyle hotel is located in a landmark building and has stylish rooms decorated with period details and modern amenities and views of the Pacific Ocean. 
• The Kinney – Guests at this hotel will enjoy the outdoor area with a fire pit, a heated outdoor pool, ping pong tables, an onsite gym, and spacious rooms. 

Budget (up to US$120)

• Samesun Venice Beach – For your stay here, you can choose between private rooms and dormitory beds, have access to a common kitchen, and enjoy the daily complimentary breakfast. 
• STAY OPEN Venice Beach – This pod hostel is located on the beachfront, provides access to a terrace and a communal kitchen, and offers free bikes and Wi-Fi. 

4. Beverly Hills – the nicest part of Los Angeles for luxury

Beverly Hills borders West Hollywood to the West and is about 12 miles (20 km) away from Downtown LA. This is the most luxurious part of the city, full of upscale restaurants, high-end boutiques, and celebrity mansions – I’m sure you’ve seen some of it in Hollywood movies!

The top spot to explore here is Rodeo Drive, the most famous shopping street in LA (we’ve all seen “Pretty Woman”, right?. The scene where Julia Robers/Vivian went shopping was shot on Rodeo drive). 

The Beverly Gardens Park (map) is totally worth your time, and I would recommend paying a visit to Greystone Mansion & Gardens (map), which has been the location of many movies. 

Popular movies like The Big Lebowski and X-Men and TV shows such as The West Wing and Gilmore Girls have scenes filmed at the Greystone Mansion!

Beverly Hills doesn’t have that much to offer in terms of attractions, so you can just bask in the luxury and indulge in shopping. However, it’s also a good idea to explore more of the surrounding neighborhoods, for example, Bel Air (you might remember Will Smith as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). 

If you venture in the opposite direction, northeast of Beverly Hills, you can explore Glendale and the Descanso Gardens, then go on to Pasadena and The Huntington, which houses a library, an art museum, and botanical gardens. 

As I mentioned, there are mainly luxury accommodation options here, but you can find some budget ones if you really look (or if you check my post, wink-wink!):

Luxury (US$330 and up)

• The Beverly Hills Hotel – There’s no better place to bask in Beverly Hills luxury than this hotel known as the Pink Palace, with spacious suites, a spa, and a pool with underwater music. 
• The Peninsula Beverly Hills – When it comes to boutique hotels, this is an amazing option near Rodeo Drive, with gourmet dining, room service, a full-service spa, and a rooftop pool. 

Mid-range (from US$200 to US$330)

• Elan Hotel – This modern boutique hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms, access to a business center, tour/ticket assistance, and free Wi-Fi. 
• Residence Inn by Marriott – Within walking distance of Rodeo Drive, the hotel boasts a gym, a hot tub, and a conference space and offers free to-go breakfast and car rentals on-site.

NOTE: Beverly Hills is renowned as a luxury destination, so there aren’t any well-rated, budget-friendly hotels in the area. You can find some budget options if you’re really intent on staying here, but if you’re looking for affordable rates, check my budget recommendations for West Hollywood, as they are better in terms of quality. 

5. Silver Lake – where to stay in LA on a budget

Silver Lake is a residential neighborhood located 4 miles (6 km) East of Hollywood and 4 miles North of Downtown LA. Even though the area is residential, it’s very cool and trendy, home to many people who embrace the hipster lifestyle. 

Some people have even deemed it the Brooklyn of LA!

The neighborhood centers around the Silver Lake Reservoir, an artificial lake, and Silver Lake Meadows (map), a peaceful park where you can enjoy the views of the lake or take your dog for a walk on one of the many walking trails. 

Since there aren’t too many landmarks in Silver Lake, it’s a good idea to head South to the Echo Park neighborhood. Here, you can have a picnic by Echo Park Lake (map), explore Angels Point Park (map), and visit the Dodger Stadium (map), the home of the baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Luxury (US$230 and up)

• Silver Lake Pool & Inn – This upscale hotel is situated near Echo Park Lake and provides access to a poolside bar and a restaurant that serves a delicious brunch and features a happy hour. 

Mid-range (from US$120 to US$230)

• Hillside Silverlake – This vacation rental can accommodate up to 6 people and has 3 bedrooms, a living area, and a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a garden and a terrace. 
• Comfort Inn Los Angeles – This hotel is a bit lower-rated, but it’s in a great location near Hollywood Boulevard and has great amenities like free to-go breakfast and dry cleaning services. 

Budget (up to US$120)

• The Rosemary Silverlake – This is an adults-only hostel with non-smoking rooms and access to shared bathrooms, an express check-out, and free Wi-Fi. 
• The Lexmar – The hotel rating for this option is a little lower, but it’s a good choice if you want to stay near Dodger Stadium in air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. 

6. Hollywood – best place to stay in LA for sightseeing

Hollywood is definitely the best place to stay in Los Angeles for people who want to see all the main sights and feel like they walked into a movie. 6 miles northwest of Downtown LA and bordering Silver Lake to the West, Hollywood awaits you with its glamorous vibe. 

There are so many iconic sights in Hollywood it’s difficult to decide where to start. Well, I say you begin by walking along the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, then stop by the famous TCL Chinese Theatre, and embark on the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour.

Head North to reach your next destination – the Hollywood Bowl (map), a historic amphitheater situated in the Hollywood Hills. Then, head to Lake Hollywood Park (map) for unbeatable views of the Hollywood Sign. It’s also a great spot to take some photos – one of the must-do things in Los Angeles!

From here, you can easily reach Burbank, where you can join a Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood to see the sets of famous movies and maybe even witness a movie being filmed in real time! But no visit to Hollywood would be complete without a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, an amusement park with movie-themed rides, shops, and restaurants. 

NOTE: Please note that there are a lot of homeless people residing in the area (mainly North Hollywood area, Hollywood Boulevard), so don’t be surprised when you see them. They are usually harmless, just keep your distance, and you’ll be totally fine.

Luxury (US$240 and up)

• Loews Hollywood Hotel – This 4-star hotel has a rooftop pool, a sun terrace, and stylish rooms, plus a restaurant that serves a California-inspired breakfast buffet and signature cocktails. 
• The Hollywood Roosevelt – Stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt for perks like room service, private parking, and access to a fitness center, a pool, and as many as 5 restaurants. 

Mid-range (from US$130 to US$240)

• Hollywood Historic Hotel – A comfortable hotel situated in a historic building with a restaurant that offers a happy hour, an on-site coffee shop, and clean, spacious rooms. 
• Hampton Inn & Suites – At this hotel, you’ll be able to use the gym, the pool, and the business center, enjoy a daily continental breakfast, and even bring your pet along. 

Budget (up to US$130)

• Samesun Hollywood – Situated on the Walk of Fame, this laid-back hostel has a variety of room options and provides access to a shared kitchen and complimentary bag storage. 
• Orange Drive Hostel – Choose among private, group, or dorm rooms at this hostel, and make use of the common room, laundry facilities, and on-site lockers. 

7. Downtown (DTLA) – where to stay in LA on a business trip

Downtown Los Angeles, or DTLA for short, is the city center of LA. It consists of several smaller neighborhoods, such as the Arts District, Little Tokyo, Fashion District, and the notorious Skid Row. DTLA is a bustling hub of activity, home to many businesses, which is why I recommend it for people visiting LA on business. 

Downtown is a bit controversial and I see some sites out there recommend it is the main area to stay. I am adding it below in my list because the area can be a bit…sketchy. It is OKbut I personally think that if you are visiting as a tourist, you are much better off staying in one of the areas I recommended above. 

Even if you visit on business, you should check out some of the cool attractions in this area. Grand Central Market (map) is a historic market that’s been around since 1917 and hosts many food vendors – it’s the best place to eat in downtown LA!

Next up, visit The Broad, a modern art museum renowned for its unique architectural design – admission is free! Another architectural marvel is the Walt Disney Concert Hall – you can admire it from the outside or go on a self-guided tour. 

If you’re a sports enthusiast, the Crypto.com Arena (map) is a must, seeing as it hosts much of LA, while the Los Angeles Convention Center (map) is a good place to visit even if you’re not attending a conference! While in DTLA, walk along Wilshire Boulevard, especially the section known as Miracle Mile, lined with fashionable boutiques and restaurants. 

Luxury (US$230 and up)

• InterContinental – Los Angeles Downtown – In a central location in Downtown LA, this 4-star hotel boasts an on-site fitness center, 3 restaurant options, and a rooftop bar offering stunning views. 
• Hotel Figueroa – Treat yourself to a stay in Hotel Figueroa, a luxury eco-certified hotel with a lobby that features a fireplace and 4 bars, and a pool area with sun loungers and a bar. 

Mid-range (from US$100 to US$230)

• The Metric – A modern, 3-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, private parking available at a surcharge, and a few breakfast options. 
• Miyako Hotel – If you decide to stay in Miyako, you’ll enjoy the 2 great restaurants and the cafe, as well as the relaxing ambiance of the tan-colored hotel rooms. 

Budget (up to US$100)

• Freehand Los Angeles – This is an amazing budget option in Downtown Los Angeles, with a rooftop pool and bar, a full-service restaurant, a retail shop, and a gym. 
• PodShare Arts District – This hostel is rated on the lower side, but it provides very affordable lodging in pods, plus a co-working space, a communal kitchen, and flexible check-in/check-out. 

8. Los Feliz – best area to stay in Los Angeles for families

Los Feliz is a quiet hillside neighborhood North of Silver Lake and East of Hollywood, perfect for a relaxing family stay in LA. The area is hip and artsy, so you’ll see plenty of creative types around. 

When it comes to notable attractions, the neighborhood itself doesn’t have a lot to offer, but one of the main points of interest is Griffith Park, which borders Los Feliz to the North. Besides exploring the sprawling greenery, visit the Griffith Observatory, which offers stunning views of the city skyline and houses an amazing planetarium – great fun for the kids!

Within the park, there are a couple of other kid-friendly destinations, like the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad theme park, which offers train rides, and the Los Angeles Zoo. The Greek Theatre (map) is another cool spot, and there are also a few golf courses scattered throughout the park. 

Best of all? The park is one of the best places to see the Hollywood Sign, and you’ll be super close to it, so you can even walk up and get super close to it! The only downside to staying here is that there aren’t too many hotels, which is why I recommend only one per price category. This is one of the best areas to stay in Los Angeles in an Airbnb, so you can also look into that. 

Luxury (US$220 and up)

• Cara – Within walking distance of Griffith Park, this hotel offers a daily manager’s reception, free for all guests, as well as valet parking and cooked-to-order breakfast at an additional cost. 

Mid-range (from US$100 to US$220)

• The Dixie Hollywood Hotel – Although the rating of this 3-star property is slightly lower, it’s a good choice if you want to have access to a pool, free Wi-Fi, and a 24/7 front desk. 

Budget (up to US$100)

• PodShare East Hollywood – This co-living space features 10 pods that are decorated in industrial loft style and have flat-screen TVs, dimmable lighting, and lockers for luggage storage. 

9. Culver City – top LA spot for movie lovers

Situated West of Venice Beach and North of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Culver City is famous for its moviemaking history. While here, you can visit a movie studio and enjoy the various dining opportunities and rich nightlife scene. 

If you’re a movie lover, you absolutely have to visit the MGM lot, now occupied by Sony Pictures Studio; you can attend a studio tour, and you’ll see the sets of popular game shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. 

Other things you should visit in the neighborhood are The Museum of Jurassic Technology, The Wende Museum, and the Cinemark Howard Hughes movie theater. If you want some outdoor time, you can take the Culver City Stairs and go up to Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (map) for a great view of the city. 

Luxury (US$300 and up)

• The Shay – Stay at this hotel to enjoy facilities like a restaurant, a bar, a gym, and a billiards room. Relax by the hotel pool or have room service delivered to your suite. 
• The Culver Hotel – Guests at the hotel can use the business center, dine at the restaurant, use the complimentary Wi-Fi network, and enjoy the comfort of the guest rooms. 

Mid-range (from US$140 to US$300)

• Mayumi – A 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms and a community courtyard, offering continental and buffet breakfast options and a complimentary happy hour with wine – both red and white. 
• Four Points by Sheraton – At this hotel, you can visit the library, the bar, and the restaurant serving American cuisine, and you can also use the gym and business center, both open 24/7. 

Budget (up to US$140)

• Villa Brasil Motel – This property offers rooms with private rooms, access to a garden, a bar, and a restaurant, and provides free Wi-Fi as well as private parking on-site. 
• Culver City Hostel – At this hostel, you can stay in private rooms and use the shared bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge, relax on the terrace, and benefit from the cheap parking on-site. 

10. Koreatown – the best place in LA for foodies

Koreatown is situated 3 miles (5 km) West of Downtown LA and 7 miles (11 km) East of Beverly Hills. It’s a smaller, more casual neighborhood famous for the many bars and dining establishments open 24/7 (we are talking Korean, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and much much more!). 

In short, the best thing to do in Koreatown is try as many different dishes as possible. I suggest Hae Jang Chon and Quarters BBQ for an amazing Korean barbecue, Guelaguetza for Mexican, and Ocha Classic for Thai food. 

Other than trying out different food spots, I recommend paying a visit to Seoul International Park (map) and planning a shopping trip at Koreatown Plaza. Once you’re done with all of these activities, go on to explore the rest of the city. 

I also like it that Koreatown is pretty walkable which is rare for the city so you gotta appreciate it!

Luxury (US$230 and up)

• Hotel Normandie – An upscale hotel with 2 restaurants, a cafe, a library, and a daily manager’s reception, as well as perks like cooked-to-order breakfast and tour assistance. 

Mid-range (from US$130 to US$230)

• Hotel Aventura – Each of the rooms at this 3-star hotel is air-conditioned and features a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee machine, but guests can also use the gym and the business center. 
• New Seoul Hotel – While staying here, you can benefit from free private parking and free Wi-Fi, use the business center, dine at the on-site Korean restaurant, and relax on the sun terrace. 

Budget (up to US$130)

• Libra Hotel – Offering both private rooms and dorm beds, this hotel provides air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and cable TV, daily housekeeping service, and private parking at an extra charge. 
• Hometel Suites – The hotels boast an on-site restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, free parking, luggage storage, and clean and comfortable rooms. 

👑 Luxury price:	US$350
💵 Mid-range:	US$250
🛏️ Budget:	US$130
📍 Best neighborhood:	Santa Monica
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Shutters On The Beach
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	SureStay Hotel
👛 Best budget hotel:	HI Los Angeles

Practical tips for your trip to LA

• Safety: As I mentioned earlier, Downtown LA is not the safest place, so you should avoid Skid Row (that’s 7th to the South, Alameda to the East, Main St to the West, and 3rd St to the North). The South Los Angeles area can also be unsafe, so for general safety guidelines, remember that the area West of Interstate 405 and North of Interstate 10 is safe, so stay within these limits, and you’ll have nothing to worry about. 
• Car safety: Break-ins unfortunately happen but I have a tip for you on how to make sure your car is safe! Use the SpotHero app – it will suggest a nice secure parking spot for you at a hotel/another establishment with a valet parking. And usually it is not even more expensive than what you would pay for “normal” on the street parking. 
• Getting around: Since LA is not very walkable and the public transport is not very good, you’ll need a car. If you get to the city by driving, you can rent a car and drive everywhere. This is true regardless of where you’re based in the city, but keep in mind that LA traffic can be crazy. Try to avoid the rush hour, between 7 and 10 a.m. and again between 4 and 7 p.m.. 
• Pool Pass: If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, but you can book a ResortPass and use the pool and facilities at another, more upscale hotel without having to pay for an overnight stay. 

FAQs about lodging in Los Angeles

Conclusion

Los Angeles is a city of extreme opposites, where you’ll see everything from stunning beaches, serene parks, and glamorous residences to hectic traffic, homeless people, and run-down neighborhoods. One thing I’m sure of – it’s definitely worth visiting, and I hope my guide helped you pick where to stay in Los Angeles. 

But if you’re still undecided about which is the best hotel for you, these are my top 2 choices, both located in Santa Monica:

• Shutters On The Beach – A beachfront hotel with a spa and 2 amazing restaurants
• SureStay Hotel – An affordable hotel with comfortable rooms and free breakfast

Are you heading to LA soon? Do you have any other questions or concerns? Let me know in the comments – I’m happy to help!

Enjoy the City of Angels,

Yulia

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