Where to Stay in LA: 6 Best Los Angeles Areas + Hotel Guide

Planning that dream vacation in California and trying to figure out what are the best places to say in LA? You are in the right place! After spending some time exploring the best areas in Los Angeles, I have put together this comprehensive guide to help you to decide on where to stay in LA plus find accommodations based on your needs, budget, and interest.

With many things to explore during your Los Angeles itinerary, the first decision you will need to make is to find the right area to stay in.

To make it easy for you, I have separated where to stay in LA by six of the most popular areas that will keep you close to all the best that Los Angeles has to offer. I have selected the best hotel options, all with great locations in LA, with very high ratings and that fit all budgets.

So, without further ado, let’s find out about where to stay in LA based on your personal preferences. Plus here, you will find the top accommodations that fit your budget, to save you tons of your time on researching.

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Where to Stay in LA Overview

For first-time visitors, Downtown LA is a great option, with a huge selection of things to do in LA downtown and amazing restaurants. Or the laid-back vibes in Santa Monica are ideal for those who just need a few days at the beach. Hollywood is the place to be if you’re into celebrity sightings, fitness, and the latest wellness trends.

Los Angeles is a huge city and is very spread out, so visiting with an itinerary in mind, and understanding the best things to do and the areas is your smartest choice.

Also, remember that the traffic in Los Angeles is notoriously difficult, so you will want to pick your accommodation based on where you plan to spend the most time and depend on your LA bucket list of places you want to visit.

Our Top Pick

Hotel Per La

Hotel Per La is rated as excellent by guests! You can stay in the heart of Los Angeles and be treated to plenty of fantastic facilities and panoramic views of Downtown LA. The pool and the rooftop bar are fantastic! There are plenty of great restaurants around! And all of this for one of the lower rates in downtown Los Angeles!

AREABEST FORBEST ACCOMMODATION
Downton Los AngelesBest place to stay for first-time visitors, for city lovers, and if you have no carHotel Per La
West HollywoodWhere to stay in LA for the nightlife and great shopping opportunitiesThe London West Hollywood
Beverly HillsBest place to stay to enjoy the glamour of LA, with upmarket restaurants and shopsThe Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
Santa MonicaA top place for the beach, fun, and surfing. It is a very family-friendly areaShutters On The Beach
Venice BeachWhere to stay in LA for the beach, quirky stores, and funky cafes & restaurantsThe Craftsman House in Venice Beach
Marina del ReyBest area in LA for a quiet stay, but still very close to the buzz of Venice Beach, great for couplesMarina Del Rey Hotel

Where to Stay in LA: 6 Best Areas + Top Hotels

Downtown Los Angeles: Where to Stay in LA for the First Time Visitors

Downtown Los Angeles is located in the center of the city, and is one of the best places to stay in LA, especially for first-timers! With endless social events, a HUGE variety of restaurants to choose from, and great transport links – this area has so much to offer.

If you’re a social butterfly then you’ll have no shortage of awesome bars and nightclubs including the iconic Exchange LA and Seven Bar Lounge. This part of Los Angeles also offers plenty of rooftop bars so you can get epic views of the cityscape.

Downtown Los Angeles is a great location as you’ll find plenty of awesome attractions nearby. This includes the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the famous Universal Studios! Not only that but there are regular transport links to other popular areas including Santa Monica!

Trust me – this is one of the best areas to stay in LA!

Booking.com
BEST FOR:
  • The first time visiting Los Angeles is better to stay in a central location
  • The best area to stay in Los Angeles for city lovers
  • This is also a great choice if you are visiting Los Angeles without a car
WHY YOU WILL LOVE DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES:
  • There are endless amounts of things to do, see, and eat.
  • Tons of culinary options for cuisines of all kinds.
  • It’s centrally located in many top southern California destinations.
BEST ATTRACTIONS NEAR DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES:
  • Universal Studios
  • Griffith Park and Observatory
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Hollywood Bowl
  • The Getty Center
  • California Science Center
  • LA County Museum of Art
BEST HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES:
Where to stay in Los Angeles

Best Overall | Hotel Per La

$$$ | 5 Stars | Housed in the Old Bank of Italy | Roof-Top Pool & Bar

Hotel Per La offers an artsy experience with each room featuring an original art piece. You’ll also be treated to plenty of fantastic facilities and panoramic views of Downtown LA.


where to stay in Los Angeles

Good Value | Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt

$$ | 4 Stars | Spanish-Mediterranean | Roof-Top Pool

The Spanish architecture is mixed tastefully with Mediterranean vibes for an exclusive feel you don’t want to miss. Its fine dining and rooftop enjoyment is located in the perfect downtown spot.


Where to stay in LA

Mid-Range | Hotel Indigo

$$-$$$ | 4 Stars | Sun Terrace Area | On-site Restaurant & Bar |

With a fantastic sun terrace, an on-site restaurant & bar, and a shared lounge area – this place has so much to offer. There’s even an outdoor swimming pool so you can cool down in LA’s heat!


Where to stay in Los Angeles

Luxury | Conrad Los Angeles

$$$ | 5 Stars | City-View Rooms | Spa & Wellness Center

 Situated in the heart of LA and boasting fantastic city-view rooms, this is the perfect luxury option. You’ll also benefit from an on-site spa & wellness center, a swimming pool, and a beautiful terrace area.


West Hollywood: Where to Stay in LA for Nightlife

If you’re wondering where to stay in LA then why not check out West Hollywood? It’s one of the hippest areas in the city with bustling nightlife, endless shopping opportunities, plenty of trendy restaurants, and some of the best LA bucket list places just a few steps outside your hotel!

This is one of the best areas to stay in LA if you’re into the party scene as some of the city’s top nightclubs are found here. This includes Bootsy Bellows and Nightingale Plaza! West Hollywood is also VERY LGBTQ+ friendly so you’ll find lots of gay bars in this part of Los Angeles.

If that’s not enough to convince you then this part of the city is THE place to be when it comes to shopping. With Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Plaza, and Melrose Avenue all located in this area – you’ll find plenty of boutique and vintage shops to visit.

Between the partying and shopping, you’ll want to allow some spare time to visit some of West Hollywood’s trendiest restaurants!

Booking.com
BEST FOR:
  • One of the best places to stay in LA for nightlife
  • A great spot if you’re looking to ‘shop until you drop’
  • Plenty of trendy restaurants to choose from
WHY YOU WILL LOVE WEST HOLLYWOOD:
  • Home to a great party scene!
  • You’ll find plenty of awesome attractions nearby
  • Endless dining options so there’s something for everyone
BEST ATTRACTIONS NEAR WEST HOLLYWOOD:
  • The Abbey – LA’s most iconic gay bar
  • The Comedy Store
  • Melrose Avenue
  • Runyon Canyon Park
  • The Schindler House
  • Sunset Boulevard
  • Sunset Plaza
BEST HOTELS IN WEST HOLLYWOOD:
Los Angeles where to stay

Best Overall | The London West Hollywood

$$$ | 5 Stars | Boutique Hotel | Roof-top Pool & Restaurant

With a rooftop pool & restaurant, cabanas, and luxurious suites – this is one of the best hotel options in West Hollywood. Its boutique design and fantastic facilities set it apart from the rest!


best places to stay in LA

Good Value Hotel | Petit Ermitage

$$ | 4 Stars | Private Rooftop | In-room spa services

Petit Ermitage offers a private rooftop area where you’ll get stunning views of the city. Not only that but this hotel boasts an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and in-room spa services.


best area to stay in LA

Mid-Range | Kimpton La Peer Hotel, and IHG Hotel

$$-$$$ | 4 Stars | Rooftop Pool | Furnished Sun Terrace

If you’re looking for a mid-range option in West Hollywood – this is your place. Offering excellent facilities, beautiful suites, and fantastic views of Los Angeles, it’s the perfect base for your trip.


LA where to stay

Luxury hotel | The West Hollywood Edition 

$$$ | 5 Stars | Rooftop Pool & Terrace | On-site Restaurant & Bar

The West Hollywood Edition boasts superb suites that feature a variety of amenities. With striking city views and access to the hotel’s excellent facilities – you won’t need to look anywhere else!


Beverly Hills: Where to Stay in LA for Fame, Fortune, and a bit of celebrity-spotting!

With its iconic 90210 zip code, Beverly Hills is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the city and one of the top LA bucket list places to visit! Known for its glitz and glamor – this part of Los Angeles is home to plenty of luxury hotels, designer stores, and upmarket restaurants. For this reason, it’s not the best place to stay in LA if you’re on a budget.

However, it’s the perfect base if you’re looking to do a bit of celeb-spotting during your time in the city. The two hotspots for this are Mulholland Drive and the famous Rodeo Drive so keep your eyes peeled!

You’ll also find plenty of cool attractions nearby including Beverly Gardens Park, Greystone Mansion & Gardens, and the creepy Spadena House. Not only that but if you’re a keen shopper then Beverly Hills is THE place to be.

You’ll find a huge variety of high-end stores along Rodeo Drive but be prepared to splash some cash!

Booking.com
BEST FOR:
  • Luxurious stays as there are plenty of 5 stars hotels in the area
  • The best place to stay in LA if you’re looking to do some celeb-spotting
  • High-end shopping with a huge variety of designer stores
WHY YOU WILL LOVE BEVERLY HILLS:
  • Endless shopping opportunities
  • Plenty of green spaces and parks nearby
  • Lots of trendy restaurants and fine-dining options
BEST ATTRACTIONS NEAR BEVERLY HILLS:
  • Beverly Gardens Park
  • Rodeo Drive
  • Franklin Canyon Park
  • Greystone Mansion & Gardens
  • Mulholland Drive
  • Spadena House
  • Virginia Robinson Gardens
BEST HOTELS IN BEVERLY HILLS:
best places to stay in Los Angeles

Best Overall | The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection

$$$ | 5 Stars | Full-service Spa | On-site Dining Options

If you’re looking for a luxurious Beverly Hills experience then this is the place for you! With a red carpet upon arrival, a full-service spa, and a variety of dining options – this hotel offers celebrity treatment.


best areas to stay in LA

Good Value Hotel | The Beverly Hilton

$$ | 4 Stars | Outdoor Pool & Movie Screen | On-site Restaurant & Bar

The Beverly Hilton boasts an outdoor pool with a movie screen, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. You’ll also be staying just three blocks away from the iconic Rodeo Drive!


where to stay in LA city

Mid-Range | The Peninsula Beverly Hills

$$-$$$ | 5 Stars | Set on Santa Monica Boulevard | Rooftop Pool

Situated on Santa Monica Boulevard, this hotel offers a full-service spa, gourmet dining options, and a rooftop pool. You’ll also be in a great location to explore the Beverly Hills neighborhood.


where to stay in LA

 Luxury hotel | Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

$$$ | 5 Stars | City-view Rooms | Outdoor Swimming Pool

Boasting beautiful city-view rooms, an on-site bar, and an outdoor swimming pool – this luxury hotel is the perfect base. You’ll even receive FREE bikes to explore!


Santa Monica: Where to Stay in LA for Beach, Fun & Surf

If you’d prefer to be out of the city center, then Santa Monica is where to stay in LA! It’s also one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Los Angeles with a beautiful beach and a laid-back atmosphere.

Santa Monica is extremely popular with foodies too as there are such a wide variety of dining options. Whether you’re looking for cheap eats, fine dining, or street food stalls – this area has something for everyone!

Now, the most popular attractions are understandably the beach and Santa Monica Pier but there is plenty of other LA bucket list places to visit too! This includes Camera Obscura, Palisades Park, and the Santa Monica Farmers Market. You can even rent a bike and head out on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.

So, if you’re wondering where to stay in LA then this chilled-out beachfront neighborhood is the perfect option!

Booking.com
BEST FOR:
  • One of the best places to stay in LA for families
  • Great for avoiding the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles city center
  • Perfect for those after a beach getaway
WHY YOU WILL LOVE SANTA MONICA:
  • An obvious one – Santa Monica Beach
  • The HUGE variety of dining options
  • Plenty of attractions nearby
BEST ATTRACTIONS NEAR SANTA MONICA:
  • Camera Obscura
  • The Farmers Market
  • The Marvin Braude Bike Trail
  • Palisades Park
  • Santa Monica Beach
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Tongva Park
BEST HOTELS IN SANTA MONICA:
where to say in LA

Best Overall | Shutters On The Beach

$$$ | 5 Stars | Superb Beachfront Location | Two Ocean-view Restaurants

Boasting a superb beachfront location, two ocean-view restaurants, and an outdoor pool – this hotel is easily one of the top options in Santa Monica. The sea-view rooms are spectacular too!


best area to stay in LA

Good Value Hotel | The Georgian Hotel 

$$ | 4 Stars | Original Art Deco Style | Overlooks The Pacific Ocean

Featuring an original Art Deco Style and situated right near Santa Monica Beach – The Georgian Hotel is a fantastic option. You’ll also benefit from stunning ocean views and excellent facilities.


Where to stay in Los Angeles

Mid-Range | The Palihouse Hotel

$$-$$$ | 4 Stars | Boutique Mediterranean Style | Spacious Suites

With a unique Mediterranean style, charming suites, and a great location – this place has a lot to offer. The Palihouse Hotel is just a short walk from the beach too!


Los Angeles where to stay

 Luxury hotel | Casa Del Mar 

$$$ | 5 Stars | Superb Beachfront Location | Ocean View Restaurant

Casa Del Mar is easily one of the most luxurious hotels in Santa Monica with its beachfront location, outdoor pool, and ocean view restaurant. The decor is also beautiful and there are plenty of excellent facilities.


Venice Beach: Where to Stay in LA for quirky cafes and a cool beach getaway!

Deciding where to stay in Los Angeles isn’t easy as there are so many fantastic neighborhoods to choose from! However, Venice Beach is one of the coolest areas in the city with its iconic beach, quirky stores, and funky cafes.

Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, Venice Beach naturally boasts stunning views. You’ll also find plenty of awesome attractions to do in Venice Beach, including the famous boardwalk, the Skate Plaza, and Muscle Beach. Most of these places are located close together too so you won’t need public transport.

This part of LA is also a massive foodie scene with a HUGE variety of quirky cafes, unique restaurants, and street food stalls to choose from! There are endless dining options so you’ll never run out of options.

Venice Beach is also the GO-TO area for budget-friendly accommodation so is perfect for those wanting to save some cash. You’ll even have the bonus of staying in one of LA’s most laid-back areas. You will find plenty of amazing things to do in Venice Beach!

Booking.com
BEST FOR:
  • A great area to stay for more budget-conscious travelers
  • Those wanting a beach getaway
  • Venice Beach is a fantastic option for foodies
WHY YOU WILL LOVE VENICE BEACH:
  • The iconic beach – obviously!
  • The wide variety of attractions to see
  • Endless dining options for every budget
BEST ATTRACTIONS NEAR VENICE BEACH:
  • The actual Venice beach!
  • Abbot Kinney Boulevard
  • The Mosaic Tile House
  • Muscle Beach
  • The Skate Plaza
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk
  • The Venice Canals
  • Check here for a list of the 20 Best Things to do in Venice Beach you cannot miss!
BEST HOTELS IN VENICE BEACH:
where to stay in LA

Best Overall | The Craftsman House in Venice Beach

$$$ | Two-bedroom House | Terrace Area

This property sleeps up to five people so is a great option for a family getaway. It’s within walking distance to the beach and offers an outside terrace area where you can relax!


Good Value Hotel | Hotel Erwin

$$ | 4 Stars | Overlooking The Pacific Ocean | Open Air Rooftop Lounge

Hotel Erwin is situated on Pacific Avenue and is just a short walk from Venice Beach. Boasting stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, an Open Air Rooftop Lounge, and an on-site restaurant – it has so much to offer!


Where to stay in Los Angeles

Mid-Range | The Kinney Venice Beach

$$-$$$ | 3 Stars | Outdoor Heated Pool | Spacious Outdoor Area

The Kinney Venice Beach offers a heated pool and a spacious outdoor area. Here, you can relax by the fire pit or play ping pong! This hotel also has bicycle rentals and an on-site fitness center.


The best area to stay in LA

Luxury hotel | Breathtaking Penthouse Private Rooftop

$$$ | Two-bedroom Apartment | Private Rooftop

If you’re looking for luxury then you NEED to stay in this penthouse! Sleeping up to six people, and featuring a hot tub, and a private rooftop – this place has so much to offer. There’s even a private pool!


Marina Del Rey: Where to Stay in LA for a quieter stay, but still close to Venice Beach

Marina Del Rey is one of the best areas to stay in LA if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Venice Beach. Although it’s one of the lesser-known neighborhoods of Los Angeles – it’s also one of the most beautiful.

With a HUGE marina of around 5,000 boats, award-winning dining options, and plenty of things to do – this is a great base for your trip to Los Angeles. You’ll also find plenty of attractions nearby including Burton W. Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, and Marina Beach!

This area of LA is actually one of the city’s culinary hotspots and many of the restaurants here offer stunning waterfront views. Whether you’re looking for cozy hangout spots or fine-dining experiences – this part of the city has something for everyone.

Marina Del Ray is a popular spot for water sports too including stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, and kayaking. If that’s not up your street you can head out on a boat trip instead!

Booking.com
BEST FOR:
  • A quieter alternative to Venice Beach and Santa Monica
  • Those looking for a relaxing beach getaway
  • Marina Del Ray is the perfect place to stay for water sports lovers!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE MARINA DEL RAY:
  • Marina Del Ray is a foodie hotspot with a variety of award-winning restaurants
  • This area of LA offers stunning waterfront views
  • You’ll get to marvel at one of North America’s largest man-made harbors
BEST ATTRACTIONS NEAR MARINA DEL RAY:
  • Ballona Wetlands
  • Beyond Baroque
  • Burton W. Chace Park
  • Fisherman’s Village
  • Marina Del Ray Historical Society
  • Marina Del Ray Visitor Center
  • Marina Beach
BEST HOTELS IN MARINA DEL RAY:
Where to stay in Los Angeles

Best Overall | Marina Del Rey Hotel

$$-$$$ | 4 Stars | Sundeck With Marina Views | Outdoor Pool

Overlooking the area’s huge harbor, this hotel features an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. The rooms are also incredibly spacious with plenty of amenities.


where to stay in LA

Good Value Hotel | Hilton Garden Inn

$$ | 3 Stars | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant

Hilton Garden Inn offers great value for money with an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and a hot tub. The beach and Venice Beach Boardwalk are also just a short walk away!


best places to stay in LA

Mid-Range | Jamaica Bay Inn

$$-$$$ | 3 Stars | Marina Beachfront Pool | Beachside Restaurant & Bar

Boasting a beachside restaurant & bar, an on-site fitness center, and a beachfront pool overlooking the marina – Jamaica Bay Inn has so much to offer. It’s also in a great location!


best area to stay in LA

Luxury hotel | Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Ray

$$$ | 5 Stars | Outdoor Pool | Ocean-view Restaurant

The Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Ray offers an ocean-view restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa & wellness center. The rooms are also spacious and modern, with many of them overlooking the marina!


Where to Stay in LA Conclusion

I really hope that by now, you know where to stay in LA for your next trip.

Now that you know that Los Angeles is a huge city and is very spread out, visiting with an itinerary in mind, and understanding the best things to do and the areas is your smartest choice.

If you have any further questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below and I would love to connect with you.

If you are planning a trip to Los Angeles, you will want to check:

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