Los Angeles is a vast and diverse city that offers countless options for travelers. From its iconic Hollywood sign to its picturesque beaches, LA has something to offer everyone. But with so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay.
In this article, we’ll explore the best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles, including Downtown, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Long Beach, and surrounding areas like Pasadena, Anaheim, and Malibu. We’ll also provide recommendations for accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
A Brief History of Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. The city was founded by Spanish missionaries in 1781, and it quickly grew into a major agricultural center. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, LA became a hub for the film industry, earning its nickname as “Tinseltown.”
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is divided into several districts, each with its own unique character. Here are some of the best neighborhoods to stay in:
Downtown Los Angeles
- Ideal for: First-time visitors, budget travelers
- Must-see attractions: Walt Disney Concert Hall, Fashion District, Arts District
- Recommended accommodations:
- Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE (8.5/10)
- Miyako Hotel Los Angeles (8.6/10)
- Freehand Los Angeles (7.9/10)
Downtown LA is a safe and convenient neighborhood that offers easy access to many attractions, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Fashion District.
Hollywood
- Ideal for: Families, young people
- Must-see attractions: Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Universal Studios
- Recommended accommodations:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Los Angeles/Hollywood (8.4/10)
- Banana Bungalow Hollywood Hotel & Hostel (7.7/10)
- Loews Hollywood Hotel (8.6/10)
Hollywood is a glamorous and touristy neighborhood that’s perfect for families and young people who want to experience the excitement of LA.
West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air
- Ideal for: Affluent travelers, families
- Must-see attractions: Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue, Venice Beach
- Recommended accommodations:
- The Peninsula Beverly Hills (9.5/10)
- Palihotel Melrose (7.6/10)
- Elaine’s Hollywood Bed & Breakfast (9.3/10)
These neighborhoods are known for their luxury and sophistication, making them ideal for affluent travelers and families.
Santa Monica
- Ideal for: Young people, beach lovers
- Must-see attractions: Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach
- Recommended accommodations:
- The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (8.7/10)
- Shutterworth Hotel (8.2/10)
Santa Monica is a popular destination for young people and beach lovers who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
Long Beach
- Ideal for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
- Must-see attractions: Aquarium of the Pacific, Museum of Latin American Art
- Recommended accommodations:
- Hotel Indigo Long Beach (8.1/10)
- Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Hotel (7.6/10)
Long Beach is a great alternative to Santa Monica, offering a more laid-back atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities.
Pasadena
- Ideal for: Families, art lovers
- Must-see attractions: Paseo del Bosque, Norton Simon Museum
- Recommended accommodations:
- The Langham Huntington Pasadena (8.5/10)
- The Fairmont Pasadenas (8.3/10)
Pasadena is a picturesque neighborhood that’s known for its beautiful parks and cultural attractions.
Anaheim
- Ideal for: Families, theme park enthusiasts
- Must-see attractions: Disneyland Park, Knott’s Berry Farm
- Recommended accommodations:
- Hotel Indigo Anaheim (7.9/10)
- Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn & Suites (8.1/10)
Anaheim is a popular destination for families who love theme parks and Disney magic.
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Malibu
- Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts, surfers
- Must-see attractions: Malibu Beach, Solstice Canyon
- Recommended accommodations:
- The Malibu Beach Inn (8.4/10)
- Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Golf Course (7.9/10)
Malibu is a beautiful coastal city that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and surfers.
Maps of Prices for Accommodations in Los Angeles
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together some maps of prices for accommodations in Los Angeles. These maps show the average price per night for different types of accommodations in each neighborhood.
| Neighborhood | Luxury Hotels (9+ stars) | Mid-range Hotels (7-8 stars) | Budget Hotels (6-7 stars) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown LA | $200-300/night | $150-250/night | $100-180/night |
| Hollywood | $250-400/night | $180-350/night | $120-220/night |
| West Hollywood, Beverly Hills | $350-600/night | $250-500/night | $200-450/night |
| Santa Monica | $300-550/night | $200-420/night | $150-380/night |
| Long Beach | $200-400/night | $150-320/night | $100-280/night |
| Pasadena | $250-500/night | $180-450/night | $120-350/night |
| Anaheim | $200-400/night | $150-320/night | $100-280/night |
| Malibu | $300-600/night | $200-500/night | $150-450/night |
Conclusion
Los Angeles is a vast and diverse city that offers countless options for travelers. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, or family-friendly resorts, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve explored the best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles, including Downtown, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Anaheim, and Malibu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best neighborhood to stay in Los Angeles?
The best neighborhood to stay in Los Angeles depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you’re looking for luxury and sophistication, West Hollywood or Beverly Hills may be the way to go. For families and young people, Hollywood or Santa Monica could be a great option. - What are some recommended accommodations in Los Angeles?
We’ve listed several recommended accommodations throughout this article, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Be sure to check out our recommendations for Downtown LA, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Anaheim, and Malibu. - How do I get around Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trains. You can also rent a car or take an Uber/Lyft to get around the city. - What are some popular attractions in Los Angeles?
Some popular attractions in Los Angeles include Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Venice Beach. - Is Los Angeles safe?
Los Angeles is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, there are areas that are considered safer than others. Be sure to research your neighborhood before booking accommodations. - What is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
The best time to visit Los Angeles depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do. If you’re looking for good weather, summer may be the way to go. For cooler weather and smaller crowds, spring or fall could be a great option. - Can I stay in any of these neighborhoods?
While we’ve listed some recommended neighborhoods, it’s worth noting that prices and availability can vary greatly depending on the time of year and other factors. Be sure to research your options carefully before booking your accommodations.
By following our recommendations and considering these frequently asked questions, you’ll be well on your way to planning a successful trip to Los Angeles!