Best Areas to Stay in LA (+ Budget Hotels!)

Something that many visitors underestimate is just how sprawling Los Angeles is. It took me a few years of living out here to finally get the hang of it too — but what looks like a short distance on a map (or a 20-minute drive during late-night Googling) may actually be an hour (or longer) drive.

While a vacation in LA will inevitably mean some time in the car (or public transportation, if you’re not up for that), choosing which neighborhood to make your home base can make a huge difference in the quality of your trip.

So, first things first, consider what sights are most important for you to visit, whether it’s museums, Hollywood, the beach, or something else entirely.

This neighborhood guide lays everything out for you for your trip to LA — it has six of the most popular areas to stay in Los Angeles, plus some budget hotel recommendations, to make your trip planning even easier.

→ What I recommend: I only suggest places that are well-rated (yes, I read through reviews!), have a decent number of ratings, and are all-in-all a place I would consider booking myself. 

Santa Monica

If you want to maximize your beach time, Santa Monica may be the place for you. This is a really nice area that’s really walkable, with lots of restaurants, shops, and of course the iconic Santa Monica Pier, right at your fingertips. Venice is also right next door, which is worth a stop especially if it’s your first time visiting the area. 

Pros: Walkable; on the beach; lots of restaurants; pretty safe during the day

Cons: not as affordable; can be far from some other tourist destinations

Where to Stay in Santa Monica

While being on a budget by the beach is more difficult, it’s not impossible!

HI Los Angeles is a dorm-style hostel that’s highly rated, and super walkable. The famous pier as well as the Third Street Promenade (an area with lots of stores and restaurants) is close by. Plus, it includes daily housekeeping and breakfast! Learn more here.

Long Beach

Hear me out — I know Long Beach isn’t considered the most glamorous area, or one that usually comes to mind when visiting LA. (There are, in fact, a ton of fun things to do here though.

But it’s where I live, and I love how it’s right in the middle of so many other great places in Southern California. Just half an hour north is Downtown LA, which also includes Little Tokyo, and the Arts District, while half an hour south is Huntington Beach, one of the most well-known beaches in the country.

If you’re planning on checking off both Los Angeles and Orange County destinations from your bucket list while here, Long Beach is a great choice. Plus, it’s considered a much more affordable beach city than other areas. 

It’s also a great place to stay thanks to its abundance of restaurants, cafes, and bars, plus every other amenity you could possibly need on your trip. 

Pros: Central to LA and Orange County; has lots of amenities; walkable neighborhoods

Cons: Not as generally safe as some other cities; can be far depending on where you hope to spend the most time on your trip

Where to Stay in Long Beach

The Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown is a popular option that’s within walking distance of Downtown and the shoreline.

It’s super convenient if you’re looking for somewhere near the beach, lots of dining and nightlife options, and other Long Beach tourist destinations like the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Queen Mary ship. Find out more here.

If you’re sticking to more of a budget, the Beach Inn Motel is another beachside option. Downtown, which has lots of stores, restaurants, bars, and access to public transportation, is in close proximity as well. Get more information here.

Hollywood

If affordability and proximity are your top priorities, then Hollywood may be the best area for you to stay in Los Angeles.

This neighborhood doesn’t feel as safe in my opinion and personally wouldn’t be my pick, but it is a great way to be close to sites like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre. I also recently went on a ghost tour that made me see Hollywood in a whole new light — there’s a ton of fascinating history in the area, along with really cool architecture.

Plus other top destinations like the Griffith Observatory aren’t far either. It’ll also be easy to find public transportation around here that can take you to other destinations around LA, if you won’t have a car. And unlike many other areas of LA, there are definitely more affordable accommodation options in this area!

Pros: close to some main tourist destinations; more options for affordable places to stay

Cons: less safe; can have lots of traffic

Where to Stay in Hollywood

Orange Drive Hostel is a very highly-rated hostel just steps from Hollywood’s best tourist destinations, plus lots of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and access to public transport. Learn more here.

If you’re up for a dorm, Melrose Hostel in Hollywood is super affordable, cute, and in a great location. Check it out here.

Melrose Avenue (left) and Melrose Trading Post

West Hollywood

West Hollywood is a relatively central location that’s home to the iconic Sunset Strip, a historic nightlife spot.

Today, this neighborhood is still known for its nightlife, which can be a pro or a con for you. The historic hotel Chateau Marmont, known for its many celebrity guests, and Melrose Avenue, a famous area for shopping, are also here.

Beverly Hills is right next door, and the coast is just under 13 miles away, meaning that you can have anywhere from a 30-minute to an hour-long (or more) drive to the beach, depending on the traffic.

Pros: central location; nightlife; shopping

Cons: pricier

Where to Stay in West Hollywood

The Banana Bungalow West Hollywood Hotel & Hostel is one of the most affordable options available.

It’s close to the airport as well as other destinations like the LACMA. It even includes parking and breakfast. (If you end up renting a car, finding accommodation that includes parking will make your life much easier.) Get more information and book here. 

LACMA (left) and the Getty Center

Highland Park

Nestled in the northeast of Los Angeles is Highland Park.

Other destinations in Los Angeles like the LACMA, the Getty Center, and Santa Monica are all just over 20 miles away, meaning you shouldn’t have more than an hour drive to get to other pockets of LA.

Pasadena, one of my all-time favorite parts of LA, and other nearby destinations like the Huntington Botanical Gardens are just 10 minutes or so away by car.

And as for Highland Park itself, it’s a diverse, and artsy area with lots of thrift shops, cafes, and other fun places to check out like the Highland Park Bowl, a historic bowling alley, and the beloved Figueroa Street, a great spot for shopping, and a real hidden gem in LA.

Pros: walkable; proximity to Pasadena; not many affordable accommodation options

Cons: beach isn’t as accessible

Where to Stay in Highland Park

Technically right over the border in Pasadena (but just 5 minutes from Highland Park), Arroyo Vista Inn is a moderately priced inn (moderately priced for the area, that is.)

With that said, it’s beautiful, has a relaxing, homey atmosphere, and even includes complimentary wine! Check it out here.

Echo Park

Echo Park is another trendy, walkable neighborhood.

It’s a great spot to make your home base during your trip to LA. It borders other interesting neighborhoods worth a stop during your LA trip, like Downtown, Chinatown, Historic Filipinotown and the also-trendy Silver Lake.

There are lots of cool restaurants, bars and shops to explore in this neighborhood, and the opportunity for some nature at Echo Park Lake and Elysian Park. Especially if you’re interested in attending a Dodgers game, this may be the neighborhood for you. I also love how walkable it is, and how it has a real community feel.

Pros: walkable; close to other neighborhoods in LA.

Cons: not the most affordable

Where to Stay in Echo Park

Right on the border of Echo Park and Silver Lake is The Lexmar, a modern and moderately-priced motel. There’s a 24-hour front desk, and amazingly, free parking! Find out more here. 

Which area sounds the best to you for your trip to Los Angeles? Or if you’ve been to LA already, where did you stay? What did you think? Let me know in the comments 🙂 

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