Where to stay in Los Angeles: areas and hotels

If you only have one decision to make before your trip to Los Angeles, it's where to stay, because the city is huge and distances are measured in hours, not minutes. For a first visit, Santa Monica is the most convenient base, as it combines beach, safety, dining, and easy access to Hollywood and downtown. If you're travelling on a budget, Hollywood has the most affordable accommodation options without having to sacrifice proximity to attractions.

Couples seeking luxury and glamour will feel right at home in Beverly Hills, with Rodeo Drive shops and the quiet, leafy streets surrounding it. Families primarily travelling for Disneyland will save time and hassle by staying in Anaheim, a few minutes' walk from the park gates. Downtown Los Angeles suits those who want museums, architecture, and nightlife, with access to the city's metro.

Los Angeles doesn't have a historic city centre like European cities; it's a mosaic of neighbourhoods, each with a very distinct character. Below, we analyse five areas worth considering, with actual hotels and prices, so you can choose the base that suits your trip.

A few words about Los Angeles

Los Angeles was founded in 1781 by Spanish settlers under the name El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, and for decades remained a small agricultural community on the edge of California. The discovery of oil in the late 19th century and, more importantly, the establishment of the first film studios in Hollywood around 1910 completely changed the city's trajectory. Within a few decades, Los Angeles was transformed into the world capital of the film industry, attracting millions of residents from across America and immigrants from around the globe.

Today, Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States, covering over 1,300 square kilometres with dozens of neighbourhoods that function almost like separate cities. What you choose to see depends on your interests: the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign in Hollywood, the Getty Center with its views and free entry over the hills, the Griffith Observatory for a city panorama, Santa Monica Pier with its seaside amusement park, Venice Beach with its graffiti and bodybuilders, and the Getty Villa for ancient art. The city centre has undergone radical changes in recent years, with new restaurants, galleries, and Frank Gehry's impressive Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The best time to visit is spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are pleasant and accommodation prices are more reasonable compared to summer. Summer brings significant heat and crowds, especially near the beaches and Disneyland, while winter is mild but with a chance of rain in January and February. For getting around the city, renting a car is almost essential if you want to see many places, as distances are long and traffic jams are frequent, especially during peak hours. There is a metro that serves some lines, mainly towards downtown and Hollywood, but it doesn't cover the entire city, so many visitors combine a car, ride-sharing apps, and some walking in the denser neighbourhoods.

Los Angeles is connected by direct flights from several European cities, while from Greece, the journey usually involves a layover. If you also want to see the neighbouring city of gambling, you can read the travel guide for Las Vegas, which is a few hours' drive away. Many visitors combine Los Angeles with a stop in New York on the same trip to the USA. You can also read the detailed guide to New York for ideas.

Hollywood: for first-timers and on a budget

Hollywood is Los Angeles's most famous neighbourhood and often the first choice for those visiting the city for the first time. Here you'll find the Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre where the Oscars are held, and access to the Hollywood Sign is relatively easy. The area has a metro station that takes you downtown, which is rare for Los Angeles, making it quite convenient for those not renting a car.

In the evenings, Hollywood comes alive with bars, clubs, and restaurants, but some streets around the Walk of Fame can feel a little rundown, especially late at night. It's an ideal choice for travellers on a moderate budget who want to see many attractions on foot and have easy connections to other neighbourhoods via metro or a short car ride.

1. Loews Hollywood Hotel

Located directly above Hollywood & Highland, next to the Dolby Theatre, with a rooftop pool and views of the Hollywood Sign. Stands out for its impeccable location and comfortable double suites.

• Average cost: 220 to 320 € per night
• Ideal for: first visit

2. Dream Hollywood, by Hyatt

Modern boutique hotel in the heart of Hollywood, with a rooftop pool and bar that gets busy in the evenings. Suitable for younger travellers who want style and a vibrant atmosphere.

• Average cost: 180 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and friends

3. The Hotel Hollywood

Simple, affordable accommodation a few minutes from Hollywood & Vine, with rooms featuring a small kitchen. A good base for those looking to save money without being far from the attractions.

• Average cost: 90 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: budget travel

Santa Monica: beach and couples

Santa Monica is the favourite neighbourhood for those who want a beach, clean streets, and a sense of safety without losing touch with the city. The historic pier with its old amusement park, the cycle path along the coast, and the restaurants on Third Street Promenade make it comfortable for walks. It's also very close to the famous Venice Beach, ideal for an afternoon stroll.

Accommodation prices here are among the highest in the city, especially for sea-view rooms, but the quality of life and proximity to nature compensate for the cost for many couples and families. The distance from Downtown Los Angeles is about forty minutes by car without traffic, which is worth considering if you plan daily commutes to the city centre.

4. Casa Del Mar

Historic hotel on Santa Monica Beach, with a pool, spa, and ocean-view restaurant. Stands out for its romantic atmosphere and direct beach access.

• Average cost: 420 to 600 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking luxury

5. Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Designer hotel a few blocks from the pier, with a rooftop pool and modern aesthetic. Suitable for couples and travellers who appreciate design.

• Average cost: 300 to 420 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

6. Hotel Carmel Santa Monica

Simple, traditional hotel eight minutes' walk from the pier, with reasonable prices for the area. A good choice for those wanting the beach without luxurious demands.

• Average cost: 140 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: budget-conscious couples

Downtown: museums and business trips

Downtown Los Angeles has transformed over the past fifteen years, converting old office buildings into modern hotels and apartments. Here you'll find the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the historic Grand Central Market, and the Crypto.com Arena. It's the only area in Los Angeles where you can walk between several attractions without a car.

In the evenings, some streets are relatively quiet apart from the main arteries, so it's worth choosing a hotel near the Financial District or South Park, where there's more activity. The area suits travellers on business, for concerts, or those who want to combine culture with nightlife, with easy access to the local metro.

7. Omni Los Angeles Hotel

Located next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, with a pool and free shuttle bus for getting around downtown. Stands out for its service and city views.

• Average cost: 200 to 280 € per night
• Ideal for: cultural trips

8. Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Historic hotel from 1926 with Mediterranean decor and a palm-filled pool, near the Crypto.com Arena. Suitable for those who want character and style downtown.

• Average cost: 230 to 330 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and design lovers

9. Moxy Downtown Los Angeles

Youthful, modern hotel two minutes from the Crypto.com Arena, with a rooftop pool and vibrant lobby atmosphere. A good choice for younger travellers on a moderate budget.

• Average cost: 160 to 230 € per night
• Ideal for: young travellers

Beverly Hills: luxury and shopping

Beverly Hills is synonymous with Los Angeles luxury, with Rodeo Drive and its expensive shops being a landmark for every visitor. The surrounding streets are clean, quiet, and filled with palm trees, with several Hollywood stars owning homes in the area. It's close to Hollywood and West Hollywood, with easy access to both within a few minutes by car.

Accommodation prices here are among the highest in the city, which is expected for a neighbourhood that hosts some of the world's most renowned hotels. It suits couples seeking a luxurious escape, travellers with a higher budget, and those who want to combine shopping with relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

10. Beverly Hills Marriott

Comfortable business-style hotel with a pool and restaurant, a few minutes' drive from Rodeo Drive. A good choice for those seeking consistent quality without excessive cost.

• Average cost: 210 to 290 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

11. AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills

Modern hotel on Wilshire Boulevard with a minimalist aesthetic and a Spanish restaurant. Suitable for travellers who want style at a more reasonable cost for the area.

• Average cost: 180 to 250 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

Anaheim: families and Disneyland

Anaheim is about forty-five minutes south of downtown Los Angeles and is the obvious choice for families primarily travelling for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Many hotels are a few minutes' walk from the park gates or offer a free shuttle bus, which is invaluable when travelling with small children and luggage.

The area has fewer attractions outside of Disney, so it mainly suits those who have planned two to three days exclusively at the parks. If you want to see other parts of Los Angeles, you'll need to travel by car, as Anaheim is not served by the city's metro.

12. Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Anaheim At Disneyland Park

Affordable hotel on Harbor Boulevard, a stone's throw from the Disneyland gates, with a pool for children. Ideal for families on a limited budget.

• Average cost: 110 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: families

13. Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Resort/Convention Center

Comfortable hotel near the Anaheim Convention Center, with a pool and easy access to Disneyland with a short drive. Suitable for families who want extra comfort.

• Average cost: 150 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: families

Comparison table of areas

Area	Ideal for	Price range/night	Distance from city centre
Hollywood	First visit, budget	90 to 320 €	15 minutes
Santa Monica	Couples, beach	140 to 600 €	40 minutes
Downtown Los Angeles	Culture, business	160 to 330 €	in the city centre
Beverly Hills	Luxury, shopping	180 to 290 €	25 minutes
Anaheim	Families, Disneyland	110 to 210 €	45 minutes

Practical information for your stay

LAX international airport serves most international flights and is located near Santa Monica, with a journey of approximately twenty to thirty minutes to most areas, depending on traffic. There are also buses and transfer services to downtown and Hollywood, but the most convenient solution for most travellers is car rental or using ride-sharing apps.

Accommodation costs vary significantly depending on the season. In summer, from June to August, prices are higher due to high demand, especially in Santa Monica and Anaheim. Spring and autumn offer better value for money, while winter, excluding holidays, has the lowest prices across all neighbourhoods. Overall, you can find a decent room for 100 to 180 € per night in more affordable areas, while in neighbourhoods like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills, prices often start from 200 € and can exceed 500 € for luxury accommodation.

If you plan to dedicate time to other cities in America, take a look at the travel guide to New York or read how to spend 24 hours in New York if you add a short stop. For general trip planning, the guide to flights to America is also useful, while those who want to learn more about the host country can read about New York, the "Big Apple" of America.

If you're wondering how much a similar trip to the USA costs in total, see our article how much a trip to New York costs, to get an idea of the budget.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I stay in Los Angeles for the first time?

The best choice for a first visit is Hollywood or Santa Monica, as they combine attractions, restaurants, and relatively easy access to other parts of the city.

Which area is most affordable for accommodation?

Hollywood has the most accessible accommodation prices relative to its location, while Anaheim also offers several budget-friendly options, especially for families who want to be close to Disneyland.

Do I need a car in Los Angeles?

In most cases, yes, because the city is very spread out and the metro only covers some routes. If you stay in one neighbourhood and move mainly on foot, you can manage with ride-sharing apps too.

How far is Santa Monica from the city centre?

The distance is about forty minutes by car without traffic, but during peak hours, the journey can take over an hour.

Where should families with children stay?

Families primarily visiting Disneyland prefer Anaheim, while those who want a beach and more attractions are better suited to Santa Monica.

What is the best time to travel to Los Angeles?

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and lower accommodation prices compared to summer, which is the busiest period.

How far is LAX airport from the main accommodation areas?

LAX is closer to Santa Monica, with a twenty to thirty-minute journey, while for Hollywood, downtown, or Beverly Hills, the journey usually takes thirty to forty-five minutes depending on traffic.