Where to Stay in Los Angeles: Best Neighborhoods + Hotels

Los Angeles is one of those cities where no two days have to look the same, which is a big part of why it is worth visiting. You can spend one by the ocean and the next exploring museums, movie landmarks, restaurants, shopping, or nightlife.

That variety is part of what makes Los Angeles so much fun, but it also makes choosing the right neighborhood important. Each area offers a very different experience, so where you stay can shape the whole trip.

Photo by Darya Sannikova

Having lived in Los Angeles for several years, I’ve experienced the city from more than just a visitor’s perspective, and I’ve learned firsthand just how much choosing the right neighborhood can change your trip.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the best areas to stay in Los Angeles, who each neighborhood is best for, and hotel recommendations ranging from better-value stays to luxury properties.

Where Not to Stay in Los Angeles

Areas I’d Personally Avoid or Think Twice About

Downtown Los Angeles: DTLA has excellent museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues, but I would not make it my first choice for a first visit. Some blocks have a very visible homeless population, so research your hotel’s immediate surroundings carefully beforehand.

Compton: I would skip it as a sightseeing base since most visitor attractions are located elsewhere.

Staying too far east for a Westside-focused trip: If most of your plans are in Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, or Malibu, you may spend more of the trip sitting in traffic than expected.

Long Beach for a first LA trip: Worth visiting on its own, but too far south to be my first choice for exploring central and west LA.

Best Areas to Stay in Los Angeles

Area	Best For
Santa Monica	Beaches, families & first-time visitors
West Hollywood	First-time visitors, nightlife & dining
Beverly Hills	Luxury & shopping
Century City	Families, business & quieter stays
Hollywood	Sightseeing & movie lovers
Venice Beach	Beach, solo travelers & creative vibes

Planning beyond where to stay? Jump to:

→ Best Day Trips from Los Angeles
→ Los Angeles Travel Tips

Save on Your Los Angeles Hotel

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Check current Los Angeles hotel deals →

My Personal Recommendation

Personally, I recommend staying in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Santa Monica because they are centrally located and make it easy to experience different sides of Los Angeles.

• Santa Monica: My absolute go-to for beach lovers. Wake up to ocean air, walk to vibrant dinner spots, and soak in those classic coastal sunsets.
• Beverly Hills: Perfect if your dream getaway includes iconic luxury stays, world-class shopping, and a more refined, glamorous backdrop.
• West Hollywood: It sits right in the heart of everything, putting top-tier dining, lively nightlife, and neighboring hotspots right at your doorstep.

A quick note: “budget-friendly” is relative in Los Angeles. In the city’s pricier neighborhoods, these are the better-value stays I would consider rather than simply the cheapest rooms available.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is an easy choice if you want the ocean close by. The beach, pier, Palisades Park, restaurants, and shopping are all within a relatively walkable area.

Best for: Beach lovers, families, couples, and first-time visitors.

Best Hotels in Santa Monica

Budget-friendly

• Gateway Hotel Santa Monica: A comfortable choice in a quieter part of Santa Monica, with good value if you do not need to be directly on Ocean Avenue.
• Ocean View Hotel: Right near the beach and Santa Monica Pier, this is a smart pick when location matters most, with some rooms overlooking the Pacific.

Mid-range

• The Georgian Santa Monica: This restored Art Deco icon brings plenty of personality to Ocean Avenue, with ocean views and the beach close by.
• Ambrose Hotel: Tucked into a quieter residential area, Ambrose Hotel offers a polished boutique feel and complimentary bikes for exploring Santa Monica.

Luxury

• Santa Monica Proper Hotel: A design-focused five-star stay with striking interiors, a rooftop pool, and a full-service spa.
• Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows: Overlooking the Pacific, this Santa Monica classic combines landscaped grounds, a spa, pool, and private bungalows.

Things to Do in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park, and Third Street Promenade are all worth having on your list, especially if you want a mix of ocean views, people-watching, shopping, and classic Santa Monica scenery.

For something a little more active, you can take a small-group surf lesson in Santa Monica or join an electric bike tour through Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

For more photo stops, see my guide to the most Instagram-worthy spots in Los Angeles.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood puts restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and the Sunset Strip close at hand, while Beverly Hills and Hollywood are nearby.

Best for: First-time visitors, nightlife, restaurants, couples, and travelers who want a central location.

Best Hotels in West Hollywood

Budget-friendly

• Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel: A comfortable option right on the Sunset Strip, with a leafy courtyard pool and a location that keeps restaurants, nightlife, and West Hollywood sights close by.
• Hotel Ziggy: Music-inspired interiors, a large outdoor pool, and a playful atmosphere make Hotel Ziggy one of the more fun, better-value stays on Sunset Boulevard.

Mid-range

• Andaz West Hollywood: With deep roots in the Sunset Strip music scene, Andaz is a fun choice if you like a hotel with real history and plenty happening nearby. 
• Montrose at Beverly Hills: Tucked onto a quieter residential street, Montrose is an all-suite stay that gives you more space while keeping the Sunset Strip close.

Luxury

• 1 Hotel West Hollywood: 1 Hotel brings a more nature-inspired feel to the Sunset Strip, with reclaimed materials, greenery, and a strong focus on sustainability throughout the property. 
• Kimpton La Peer Hotel: A stylish five-star stay with art-filled interiors and a relaxed courtyard, set in the Design District near Melrose Avenue, boutiques, and some of West Hollywood’s best dining.
• Sunset Tower Hotel: Few hotels capture old-Hollywood glamour quite like this Art Deco Sunset Strip landmark, known for its history, views, and elegant setting.

Things to Do in West Hollywood

The Sunset Strip, West Hollywood Design District, Pacific Design Center, and nearby Melrose Avenue are all worth exploring. For a broader look at the area, a Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills open-bus tour takes in several of the Strip’s best-known venues along the way.

Want to squeeze in a workout while you’re in LA? West Hollywood is also one of my favorite areas for fitness studios and workout classes. I’ve tried everything from HIIT and boxing to climbing workouts around LA over the years. If you want to try some of the city’s best gyms and boutique fitness studios during your trip, you can use ClassPass to book workouts around Los Angeles without committing to a single gym. And if you sign up now, you can get 2 weeks FREE!

Beverly Hills

Pick Beverly Hills if luxury hotels, polished streets, designer shopping, and easy access to both West Hollywood and the Westside are high on your list.

Best for: Luxury travelers, shopping trips, couples, and travelers who prefer an upscale base.

Best Hotels in Beverly Hills

Budget-friendly

• The Crescent Hotel Beverly Hills: An intimate stay in the Golden Triangle, with Rodeo Drive and plenty of restaurants within easy reach.
• Burton House Beverly Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel: Spacious studio-style rooms and kitchenettes make Burton House a comfortable, practical choice, especially for a longer stay.

Mid-range

• AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills: A modern, comfortable option on Wilshire Boulevard, with an easy location for Beverly Hills, Museum Row, and nearby restaurants.
• Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: Just east of Beverly Hills, Sofitel has a stylish French feel and puts Beverly Center, West Hollywood, and the shops of Beverly Hills close by. You can read my full Sofitel Los Angeles hotel review.

Luxury

• Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: A classic luxury choice with spacious rooms and private balconies, positioned between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood.
• Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel: Directly across from Rodeo Drive, this is the choice when shopping and a landmark Beverly Hills address are part of the experience.
• The Maybourne Beverly Hills: A five-star-level stay beside Beverly Canon Gardens with a rooftop pool, spa, and one of the most central luxury locations in Beverly Hills.

Things to Do in Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Gardens Park, and Greystone Mansion & Gardens show both the polished and historic sides of Beverly Hills. A Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and celebrity homes tour is an easy way to see more of the famous residential streets and hills surrounding the neighborhood.

Century City

Century City is quieter than West Hollywood and works well if you want to stay between Beverly Hills and the Westside. Hotel choices are limited, so some of the better-value options below sit just north in Westwood.

Best for: Business travelers, families, shopping, and travelers who prefer quieter evenings.

Best Hotels in Century City

Budget-friendly

• The Inn at UCLA: Set on the UCLA campus in nearby Westwood, this comfortable stay includes breakfast and works well if you want good value without being far from Century City.
• Royal Palace Westwood Hotel: Spacious rooms, free parking, and a location near Westwood Village make this a practical choice for exploring both Westwood and Century City.

Mid-range

• Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel & Spa: Spacious suites, a leafy courtyard pool, and an on-site spa make this a comfortable retreat on Wilshire Boulevard, just outside Century City.
• Luskin Hotel: Set on the UCLA campus in nearby Westwood, Luskin offers spacious rooms and a quieter setting with easy access to Century City.

Luxury

• Fairmont Century Plaza: A standout luxury stay in Century City, with a large spa, rooftop pool, and location directly beside Westfield Century City. Read my Fairmont Century Plaza hotel review. 
• Hotel Bel-Air: A short drive away in Bel-Air, this secluded five-star retreat is surrounded by gardens and feels worlds away from the busier parts of Los Angeles.

Things to Do in Century City

Westfield Century City is the main draw for shopping and dining, while the nearby Hammer Museum in Westwood is an easy addition if you want a little art and culture. The Museum of Tolerance is also just south of Century City and offers a very different, more reflective experience.

Hollywood

If movie history, the Walk of Fame, and classic LA landmarks are high on your list, Hollywood puts you close to the action.

Best for: First-time visitors focused on classic LA sights, movie fans, sightseeing, and shorter stays.

Best Hotels in Hollywood

Budget-friendly

• Hollywood Celebrity Hotel: Simple and well located, this is a practical choice when you want Hollywood Boulevard’s main sights close by.
• Magic Castle Hotel: Families especially appreciate the spacious rooms, pool, and generous guest extras at this longtime Hollywood favorite.

Mid-range

• Kimpton Everly Hotel: Near Hollywood and Vine, Kimpton Everly offers spacious contemporary rooms and a convenient location for exploring the neighborhood.
• The Hollywood Roosevelt: Hollywood history is a big part of the appeal here, with TCL Chinese Theatre across the street and plenty of old-school character throughout the hotel.

Luxury

• Cara Hotel: Cara is actually in Los Feliz, just east of Hollywood, but it is worth including for travelers who prefer a smaller design-focused hotel closer to Griffith Park.
• The Aster: Large suites, private-club amenities, and a rooftop setting give The Aster a more contemporary take on Hollywood luxury.

Things to Do in Hollywood

Walk Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre, head up to Griffith Observatory for one of the best city views, and set aside time for a studio experience.

To get the full experience, I’d recommend booking tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood or taking the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

Venice Beach

Venice is livelier and more eclectic than Santa Monica, with the Boardwalk bringing plenty of energy and Abbot Kinney offering boutiques, restaurants, and design stores.

Best for: Beach lovers, solo travelers, creative souls, and anyone who wants plenty happening within walking distance.

Best Hotels in Venice Beach

Budget-friendly

• Su Casa at Venice Beach: Right on the Boardwalk, Su Casa has a small boutique feel, with oceanfront rooms and the energy of Venice just outside the door.
• The Kinney Venice Beach: Bold interiors, colorful shared spaces, and a relaxed courtyard give The Kinney a fun, easygoing Venice feel.

Mid-range

• Gjelina Hotel: Thoughtful design and a quieter setting near Venice Beach make Gjelina Hotel an intimate alternative to the busier Boardwalk stays.
• Inn at Venice Beach: Close to the canals and beach, this boutique hotel makes a convenient base for exploring the quieter side of Venice; read my Inn at Venice Beach review.

Luxury

• The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey: Just south of Venice, this waterfront stay overlooks the marina and brings full resort-style luxury with a spa, heated pool, and spacious rooms with marina views.
• Casa del Mar: Just north of Venice in Santa Monica, Casa del Mar is an elegant beachfront splurge with ocean views, a spa, and a pool overlooking the Pacific.

Things to Do in Venice Beach

The Venice Beach Boardwalk, Venice Canals, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard show three very different sides of the neighborhood. If you want to get in the water, a Venice Beach surfing lesson is a fun way to do more than simply admire the waves.

Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

Once you have decided where to stay in LA, it is worth leaving room for at least one coastal day trip.

If you want to turn one of these into a longer California getaway, my California Travel Guide has more cities worth adding beyond Los Angeles.

Malibu

Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu for dramatic sea cliffs, wide beaches, and easy coastal vibes.

Explore the sea caves at El Matador, relax on Zuma Beach, or take in the views from Point Dume. Check current access before visiting Point Dume, as parking and road access are currently affected by coastal erosion. Stroll Malibu Pier, then stop at Nobu or grab a bite over the water at Malibu Farm.

Cap off your trip with a stop at the Getty Villa: a stunning, reconstructed Roman country house showcasing ancient Greek and Roman masterpieces. While admission is completely free, you will need to grab a timed-entry reservation before you go.

Manhattan Beach

An easy, quintessential Southern California beach day. Stroll the landmark Manhattan Beach Pier, wander The Strand, grab a bite along Manhattan Beach Boulevard, and catch an unforgettable Pacific sunset along two miles of golden shore.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach works especially well as an overnight getaway. Spend time around Main Beach, walk through Heisler Park, browse the galleries downtown, and make room for a slower afternoon along the coves.

Huntington Beach

For classic Southern California surf culture, head to Huntington Beach. Walk the Huntington Beach Pier, spend time on the wide sandy beach, and explore the restaurants and shops around Main Street.

Another Way to Stay in LA: Kindred

Hotels are not the only option, especially if you are planning a longer Los Angeles stay.

I also use Kindred, a home-swapping network that lets members earn credits by hosting and use those credits toward stays in other members’ homes. You can read my full guide to how I save on travel with Kindred.

Newly accepted members can unlock five starting credits, equal to up to five nights, after completing the required ID verification and home-profile verification. This allows new members to book a trip before they have hosted their first stay.

Join Kindred with my referral link using code: nan.sev

Ultimately, LA doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all neighborhood. Your ideal base simply depends on the main focus of your trip, whether that’s peaceful mornings by the waves, buzzing nightlife, or a taste of pure luxury.

Travel Tips

1. Rent a car if you want to explore widely. Los Angeles is extremely spread out, and I highly recommend having a car if your itinerary includes several neighborhoods or day trips. Compare LA rental cars with Discover Cars.
2. Plan each day geographically. Instead of driving from Santa Monica to Hollywood and back again, group nearby neighborhoods and attractions together. It will make the trip feel much easier.
3. Avoid crossing the city during peak traffic when you can. Distances on a map can look deceptively short in Los Angeles, so always check the drive time before leaving.
4. Do not completely dismiss public transportation. Metro can be useful on specific routes. The E Line reaches Santa Monica, the B Line serves Hollywood, and the D Line was extended to Wilshire/La Cienega on May 8, 2026.
5. Read parking signs carefully. Street-parking restrictions can change by day and time, and hotel parking can add considerably to the cost of a stay. Check parking fees before booking if you plan to rent a car.
6. Bring a jacket. Even when the afternoon is warm, evenings near the coast can feel surprisingly cool, especially in Santa Monica and Venice.
7. Check the immediate area around your hotel. Los Angeles can change noticeably from one block to another. Read recent hotel reviews, look at the surrounding streets before booking, and never leave luggage or valuables visible inside a parked car.

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There really isn’t one “best” neighborhood in Los Angeles, the right choice depends on what you want most from your trip. For first-time visitors who want a central location, West Hollywood is one of my top choices. If waking up near the ocean is more important, I’d choose Santa Monica, while Beverly Hills is perfect if you’re looking for a more luxurious LA experience.

Having lived in Los Angeles for several years, my biggest advice is to choose your hotel based on where you’ll spend most of your time. LA is incredibly spread out, and staying closer to the places you actually want to visit can save you a lot of time sitting in traffic.

Once you’ve picked your neighborhood, start planning the rest of your trip with my Los Angeles and California travel guides below!