Los Angeles is such a sprawling city that it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming choosing where to stay in the city. With so many things to do in Los Angeles, you want to make sure you’re as close to the main attractions as possible. There are however, several neighborhoods that are the most obvious choices in which to stay. These are, namely: Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, and Long Beach. In this guide, I’ve pulled together a list of the best places for where to stay in Los Angeles.
Beverly Hills
Undoubtedly LA’s most luxurious neighborhood, get ready to spot A-Listers in Beverly Hills. With one of the world’s most famous zip codes (hello, 90210), there are some of the best restaurants and bars you will find in the city here. Don’t miss Rodeo Drive with its wonderful shopping. The best hotels in Beverly Hills are:
- The Beverly Hills Hotel. The most iconic classic Hollywood hotel in LA, with its pink palm print walls. Previous guests include Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and John Lennon.
- SLS Beverly Hills. A creative hotel that’s packed with LA level mod-cons, from Bose radios to Cassina furniture, and a nightclub style restaurant called The Bazaar.
Hollywood
Although perhaps not as sophisticated as it appears in the movies, Hollywood is undergoing a huge makeover in recent years. With so many great things on your doorstep here, however, it’s perfectly situated. You can check out the Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios within a matter of minutes. The best hotels in Hollywood are:
- The Hollywood Roosevelt. Boasting a Spanish Colonial style, the stylish rooms in this hotel blend with its impressive history as a 1920s landmark that held the very first Academy Awards ceremony.
- Magic Castle Hotel. Located just off Hollywood Boulevard, you can’t fault this hotel’s location. Next to the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it’s a contemporary hotel with sunshine yellow walls.
West Hollywood
A super chic area of LA, West Hollywood has a whole lot to offer. From the glitzy Sunset Strip to the boutique stores and murals of Instagrammable Melrose Avenue, WeHo has it all. Visitors shouldn’t miss the fancy art and design district, as well as all the other hip and boutique joints throughout the area. The best hotels in West Hollywood are:
- Chateau Marmont. The go-to for anyone who’s anyone, this iconic hotel dates back to 1929, and once hosted the likes of Greta Garbo and Humphrey Bogart. It’s since had a makeover and oozes relaxed yet glamorous vibes.
- Petit Ermitage. A boutique, boho hotel in between West Hollywood’s trendy streets of Santa Monica Boulevard and the Sunset Strip. This hotspot attracts a hip crowd and an enviable rooftop garden, complete with sprawling LA views, pool, and an allotment.
Downtown LA
The centre of Los Angeles comprises so many smaller neighbourhoods, from Chinatown to Little Tokyo, and the Arts District. Up and coming, downtown LA is truly becoming an art hub, with Grand Avenue arguably now the Museum Mile of the West. You’ll find galleries such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Broad Gallery, as well as chic bars and restaurants.
- Freehand Downtown Los Angeles. Inside the 1924 Commercial Exchange building, you’ll find this hotel-hostel. Check out the super cool rooftop terrace which boasts pink parasols and sun beds. It’s the perfect place for relaxing among the young and beautiful.
- Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. Located in a building inspired by Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, there’s a shabby-chic vibe. With designer artwork and a pool for posing on the roof, it’s a very cool place to hang out in the summer months.
Santa Monica and Venice
For the ultimate south California experience, you’ve got to head to Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Edgy Venice has mural strewn walls and an edgy crowd – don’t miss the iconic skate park. The seaside town of Santa Monica has sandy beaches for relaxing and sunbathing. Visitors have to see Muscle Beach to watch serious bodybuilders at work. Afterwards, head to the pier with its fairground and famous ferris wheel.
- Shutters on the Beach. An A-lister hotspot, look no further when choosing where to stay in Los Angeles. Each of the luxurious beach houses boast hot tubs and indulgent decor. Guests can dine to a Santa Monica sunset at the hotel’s various dining institutions.
- Hotel Erwin. Located right on Venice Beach, Hotel Erwin is perfect for those who love both the beach and the party. With a fun vibe that’s akin with Venice’s edgy vibe, there’s also a rooftop terrace for views.
Long Beach
Perfect for families, Long Beach is an affordable option to consider when deciding where to stay in Los Angeles. Accessible from downtown LA within just an hour on the Metro, there are some fun attractions in this part of the city. Visitors should check out the impressive Aquarium of the Pacific, as well as the Queen Mary ocean liner. Disneyland is just a thirty minute drive to Anaheim, making it an ideal place to stay.
- Hotel Maya. This cosy resort offers unbeatable comfort right on the oceanfront on Long Beach. Better still, it has over fifteen acres of beautiful exotic gardens. It has impressive facilities including a heated lap pool, volleyball, and boat rents to name but a few.
- The Queen Mary. Incredibly, the Queen Mary is a transatlantic passenger cruise line that predates the 1930s. Moored at Long Beach, it’s both an attraction and a hotel. Take a tour and discover many of its unique features including its original tinted pink mirrors.
There’s my guide on where to stay in Los Angeles! Where are your favourite places to stay in LA?
