Are you looking for the very best hotels in Los Angeles? We’re going to show you the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels throughout the most popular LA neighborhoods for first time visitors, so you can make the most informed decision on exactly where to stay in Los Angeles.
Instead of trawling through endless randomly listed hotel search engine results, use our research and data driven guide to find the best hotels in Los Angeles for your visit based on location, value, previous guest ratings and our own experiences.
We have personally visited Los Angeles twice and stayed in two different neighborhoods. One hotel was in Hollywood and the other hotel was in Santa Monica, so we had contrasting experiences but they are two of the best places for first time visitors to stay in LA.
Here’s how we will break down hotels in Los Angeles to help you find the perfect place to stay:
- 5 popular Los Angeles neighborhoods
- Best things to do in each area
- Top rated hotels in each neighborhood
- Best LA hotels for couples and families
- Popular hotels downtown, by the beach and near LAX airport
Let’s find the perfect hotel for your trip to Los Angeles, California!
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Which Area Of LA Is Best To Stay?
There are several famous neighborhoods offering visitors a completely different experience in Los Angeles. Each area of LA has its own pros and cons.
Here are the 5 most popular neighborhoods first time visitors tend to book hotels in Los Angeles, California:
- Hollywood – Best for top attractions and budget hotels in Los Angeles
- West Hollywood – Best for affordable luxury and location
- Beverly Hills – Best for shopping and 5 star hotels in Los Angeles
- Downtown – Best for museums, foodies and partying
- Santa Monica – Best for being near the beach and families
We personally think Hollywood, West Hollywood and Santa Monica are the three best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles for first time visitors.
LA Neighborhood Summary
Let’s take a summarized look at each of the Los Angeles neighborhoods perfect for first time visitors.
1. Hollywood
Hollywood is the quintessential LA destination for anyone visiting the city for the first time. It is right in among the top Los Angeles attractions, it has direct metro links and it has a wide range of cheap hotels.
Hollywood is the place to stay for movie lovers who want to see the Walk of Fame and visit movie studios.
2. West Hollywood
West Hollywood bridges the gap between Hollywood – which can be somewhat tacky and gritty – and the far more upscale Beverly Hills.
It is a fantastic place to stay in LA for a first visit but hotels are more expensive on average than the main drag in Hollywood.
3. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is high end, classy and desirable. However, hotels in Beverly Hills are typically priced way above what the average visitor wants to spend.
There are also no direct metro links in Beverly Hills, so you would need to drive, take the bus or use ride shares to get anywhere.
4. Downtown
Downtown LA is a little rough around the edges but it is home to the best dining and partying scene, plus it has the bulk of museums and interesting places to visit.
The best part about staying downtown is that you would have direct access to metro lines running to all of the most popular neighborhoods and tourist sites in Los Angeles.
5. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the best place to stay in LA near the beach and it feels a bit like its own separate village within the city of Los Angeles. The area has a ton of restaurants and it is family friendly.
There is a direct metro line running from Santa Monica to Downtown LA.
Visiting LA attractions? Don’t forget to see how much money you can save with a Sightseeing Pass or Go City Pass on your trip to Los Angeles!
Your Los Angeles Travel Itinerary
Exactly what you plan to do in LA will heavily influence where you should begin your hotel search.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
- Do you plan to sit on the beach for a chilled weekend break? Look for Los Angeles hotels near beach in Santa Monica.
- Are you thinking about visiting popular museums like The Getty or LACMA? Beverly Hills is right between the two and has many of the top hotels in LA.
- Do you prefer to eat and drink your way through a new city? Look for Los Angeles hotels Downtown where the bulk of high class restaurants and bars are located.
- Are you the type of traveler who has to see all of the top sights? Stay in West Hollywood so you are in the middle of everything.
- Is this trip about movies and popular culture? Stay in Hollywood near the Walk of Fame and various studio tours.
Think carefully about what you plan to do in LA. Which areas will you be visiting the most?
Choosing the right hotel for your vacation starts with putting yourself in the best possible location for what you want to achieve.
Do you know exactly what you will do in Los Angeles?
If you’re not 100% sure yet, read our popular guide to the 10 best things to do in LA for first time visitors on our travel site Where Are Those Morgans.
Where To Stay In LA Without A Car
Will you have your own car in LA or do you plan to hire a car at LAX?
If not, you should plan to stay somewhere with easy access to a metro station.
Download this metro map pdf to your phone so you always have access to the LA metro map.
Here are the places to stay and avoid without a car in Los Angeles:
- Metro – Santa Monica, Hollywood and Downtown all have easy access to metro lines.
- No Metro – Beverly Hills and West Hollywood do not have easy access to metro lines.
Los Angeles is a gigantic sprawling city and getting around can be incredibly time consuming. We have sat at a standstill in traffic on Sunset Blvd for hours and lost entire evenings.
Traffic in LA is some of the worst we’ve ever seen so we strongly recommend you only drive when it is absolutely necessary. Plus, parking at attractions can be almost impossible.
Use the Los Angeles Metro instead. It will save you time and stress!
How Are We Selecting The “Best” Hotels?
With over 1,000 Los Angeles hotels on offer, how could we possibly narrow down to just 25?
It’s a good question.
The whole point of this guide is that we show you the top rated hotels in each Los Angeles neighborhood.
Here’s how we aim to do just that.
What Criteria Are We Using?
We use three main criteria elements to create our hotel guides for you:
- Previous Guest Ratings – We take review scores from both Booking.com and Google to compile a list of top rated hotels. Each hotel must have at least 100 reviews to be considered.
- Value – We break up each neighborhood into cheap, mid range and expensive budget categories to cater for every visitor to LA.
- Location – When possible, we only include hotels with the vey best location. For example, there’s not much point staying in Hollywood if you’re 10 blocks from the Walk Of Fame.
How Are We Displaying Hotel Results?
There are dozens of hotels in each neighborhood of LA. Here’s how we are going present the best hotels in Los Angeles to you:
- Featured Hotels – We will show you 5 of the top rated hotels in each neighborhood as featured hotels. This will include the top rated budget, mid range and expensive hotels.
- List Hotels – After the 5 featured hotels, we will list all remaining hotels with excellent ratings for every budget category within each neighborhood.
The goal is to give you more options to check prices and find the best hotel in the appropriate price point for your travel budget.
In the end, there will be around 50 hotels to choose between. This list of best hotels in Los Angeles will save you time, energy and potentially money.
What Is The Average Price Of Hotels In Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is one of those places where it is difficult to pluck out an average price for hotels.
There are over 1,000 hotels in the city area alone, plus the range of costs from 1 star to 5 star hotels is extraordinary.
Averages
The cheapest hotels in LA clock in at around $110 – $150 per night dependent on season and deals. Expensive hotels tend to average in around $700 – $1000 per night.
There are more cheap hotels than there are top end luxury hotels in Los Angeles. For every $1,000 per night hotel there are ten $150 per night hotels. However, they are usually in places you don’t want to stay.
You will find the bulk of Los Angeles hotels in tourist hot spots are in the mid range budget category. Nightly prices are typically around $250 – $350.
Therefore the average price of hotels in Los Angeles for first time visitors would be somewhere around $300 per night.
Using Data For Estimates
Seasonality, flash deals and sheer numbers make it almost impossible to give a true average price for hotels in LA.
However, you can try a few things yourself. Rather than adding up the cost of every single hotel in LA and dividing by that number for a given date, you can use hotel booking search engines to narrow the data.
We plugged in 3 random dates in 2022 to Booking.com and collated data on price ranges as follows:
Wednesday March 8 2022
- Amount of hotels under $200 = 312
- Amount of hotels over $200 = 385
Tuesday July 11 2022
- Amount of hotels under $200 = 256
- Amount of hotels over $200 = 357
Saturday August 5 2022
- Amount of hotels under $200 = 209
- Amount of hotels over $200 = 348
What Does The Data Show Us?
Well, it shows us that there are fewer hotels available in summer under $200 when compared to spring. Therefore, the cheaper hotels are being booked up in advance.
It shows that hotel prices appear to be fairly consistent throughout the year. And it shows us that there are always more hotels over $200 than under.
This backs up our rough guess at around $300 per night average price for hotels in Los Angeles.
Why Are Hotels In Los Angeles So Expensive?
The best hotels in LA are expensive. There’s no two ways about it. Los Angeles is home to celebrities, the rich and famous, business owners, sports stars and everyone else in between.
As a result, all of your classic top class luxury hotel brands are in town. Plus, all of the mid range hotel chains have several offerings throughout the popular touristy areas.
But in reality it all boils down to supply and demand.
LA is a tourist magnet and without the tourism demand, these hotels wouldn’t be able to inflate prices as they supply us with rooms.
“Bed Tax”
One thing you should bear in mind when booking any hotels in Los Angeles is “Bed Tax”, which is officially known as Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Los Angeles County levies 12% bed tax on all stays, no matter how you book your hotel room.
Let’s say a room costs $300 for one night in LA, your actual total cost is going to be $336.
When booking your hotel using Booking.com:
- Look underneath the price for “includes taxes and fees“. This means the price you see is final and will not be subject to further add ons.
- But if the text under the price reads “+$56 in taxes and fees” for example, that number will be added to the total price you see.
Are There Any Cheap Hotels In Los Angeles?
Yes, there are cheap hotels in Los Angeles. Despite the comparatively high average nightly price in LA, you can still pick up a bargain at a hotel with a high rating.
We have unearthed a handful of top rated hotel options in LA that won’t break the bank.
You can find them listed together later in the guide when we group together the best cheap hotels from across Los Angeles.
OK, let’s dive into the 25 best hotels in Los Angeles spread throughout the most popular neighborhoods!
Hollywood
Hollywood is a movie lovers’ dream come true. Before our first visit to LA the only place we considered staying was Hollywood because it is just so iconic.
Turns out, there’s more to it than just being close to the Walk of Fame or the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood is one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles on a budget. You also have two metro stops on the red line, which means you can get around LA easily.
The Hollywood Strip is also close to popular movie studios and other attractions to northeast such as the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory.
Things To Do In Hollywood
- Stroll up and down the Walk of Fame
- See the stars handprints at TCL Chinese Theater
- Go to any one of the touristy museums
- Try an escape room at Escape Hotel Hollywood
- Watch a theater performance at Pantages Theater
- See a show at the Hollywood Bowl
- Hike to the Hollywood Sign
- Take a tour of Warner Bros Studio
- Visit Universal Studios
Who Should Stay In Hollywood?
- Movie lovers
- Budget travelers
- Couples who want to be closer to major LA attractions
Best Hotels In Hollywood Los Angeles
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles.
Each hotel features previous guest ratings on Booking and Google, expected price, amenities and parking rates.
1. Elaine’s Hollywood Bed and Breakfast
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.3 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Breakfast included, free WiFi, pets allowed
- Parking: Free
Family run bed and breakfast on the border between Hollywood and West Hollywood, just a few steps from Hollywood Blvd.
Elaine’s B&B welcomes all guests but they enjoy welcoming families in particular. The hotel is located in a quieter residential area of Hollywood but is close enough to the action.
This bed and breakfast is one of the best hotels in Los Angeles according to combined guest ratings on Booking and Google, and it is in the cheap budget category for a double bonus.
Book Hotel: Elaine’s Hollywood Bed and Breakfast
2. Hollywood Celebrity Hotel Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.6 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, outdoor patio, free WiFi
- Parking: $16.50 per day
The Hollywood Celebrity Hotel is rated higher by previous guests than any other hotel in Hollywood and it comes in at a cheaper price point than most others in the area.
Top marks here are for its location steps from Highland Metro Station and Dolby Theater, plus the service provided by staff.
This is one of our personal best hotels in Los Angeles picks.
Book Hotel: Hollywood Celebrity Hotel
3. Loews Hollywood Hotel Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.4 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Pet friendly, rooftop swimming pool, breakfast buffet, on site restaurant and market, free WiFi
- Parking: Self Parking is $20 per night or Valet Parking is $55 per night
Loews Hollywood is located even closer to Highland Metro and Hollywood Blvd which means it just about wins on location.
This hotel is slightly more expensive but it has a rooftop swimming pool, better amenities, a more luxurious feel in general and it has far more guest ratings on both Booking and Google.
Loews is one of the most popular hotels in Hollywood and it is another top pick from us.
Book Hotel: Loews Hollywood Hotel
4. The Hollywood Roosevelt Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.2 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Expensive $$$
- Amenities: Heated swimming pool, fitness center, cocktail bar, bowling lanes, bars and restaurants, free WiFi
- Parking: Valet Parking is $55 per day, or you can park in a mall / lot nearby
The Hollywood Roosevelt is located right on Hollywood Blvd opposite TCL Chinese Theater so its location is impeccable.
Rave reviews from previous guests about the pool area are enough to get the vote in our book. If you don’t have a car, even better because you won’t have to pay for valet parking or park in a shopping mall.
The Hollywood Roosevelt is more expensive but they put on events which works great for those who like to get involved when on vacation.
Book Hotel: The Hollywood Roosevelt
5. Kimpton Everly Hotel Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.1 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Expensive $$$
- Amenities: Pet friendly, rooftop pool, fitness center, complimentary bikes, restaurant, terrace, free WiFi
- Parking: Valet Parking only at $55 per day, or self park nearby
Kimpton Everly is a boutique hotel by IHG and it is located to the east side of the main touristy area on Hollywood Blvd close to Vine Metro Station.
It is a little isolated which means you will have to walk to get to eateries, but some may prefer the quieter experience. Plus, the hotel is right on the freeway which makes it easy to get around by car or taxi.
Judging by guest reviews, this hotel will either suit you perfectly or you won’t like it at all, there doesn’t appear to be any middle ground.
Book Hotel: Kimpton Everly Hotel
Other Hotels In Hollywood To Consider
- The Hotel Hollywood – Cheap (Booking 7.4 / 10 and Google 3.9 / 5)
- The Adler – Cheap (Booking 8.0 / 10 and Google 4.1 / 5)
- Hampton Inn – Cheap (Booking 8.5 / 10 and Google 4.4 / 5)
- Dream Hollywood – Mid Range (Booking 8.1 / 10 and Google 4.2 / 5)
West Hollywood
West Hollywood covers a large area between high end Beverly Hills and the much cheaper area of Hollywood. Busy parts of Melrose Ave and Sunset Blvd are included in this area.
Travelers looking for a nice balance between cost and quality, families and anyone who wants to be closer to the hills of Laurel Canyon should book a hotel in West Hollywood.
One of the major downsides is that West Hollywood does not have direct metro links.
Things To Do In West Hollywood
- Eat and drink in the Sunset Strip area of Sunset Blvd
- See a comedian at The Comedy Store
- Drive up into the hills around Laurel Canyon
- Eat, drink and shop on Melrose Avenue
- Walk to either Hollywood or Beverly Hills in under 1 hour
Who Should Stay In West Hollywood?
- Families
- Couples with a mid range travel budget
- Business travelers
- Those who want it lively but not too loud
Best Hotels In West Hollywood
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in the West Hollywood area of Los Angeles.
Each hotel features previous guest ratings on Booking and Google, expected price, amenities and parking rates.
6. Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza West Hollywood Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 7.9 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool, small gym, free basic breakfast, safe in room, free WiFi
- Parking: Self Parking in garage below hotel is $27 per day
Best Western Plus is located in the heart of the touristy area of Sunset Blvd, it offers an outdoor swimming pool and a basic place to work out. Breakfast is free but won’t blow you away.
This is about as good as it gets for cheap hotels in the West Hollywood area. If you definitely want to stay in this location and you are traveling on a low budget, check prices for Best Western now.
Book Hotel: Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza
7. Andaz by Hyatt Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.3 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Rooftop pool and sunbathing terrace, pet friendly, safe in room, on site dining and cocktails, free WiFi
- Parking: Valet Parking only at a pricey $60 per night
Andaz is a popular Sunset Blvd hotel with a cool rooftop pool area. It is very reasonably priced for the location and upbeat vibe, particularly as Dj’s play around the pool.
The only reason it isn’t rated higher is because of the expensive parking situation, which wouldn’t be an issue for those who plan to see LA without a car.
Book Hotel: Andaz by Hyatt
8. The Charlie Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.3 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Pets allowed, laundry, garden terrace, kitchen facilities, free WiFi
- Parking: $35 per day
The Charlie is among the best reviewed hotels in West Hollywood and all of Los Angeles. Technically, it is a 4 star hotel but it is very different to your typical hotel style room.
You can expect the hybrid of a high end hotel suite with the facilities of a self catering apartment in a quiet location near Melrose Avenue.
The Charlie is a true hidden gem and one of the very best hotels in Los Angeles. We highly recommend this mid range property for couples. This is where we will stay on our next visit to LA.
Book Hotel: The Charlie West Hollywood
9. Hotel 850 Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.1 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, shared kitchen and lounge, free bikes, pet friendly, safe in room, light breakfast included
- Parking: Valet Parking is $48 per day
Hotel 850 is another highly rated mid range budget boutique guest house style hotel located in West Hollywood. This is one for those who like to feel like they are in a home away from home.
Located to the far west side of WeHo, Hotel 850 offers a well appointed, clean and polished stay in a quieter area but close enough to restaurants and nightlife.
Book Hotel: Hotel 850
10. Pendry West Hollywood Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
- Google – 4.7 / 5
- Price: Expensive $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pets allowed, rooftop pool, fitness center, bar, on site restaurant
- Parking: $60 per night
Pendry West Hollywood is a plush and swanky hotel featuring a Wolfgang Puck restaurant called Merois on the rooftop. The pool are is lovely by day and by night.
This is a more expensive place to stay in Los Angeles, but it is cheaper than many others of a similar calibre in the surrounding area.
Book Hotel: Pendry West Hollywood
Other Hotels To Consider In West Hollywood
There are loads of highly rated hotels in West Hollywood especially in the mid range and expensive categories that we could have included above.
However, we kept the list helpful for all visitors by showing the top rated hotels in each budget category.
Below you can check prices for more hotels in the area with excellent reviews:
- Le Parc – Mid Range (Booking 8.2 / 10 and Google 4.4 / 5)
- 1 Hotel – Mid Range (Booking 8.3 / 10 and Google 4.4 / 5)
- The London – Expensive (Booking 8.9 / 10 and Google 4.6 / 5)
- Sunset Marquis – Expensive (Booking 8.9 / 10 and Google 4.6 / 5)
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is home of the rich and famous in Los Angeles, the place to see and be seen in LA. This area is home to the most expensive, the most luxurious and the very best hotels in Los Angeles.
We saw a higher ratio of super cars than we saw “normal” cars when we were exploring the areas around Rodeo Drive!
Hotels around this plush high end neighborhood charge eye watering prices to reflect its mythical fame.
But if you can afford it, Beverly Hills is a safe, family friendly and wonderful place to book a hotel and base yourself in LA.
Things To Do In Beverly Hills
- Shop ’til you drop on Rodeo Drive
- Take a photo with the Beverly Hills sign
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art isn’t too far away
- Eat and drink in high end restaurants and bars
- Visit the Museum of Tolerance
Who Should Stay In Beverly Hills?
- Groups of friends
- Couples
- Families
- Foodies
- Shoppers
- Those looking to splurge
Best Hotels In Beverly Hills Los Angeles
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles.
Each hotel features previous guest ratings on Booking and Google, expected price, amenities and parking rates.
11. Mosaic Hotel Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 7.6 / 10
- Google – 4.1 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, small outdoor pool, pets allowed, fitness center, restaurant and bar
- Parking: $42 per night
The Mosaic Hotel is one of the only budget friendly hotels close to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. It has a small swimming pool outside that looks very attractive at night.
Reviews are mixed, but this stylish boutique hotel isn’t going to be a 5 star experience at this price point.
If you’re traveling on a tight budget but want to be 10 minutes walk from Rodeo Drive, this could be the hotel for you.
Book Hotel: Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills
12. Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.0 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Outdoor heated pool, spa, fitness center, onsite restaurant and bar, pets allowed, free WiFi
- Parking: $55 per night
Hotel Sofitel is a large hotel on the border between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, so you get the best of both worlds.
This hotel has the biggest disparity between Booking and Google of all the best hotels in Los Angeles. But over 3,500 Google reviewers have Sofitel at a 4.6 / 5 and the price is reasonable for the area.
Book Hotel: Hotel Sofitel Beverly Hills
13. The Beverly Hilton Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.3 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool, pets allowed, fitness center, on site restaurant and bar
- Parking: $55 per night
The Beverly Hilton is a classic mid range budget hotel around 15 minutes walk from Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
Ratings are solid, the pool area is nice, the gym is bigger than average and it is in a good location. Everything is above average and the price is reflective.
Book Hotel: The Beverly Hilton
14. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.5 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Expensive $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool, complimentary car service, fitness center, on site restaurant and bar, lounge, pets allowed
- Parking: $60 per night
L’Ermitage is a top quality 5 star hotel epitomizing luxury from start to finish. Rave reviews on both Booking and Google wax lyrical about quality, service and a secluded location just a stones throw from Rodeo Drive.
L’Ermitage is one of those places you go to get the celebrity treatment, it is one of the very best hotels in Los Angeles. The best part is that it isn’t as expensive as many of the other five star hotels nearby.
Book Hotel: L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
15. The Beverly Hills Hotel Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.5 / 10
- Google – 4.7 / 5
- Price: Expensive $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, swanky outdoor pool area, pets allowed, on site restaurant and bar, fitness center, popular celebrity hangout lounge
- Parking: $50 per night
The Beverly Hills Hotel is the top rated Los Angeles hotel on Booking.com. If you want to know how the other half live, stay at this hotel on your trip to LA.
Everything at “The Pink Palace” is first class, from the staff to the facilities and fine details. Splurging on a room here is going to cost you, but it is going to be an experience you never forget.
We definitely plan to spend at least one night at The Beverly Hills Hotel next time we are in LA.
Book Hotel: The Beverly Hills Hotel
Other Hotels To Consider In Beverly Hills
Being Beverly Hills, we could have included half a dozen more expensive options above.
If you do have a healthy travel budget for your trip to LA and you want to stay in Beverly Hills, compare prices at more of the top rated plush hotels below.
- Four Seasons – Expensive (Booking 9.0 / 10 and Google 4.6 / 5)
- Beverly Wilshere – Expensive (Booking 9.0 / 10 and Google 4.7 / 5)
- Waldorf Astoria – Expensive (Booking 9.1 / 10 and Google 4.6 / 5)
- The Peninsula – Expensive (Booking 9.3 / 10 and Google 4.7 / 5)
* Beverly Hills Celebrity Home * – Potentially a great low budget to mid range hotel option in Beverly Hills, has a 9.1 / 10 on Booking but only 61 reviews at time of writing.
Downtown LA
Downtown LA encompasses the suburbs of Little Tokyo, Skid Row, Fashion District, South Park, Arts District, Historic Core, Jewelry District and others.
It is the central business district of Los Angeles, but over 80,000 also live in the Downtown LA suburbs.
Many of LA’s top museums, bars, restaurants, clubs and attractions are located throughout the various suburbs of Downtown. Plus, the central location provides instant access to metro lines.
However, downsides include noise, a heavy homeless population and higher crime rates.
Things To Do In Downtown LA
- Eat, drink and party at some of the best spots in the city
- See the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Explore The Broad art museum
- Go up to the observation deck at OUE Skyspace LA
- Walk around the Bradbury Building
- Shop in the Fashion District
- Explore Grand Central Market
Who Should Stay In Downtown LA?
- Groups of friends who want to party
- Foodies
- Museum lovers
- Those who prefer to be in the city
Best Hotels In Downtown Los Angeles
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in the Downtown area of Los Angeles.
Each hotel features previous guest ratings on Booking and Google, expected price, amenities and parking rates.
16. The Metric Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.3 / 10
- Google – 4.9 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, safe in room
- Parking: Free
The Metric is a brand new, sparklingly clean and polished hotel in City West, just a few blocks from The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall. It is in a safe location within Downtown LA.
If you want to stay in Downtown LA on a budget, The Metric should be the place you look first. This hotel has a near perfect 4.9 / 5 rating from previous guests on Google.
We very highly recommend The Metric as one of the best hotels in Los Angeles Downtown.
Book Hotel: The Metric
17. CitizenM Downtown Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.8 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, onsite restaurant and bar, safe in room, breakfast available
- Parking: No parking on site, but can park in nearby lots
CitizenM is the best boutique hotel in Downtown Los Angeles at an affordable price point. It has excellent ratings and reviews on both Booking and Google.
Located close to Pershing Square, CitizenM is a very popular choice for couples in particular who want style and quality at a competitive price right in the middle of Downtown LA.
Book Hotel: CitizenM Downtown LA
18. Hotel Per La Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.8 / 10
- Google – 4.2 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pets allowed, rooftop pool and bar, fitness center, lounge,
- Parking: $55 per night
Hotel Per La is a stunning 5 star boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Reviewers frequently say it looks even better in person and the pool area is sublime.
If you’re looking for something a little more personalized, boutiquey and plush in Downtown LA, take a closer look at Hotel Per La.
Book Hotel: Hotel Per La
19. JW Marriott LA LIVE Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, outdoor rooftop pool, fitness center and spa, on site restaurants and bars
- Parking: $55 per night
JW Marriott is a popular and highly rated hotel in Downtown LA with a perfect location for sports fans staying in town to watch games against the Lakers, Clippers or Kings.
The hotel has a huge gym and a lovely pool with surrounding sunbathing area. If you’re heading to LA for the game or a concert, stay here and relax for a day or two either side.
Book Hotel: JW Marriott LA LIVE
20. InterContinental Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pets allowed, breakfast available, on site restaurant, rooftop bar, fitness center, swimming pool
- Parking: $55 per night
The InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles is a classy hotel with excellent ratings. It is located to the west side of the Downtown area, close to several restaurants and amenities.
Spire73 is the tallest open air bar in the western hemisphere. You will have stunning views over LA, especially at sunset. Rooms are fairly priced for this level of quality.
Book Hotel: InterContinental
Other Hotels To Consider In Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown has more of the best hotels in Los Angeles within the mid range price category for you to consider.
Here are the best of the rest.
- Omni – Mid Range (Booking 8.6 / 10 and Google 4.4 / 5)
- Miyako – Mid Range (Booking 8.7 / 10 and Google 4.3 / 5)
- The Los Angeles Athletic Club – Mid Range (Booking 8.5 / 10 and Google 4.5 / 5)
- The Ritz Carlton – Expensive (Booking 8.5 / 10 and Google 4.6 / 5)
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a lovely place to visit. We expected it to just be little more than the Pier and we expected that to be tacky.
In truth, the Pier area isn’t so bad but the village-like area of Santa Monica far surpassed our expectations, with a high end feel and loads of quality places to eat.
Santa Monica beach is long, deep and sandy. We even saw a TV show being filmed live right on the beach one lunchtime.
The Santa Monica area is perfect for families and couples, plus it is very close to LAX which makes for short taxi rides either way.
Things To Do In Santa Monica
- Take a stroll on the golden sandy beach
- Walk down to the Venice Boardwalk
- Eat, drink and relax in high quality places
- Grab a surf board and hit the waves
- Buy an ice cream on Santa Monica Pier
- Work out at the original Muscle Beach
- Walk around Tongva Park
- Shop in Downtown Santa Monica
Who Should Stay In Santa Monica?
- Families
- Couples
- Anyone looking to escape the crowds
- Those who want a beach vacation in LA
Best Hotels In Santa Monica Los Angeles
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in the Santa Monica area of Los Angeles.
Each hotel features previous guest ratings on Booking and Google, expected price, amenities and parking rates.
21. Santa Monica Motel Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.1 / 10
- Google – 4.0 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pets allowed
- Parking: Free
The Santa Monica Motel offers the best price to location hotel in Santa Monica for budget travelers. It is just 7 blocks from the beach and there are places to eat nearby.
This certainly isn’t the highest quality hotel in Santa Monica, but at this price point it could be the ideal place to stay for budget travelers who want to be close to the beach.
Book Hotel: Santa Monica Motel
22. SureStay by Best Western Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.2 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, free basic breakfast, BBQ facilities
- Parking: Free
SureStay by Best Western has better ratings on both Google and Booking for a budget hotel in Santa Monica, but it is much further away from the beach and downtown area of Santa Monica.
If you’re not too bothered about being close to the beach but want to be in Santa Monica, this could be the perfect fit for a low budget hotel stay.
Book Hotel: SureStay by Best Western
23. Ambrose Hotel Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, free bikes, free Tesla drop offs, on site library, guest laundry, complimentary beer and wine hour
- Parking: $35 per day
Ambrose Hotel is a plush boutique hotel set back in a quiet residential area around 30 minutes walk to downtown Santa Monica. It is quiet, classy and offers luxurious communal areas.
At the lower end of mid range, Ambrose Hotel could be the ideal place to escape in Santa Monica. When you want to reappear, take the free ride into town.
Book Hotel: Ambrose Hotel
24. Oceana Santa Monica Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.9 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Expensive $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, outdoor pool, beachfront, massage service, marble bathrooms, some rooms have ocean views, on site gym, yoga classes on the beach, free bikes, guided hikes, surf lessons, on site restaurant and bar
- Parking: $40 per day
Oceana is where you go to get the celebrity treatment by the beach in LA. Just look at how many amenities this place has in store for your visit.
Rave reviews about staff attentiveness, cleanliness, luxurious facilities and at just a 5 minute walk to both the beach and Downtown Santa Monica, Oceana is a top choice on the coast and one of the very best hotels in Los Angeles.
Book Hotel: Oceana Santa Monica
25. Shutters On The Beach Los Angeles
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Expensive $$$
- Amenities: On the beach, ocean facing restaurants, outdoor swimming pool and spa, pets allowed, fitness center, bar, free wired internet
- Parking: $60 per day
Shutters on the beach is your alternative top class 5 star hotel on the beach in Santa Monica, and this one quite literally spills out onto the sand.
Expect to see big time Hollywood stars dining here, stellar service and exquisite attention to detail. The only thing stopping Shutters getting higher review scores is expense.
This is not a cheap place to stay, but once you get past the eye watering costs, everything else is of the highest quality.
This is where to stay first time in Los Angeles if you want luxury on the beach.
Book Hotel: Shutters On The Beach
Other Hotels To Consider In Santa Monica
Santa Monica is home to multiple mid range and high end hotels so you have plenty of choice and a lot of prices to compare.
There is also a very popular hostel for those who want to stay in Santa Monica on a budget and meet other travelers.
Here are more highly rated places to stay in Santa Monica:
- HI Los Angeles Hostel – Cheap (Booking 8.5 / 10 and Google 4.3 / 5)
- Bayside Hotel – Cheap (Booking 7.9 / 10 and Google 4.1 / 5)
- Palihouse – Mid Range (Booking 8.4 / 10 and Google 4.3 / 5)
- Shore Hotel – Mid Range (Booking 8.4 / 10 and Google 4.3 / 5)
- Huntley Santa Monica Beach – Mid Range (Booking 8.7 / 10 and Google 4.4 / 5)
- Casa Del Mar – Expensive (Booking 8.8 / 10 and Google 4.6 / 5)
- Santa Monica Proper – Expensive (Booking 8.8 / 10 and Google 4.4 / 5)
What Are The Best Cheap Hotels In Los Angeles?
Are you traveling to LA on a tight budget?
Well, you’ll only be interested in cheap hotels. Highly rated cheap hotels are few and far between in LA, but there a handful of hidden gems among the rough.
Let’s take a look at the best hotels in Los Angeles for low budget travel.
- El Royale – Studio City
- Luskin Hotel – Westwood
- Villa Brasil Motel – Venice
- The Metric – Downtown
- Santa Monica Motel – Santa Monica
What Are The Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels In Los Angeles?
Are you looking to splurge on your vacation to LA?
Well, it’s certainly easy to splash the cash on accommodation so let’s take a look at the best hotels in Los Angeles for 5 star luxury!
- The Peninsula – Beverly Hills
- L’Ermitage Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills
- The Beverly Hills Hotel – Beverly Hills
- Oceana Santa Monica – Santa Monica
- Shutters On The Beach – Santa Monica
What Are The Best Hotels Near The Beach In Los Angeles?
Are you simply visiting LA for a weekend relaxing on the beach?
Well, you have plenty of coastline options from Santa Monica to Venice and beyond. Exactly where on the beach you stay will depend on your travel goals and companions.
Let’s take a look at some of the best hotels in Los Angeles near the beach.
- Venice V Hotel – Venice Beach
- Casa Del Mar – Santa Monica
- Oceana – Santa Monica
- Shutters On The Beach – Santa Monica
- H20 Hermosa – Hermosa Beach
What Are The Best Hotels For Families In Los Angeles?
Are you looking for the most family friendly hotels in Los Angeles?
You’re better off staying clear of Downtown LA, Venice and Hollywood.
We would recommend staying near the beach in Santa Monica, on the border area between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood or in Studio City for the movie studios.
Let’s take a look at the best hotels in Los Angeles for families.
- El Royale Gardens – Budget hotel near Universal Studios
- The Tangerine – Budget hotel near Warner Bros Studio
- The Garland – Mid range hotel near Universal Studios
- Huntley Santa Monica – Mid range hotel in Santa Monica
- Oceana – High end hotel in Santa Monica
What Are The Best Hotels Near Disneyland Los Angeles?
Are you taking the kids to the popular Disneyland theme park in Anaheim and want to stay nearby?
Let’s take a look at the top rated hotel options within striking distance of Disneyland, Los Angeles.
- Ayres Hotel Orange – Budget hotel located 3.5 miles from Disneyland
- Hotel Peppertree – Boutique budget rooms with kitchens 3.5 miles from Disneyland
- Alpine Inn – Budget hotel within 12 minute walk to Disneyland
- Home2 Suites Hilton – Mid range hotel within 10 minutes walk to Disneyland
- The Westin Anaheim – Luxury hotel within 15 minutes walk to Disneyland
What Are The Best Hotels Near Los Angeles Airport LAX?
Do you need a hotel close to LAX airport to catch an early flight?
There are a handful of quality hotel options with easy access to the airport and they are mostly around the same price per night.
Definitely check each of the hotels listed to see if there are any deals running the night before your flight. All hotels provide free airport shuttle service.
Let’s take a look at the best hotels in Los Angeles near LAX.
- Hyatt Regency – 1 mile from terminal
- H Hotel – 1.1 miles from terminal
- Residence Inn – 1.5 miles from terminal
- Hyatt House – 1.6 miles from terminal
- Renaissance – 1.6 miles from terminal
Best Hotels In Los Angeles FAQ’s
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions about where to stay in Los Angeles, California.
Which Area Of LA Is Best To Stay?
Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica are the best areas of LA to stay for first time visitors to Los Angeles. Hollywood is best for couples and movie lovers traveling on a lower budget, Beverly Hills is best for those with a healthy budget and Santa Monica is best for families or those who want a relaxing beach vacation.
Is It Better To Stay In Downtown LA Or Hollywood?
Hollywood is a better place to stay than Downtown LA. Unless you are in Los Angeles on a business trip or for a specific reason like watching a concert, you should stay in Hollywood.
Which Part Of LA Is Safe For Tourists?
LA overall is safer than you may have been led to believe but if you really want to be sure about safety, stay in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood or Santa Monica. The only popular touristy places to avoid in Los Angeles for safety concerns are certain parts of Downtown LA.
Is 4 Days Enough In Los Angeles?
Yes, 4 days is easily enough time to see and do the best of touristy Los Angeles. You can spend a day at Santa Monica and Venice Beach, a day in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, a day in Hollywood and a day in the car driving to top attractions like Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios.
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We hope this guide to the best Los Angeles hotels helps you book the perfect hotel for your California vacation!
Please let us know if you have any questions about any of our best hotels in Los Angeles in the comments below.
Happy Booking,
Mark and Kristen
Best Hotels Anywhere
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are experts at finding and booking hotels. They’ve been traveling the world for over 6 years, staying at more than 500 hotels across 4 continents.
They only write about places they have personally visited themselves, which means every article you read on Best Hotels Anywhere is created directly from first hand experience. Read more about us.