One question I get all the time is, “I’m coming to Los Angeles, where to stay in los angeles first time?” So, in this post, I’m going to talk about some of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in, some great hotels, and also share a few areas I think you might want to avoid. Of course, if you’ve been to LA and have your own favorite spots, feel free to let me know in the comments because LA is huge, and I haven’t been everywhere or stayed in every hotel!
First, I want to give you a quick overview of what Los Angeles really is. Then, we’ll jump right into the best neighborhoods and hotels.
This city has 121 neighborhoods and about 4 million people living in it. But when most people talk about “Los Angeles,” they’re usually referring to the larger area, which is Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County is much bigger, with about 10 million people and 88 cities. That includes around 500 neighborhoods.
When people say “Greater Los Angeles,” they’re talking about an even larger area, which includes not just LA County but also Ventura County to the northwest, San Bernardino County to the east, Orange County to the south (home of Disneyland), and Riverside County. The only things that Greater Los Angeles doesn’t include are Palm Springs, San Diego, or Santa Barbara. Those are for a different video!
where to stay in los angeles first time ? best neighborhoods and hotels
Now, let’s talk about where to stay in Los Angeles. I’ll start with Downtown LA. Some people say avoid downtown, but I think it can be a great place to stay depending on what you’re looking for. Downtown LA has the tallest buildings in the city and is located in the middle of the city’s freeway system (the 10, 101, and 110). This makes it easy to get around.
One of the main attractions in downtown is LA Live, where you’ll find the Crypto.com Arena (home to concerts, basketball games, and other events), plus the LA Convention Center. It’s also close to Union Station, which is great if you’re taking the train, whether you’re heading north along the coast or south to San Diego. Another plus? Downtown LA is connected to the LA Metro, which is a subway system many people don’t even realize exists.
But, like any area, there are some things to keep in mind. I’ll share more about the pros and cons of downtown and other neighborhoods as we go on.
Let me know what you think, and I hope this helps you plan your trip to Los Angeles
Downtown LA can be expensive, especially when it comes to parking, and it can feel sketchy at night. One of the main concerns is its proximity to Skid Row. Skid Row is a 50-block area east of Downtown LA, bordered by 3rd, 7th, Alameda, and Main Street. It’s known for having the largest homeless population in the U.S., and it’s also one of the few places where it’s legal to live on the street. Because of this, it’s best to avoid the area, especially at night.
If you’re planning to stay in Downtown LA, I’ve compiled a list of some great hotels. I’ve organized them by neighborhood to make it easier for you to choose.
For hotels near LA Live, you have some great options. For a high-end experience, the Ritz Carlton is a top choice. It’s located in the same building as the JW Marriott Los Angeles at LA Live. If you’re looking for something more affordable, I recommend the JW Marriott, where you can usually get rates between $200-$300 in the off-season. It’s a great spot if you’re attending an event or using public transit or Uber.
There are other options nearby, like Hotel Indigo, the Courtyard by Marriott, and the Intercontinental. The Intercontinental is especially nice because it’s one of the tallest buildings in the area and has an amazing rooftop bar with great views. For a classic spot, the Westin Bonaventure is a bit farther up, but it’s a well-known landmark in Downtown LA.
If you head up the hill from Downtown LA, you’ll find the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a major landmark. Right across from it is the Conrad Los Angeles, a new, high-end hotel from the Hilton chain. This hotel is in a great spot, with views from the Disney Concert Hall and is near The Broad, a popular museum in Downtown LA.
A unique recommendation for staying in Downtown LA is Little Tokyo, which is a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth considering. It’s home to a large Japanese community and has a lot of Japanese restaurants. A standout option in this area is the Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, a traditional Japanese-style hotel. It’s a great place if you want to experience a bit of Japan while you’re in LA. Little Tokyo is a small, walkable area, but make sure to avoid wandering too far into Skid Row. A special shoutout to Star in the chat who also recommended the Miyako Hotel!
let’s talk about West Hollywood, another great neighborhood to stay in. West Hollywood is known for the Sunset Strip, great hotels, and vibrant nightlife. Unlike other areas like Koreatown or Westlake, which can be a bit sketchy, West Hollywood is much more walkable and safer.
If you’re looking for a hotel in the area, the Andaz West Hollywood is a cool, trendy option. It’s a unique, funky hotel with a rooftop bar, and it’s perfect if you want to feel the Hollywood lifestyle. For a higher-end experience, you can also check out the West Hollywood Edition. There are plenty of other great hotels in the area, so you can’t go wrong.
As for Koreatown, if you’re thinking about staying there, I recommend sticking to the Wilshire Boulevard area. It’s the main street that runs through Koreatown and is safer and more convenient. However, some parts of Koreatown can be sketchy, so it’s good to choose your location carefully. Many people stay in Koreatown when they’re attending events or shows nearby.
If you’re staying in LA for a week, my tip would be to consider splitting your stay into different neighborhoods. LA is so big, and some places, like Universal Studios and Disneyland, are far apart. It might make sense to stay near one for a few days and then switch to another area to avoid spending too much time driving between them. Traffic in LA can be really tough, so this can save you a lot of time and stress.
As for Hollywood, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying there, but I know some people really want to be close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the other famous sights. Hollywood Boulevard is the main area with all the stars on the sidewalk. It’s located a bit northwest of Downtown LA. However, Hollywood can be a bit rough. The area is very touristy, and there are parts that have a large homeless population and feel unsafe, especially at night. It’s not the best place to wander around.
That said, if you really want to stay in Hollywood, there are a few hotels I can recommend. Hollywood is convenient if you want to visit Universal Studios or downtown LA because it’s easy to take the subway. The red line of the subway runs from Downtown LA, through Hollywood Boulevard, and up to Universal Studios. If you plan to use public transit a lot, Hollywood can be a good spot to be central for those trips. Just keep in mind that once you’ve done the main sights, you might want to move on to a different area of LA for the rest of your stay.
Hollywood is also close to Griffith Observatory, one of LA’s most famous landmarks. It’s up on a hill with great views of the city. If you decide to stay in Hollywood, there are a couple of areas I would recommend. One area is near the Hollywood and Highland subway station, and the other is near the Hollywood and Vine station.
The Hollywood and Highland area is the safer of the two and has a lot of major attractions. This is where the Dolby Theatre is, where the Oscars and other big award shows are held. The Lowe’s Hotel is located in the Hollywood and Highland shopping mall, making it a good spot if you want to be close to the action. It’s a big hotel, often used for conventions. If you’re looking for something smaller, consider the Roosevelt Hotel. It’s a classic, historic hotel with old-school LA charm, and it’s just across from the Dolby Theatre.
If you’re planning to go to a show at the Pantages Theatre, which is a popular spot for musicals, the W Hollywood is a great choice. It’s right across the street from the Hollywood and Vine subway station.
if you’re heading to Universal Studios, staying in Hollywood can work, but I’d recommend staying closer to Universal City. Universal Studios has its own area with hotels right next to the park. The Sheraton Universal and Hilton Universal are both great options because they’re just a short walk to the park.
The downside is that you won’t have much to walk to outside of Universal Studios, so if you’re planning to explore more of LA, it might be worth switching to another hotel later in your trip. But if Universal Studios is your main focus, these hotels are super convenient.
A good idea for your LA trip is to break it up into different areas. For example, you could stay in Downtown LA for a few days, and then when you plan to visit Universal Studios, move closer to the park. You can Uber or drive to Universal, check into a hotel the night before, enjoy the park the next day, and have your luggage held while you explore. LA is built for this kind of flexible travel, so it’s easy to move around.
I I hope you enjoy your stay, Nick! As for getting to Universal Studios, the hotels are up a hill from the subway, but it’s an easy walk down if you want to use public transit.
Some people are asking about Disneyland and where to stay nearby. I’ll get to that in a bit, and we’ll talk about Glendale too. Yip mentioned that Universal Studios hotels can be expensive, and that’s true. But you’re paying for the convenience of being right next to the park, and if you have loyalty points with brands like Sheraton or Hilton, it’s a great way to use them.
let’s talk about the areas north of Universal Studios, which are part of the San Fernando Valley. This area is more suburban, with places like Panorama City, Van Nuys, Tarzana, and North Hollywood. It’s not a typical tourist area, and unless you have friends or family here, or business in the area, it’s not really a place I would recommend for staying.
One exception is Burbank. It’s a hub for TV and movie production, so if you’re interested in that, or if you’re flying into Burbank Airport (which can sometimes be cheaper or more convenient than LAX), it might make sense to stay there. The area has more affordable hotels, but it’s not a top tourist destination, so keep that in mind.
If you’re looking for a place that’s both affordable and safe, Glendale is a great option. It’s just east of Griffith Park, which is home to the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and the LA Zoo. Glendale is close to Downtown LA (only about a 10-minute drive without traffic), but it’s much quieter and safer. It also has a nice, walkable downtown area and is cheaper than staying in Downtown LA.
you can definitely walk around Glendale safely both during the day and at night. It’s a nice, walkable area with a lot to do. If you’re staying in Glendale, I recommend the High Place Glendale. I’ve actually stayed there myself and even did a post review, so I can vouch for it. Another option nearby is the Residence Inn, which is also close to the downtown area.
Glendale is right next to Pasadena, which is another great option to consider for your stay in LA. Pasadena is one of LA’s oldest and nicest neighborhoods. It’s about 10 miles east of Downtown LA and is known for the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl.
The city has a lot of history and charm, especially along Colorado Boulevard, which is the main street. There are plenty of cafes and bakeries, like Earth Cafe, that give you a taste of local life. Pasadena has some beautiful old buildings, and if you like classic architecture, you’ll enjoy walking around.
Another cool spot in Pasadena is the In-N-Out Burger, one of the oldest operating locations. It’s a tiny place with a classic drive-thru experience, perfect for grabbing a quick bite and soaking in some old-school Pasadena vibes. If you’re into photography, the Pasadena City Hall is a must-see. It’s a stunning building, especially at sunset when photographers often gather to take pictures, including wedding or family portraits.
Pasadena is also home to Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), as well as the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, which are definitely worth a visit if you enjoy nature and art.
The Huntington Botanical Gardens in Pasadena are beautiful, but there’s an entry fee to visit. The Huntington also has a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, and it’s a library as well as a garden. The downside of staying in Pasadena is that it’s a bit farther from the main attractions, so you’ll spend more time driving to get around.
If you’re staying in Pasadena and want something high-end, I recommend The Langham Huntington Pasadena. It’s close to the Huntington Gardens and offers luxury accommodations. For something more in the heart of Pasadena, consider the Hyatt Place or the Hilton Pasadena, both along Colorado Boulevard.
As for Beverly Hills, it is a luxurious and upscale area known for its fancy lifestyle, high-end shopping, and beautiful surroundings. However, it’s also expensive, and the atmosphere can feel a bit “stuffy.” You’ll find lots of fine dining spots and valet parking, but it’s not the best place for quick, casual meals.
If you’re planning to stay in Beverly Hills, there are some excellent hotels to choose from. For a luxury experience, the Beverly Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills are great options. The Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills is also an iconic choice. If you’re looking for something more affordable but still in the area, the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, located in Beverly Grove, might be a better fit.
let’s talk about Century City and Culver City. Century City is known for its shopping, particularly the Westfield Century City Mall, which has been recently renovated. It’s home to some cool food halls and events. Nearby, you’ll find the Fairmont Century Plaza, a solid hotel option.
Culver City is known as “Screen Town USA” due to its movie studios, like Sony Pictures and Amazon Studios. If you’re staying in Culver City, you can choose between the historic Culver Hotel, located in the downtown area, or the more modern Shay, which opened in 2021. Both are great options depending on your preference.
Santa Monica is famous for its beach and the Santa Monica Pier, and it’s a nice spot to stay if you want to be close to the ocean. However, like many parts of LA, it has seen an increase in the homeless population, especially in the downtown area. To avoid this, consider staying at hotels directly on the beach, like Shutters on the Beach or Casa Del Mar. These are more expensive, but they offer a great location right on the sand.
If you don’t mind being a little farther from the beach, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel is another great option. However, if you’re looking for a quiet, upscale experience, Malibu might be your choice. Just keep in mind that while Malibu is a beautiful area, it can be far from other parts of LA, and the drive can get long, especially during peak times. For Malibu, I recommend the Malibu Beach Inn or the Surf Rider Malibu, both located near the pier.
In general, Malibu is more about privacy and exclusivity, which is why it’s a favorite among celebrities. But it’s not the best base for exploring other parts of LA, so only stay there if you’re planning to spend most of your time in the area.
if you’re looking for a more unique option in Malibu, try an Airbnb in a quieter spot away from the busy areas, as it could offer a better experience than staying in a hotel.
If you’re planning to visit Santa Monica and want to explore Malibu, I’d recommend staying in Santa Monica. You can easily do a day trip to Malibu from there. Now, let’s talk about Venice. It’s a famous beach in LA, attracting more visitors than Disneyland each year, mainly because it’s free to visit. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is full of shops, artists, and street performers, and it’s home to Muscle Beach, where Arnold Schwarzenegger got his start. Venice also has canals, which give it a unique charm. However, the area can get sketchy at night, and it has a larger homeless population compared to Santa Monica, so I wouldn’t suggest staying there unless you’re comfortable with that.
If you decide to stay in Venice, the Hotel Irwin is a good option. It’s located right in the center of the action and has a great rooftop bar. But be aware, it can get a little intense in the evenings. For a more relaxed experience, you can explore Abbot Kinney, a trendy street with more upscale shops, or the canals during the day, but many find the area less pleasant at night.
if you want to stay somewhere a bit quieter and more upscale, check out Marina del Rey, just south of Venice. It’s a beautiful marina with lots of boats and upscale hotels. The area is more peaceful and doesn’t have the same issues with homelessness. Some good hotels in the area include the Marina del Rey Marriott, which is right on a kid-friendly beach, and the Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott, both newer and close to the marina.
if you’re flying in or out of LA and need a convenient place to stay near LAX, there are lots of options. Hotels near the airport are often more affordable due to the competition. Sentry Boulevard is a busy street with several hotels close to the airport, and El Segundo is a neighboring area with more options.
If you’re looking for a hotel within walking distance to LAX, the Hyatt Regency is a great choice. The Los Angeles Airport Marriott and Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel are also good picks, with shuttles that can take you to and from the airport. However, the area around Sentry Boulevard is pretty bland, so it’s best to plan on driving to nearby attractions.
If you’re looking for a place to stay that feels a bit more homey, especially if you’re staying more than just a night or two, I’d recommend El Segundo. One hotel I like is the HI at El Segundo, which is an extended-stay hotel. The rooms are comfortable, and it’s close to a metro line, making it easy to get around using public transportation. If you need a place with a free breakfast and a family-friendly vibe, this could be a good choice. It’s not exactly a place you’d walk around from, but it’s a safe area, much less sketchy compared to places like Century Boulevard or downtown LA.
Manhattan Beach just south of El Segundo and is a popular beach town. Manhattan Beach has a nice pier, and although it has a lot of coastline and a cool beach vibe, it’s close to LAX, so you don’t want to hang out on the beach near the airport since you’d constantly smell jet fuel. Just south of El Segundo, Manhattan Beach is one of my favorite beaches in LA County, though my favorite beaches in the region are in Orange County.
While there aren’t many beachfront hotels in Manhattan Beach, I do recommend a couple of great options. The Shade Hotel is a smaller, boutique hotel about six blocks from the beach, so it’s a short walk to the shore. The second option is the Westdrift Manhattan Beach Autograph Collection, a stylish hotel on a golf course that has been recently remodeled. It’s a bit further back from the beach, but this makes it easier to avoid the beach traffic when you want to explore the rest of LA. I’ve stayed there several times and really enjoyed the location and the hotel itself.
we have Hermosa Beach. It’s a smaller, more laid-back beach city with a few boutique hotels, but not a lot of options for places to stay. However, if you go a bit further south, you get to Redondo Beach, which is famous for the Redondo Beach Pier. The pier has a cool, curved shape and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. There are also some great restaurants, especially Korean restaurants on the pier, offering delicious food like live sea urchin and crab. It’s a fun, relaxed place to visit if you’re in the area.
If you’re looking to stay near Redondo Beach, there are three nice hotels right by the pier, but the downside is that they’re by the harbor and not directly on the sandy beach, which is a little farther away. However, it’s only about a 10-minute walk to get to the sand. One hotel I recommend is the Shade Hotel in Redondo Beach. This is the one I’ve stayed at, and I enjoyed it. They have Tempur-Pedic mattresses and even a bathtub on the balcony in some rooms.
Other good hotels in the area include the Redondo Beach Hotel (Tapestry Collection by Hilton), which is right next to the Shade Hotel, and the Sesta Redondo Beach and Marina Hotel, which is a bit closer. The Sesta used to be a marina hotel but was rebranded. The reviews for Sesta aren’t as good as for the Shade Hotel, but it’s still a decent option with a good location near the beach.
Moving further down, the Torrance area doesn’t have much to offer in terms of beachside hotels. But if you’re looking for a resort-like experience, check out the Terranea Resort at the tip of Palos Verdes. It’s a cool resort if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the luxury of being on your own at the resort.
South Bay is the area we’ve been discussing, which is known for its beach communities. As one person in the chat mentioned, if you’re visiting LA in the summer, staying close to the beach is a great idea because it’s much cooler near the water. There can be a big temperature difference between the beach and just a 20-minute drive inland, so many people prefer to stay close to the coast for that reason.
As I zoom out, you’ll see a large empty area on the map. This is a place you probably want to avoid when deciding where to stay in LA.
Next, we’ll talk about San Pedro and Long Beach, then head south to explore the coastal communities of Orange County and talk about Anaheim, home of Disneyland.
This area of LA, located south of the 10 freeway, east of the 405, and west of the 605, doesn’t have a lot of tourist attractions. It’s not really a prime area for sightseeing, and there aren’t many hotels here either. If you’re thinking about staying, it’s a good idea to check if the hotel is a good deal and whether it has any unusual policies, like cash-only payments or deposits.
San Pedro, for example, has hotels with those kinds of requirements. Why would anyone stay in San Pedro? It’s close to the cruise terminals, so if you’re going on a cruise, it might be a good spot to book a hotel for your overnight stay. The DoubleTree Hotel in San Pedro is a solid option.
Long Beach is another area with a cruise terminal, particularly for Carnival Cruises. If you’re in Long Beach, I recommend the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. It’s located near the harbor, a pretty area with things like bike rides and paddle boating. There’s also a shopping mall right next to it. Another option is the Long Beach Marriott Hotel, which I’ve stayed at before for a few weeks. It’s a good spot, especially if you’re flying into Long Beach Airport, as it’s just next door.
when we move past that freeway line, we enter Orange County, which is a bit different. People from LA might argue it’s not part of LA, but for visitors, it’s all the same. Let’s talk about Disneyland, which is located in Anaheim, in Orange County. Disneyland has three main hotels: the Grand Californian Lodge (the closest to the park), the Disneyland Hotel, and the Pixar Pier Hotel. Staying on the property is convenient, but it can be expensive.
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If you want to save some money, consider staying off the property. There are lots of hotels nearby, like the Hi House at Anaheim Resort Convention Center (a newer extended stay hotel), SpringHill Suites Anaheim, and Hotel Indigo Anaheim. These are all just a short walk from Disneyland. There are also new hotels like JW Marriott and Weston if you don’t mind being a little farther away.
If you’re flying in, John Wayne Airport is closest to Disneyland. If you’re staying in Anaheim, you can also explore Orange County more easily. Staying a few blocks away from Disneyland can save you a lot of money, thanks to competition between hotels.
let’s talk about Orange County’s beach areas—Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach are the best. Huntington Beach, known as Surf City USA, has great waves all year round. While most hotels aren’t directly on the sand, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is very close to it. In Newport Beach, the Leo House Autograph Collection is a cute, quirky hotel about a 10-minute walk from the beach. For a luxury resort, you can try The Resort at Pelican Hill.
It’s a little farther from the beach, but they offer shuttles. In Laguna Beach, my favorite hotel is the Montage Laguna Beach, which offers amazing views, but it’s very expensive. If you’re looking for something more affordable, try the Capri Laguna Beach, which is a unique and quirky hotel with a great view.
Moving south to Dana Point, you’ll find luxurious oceanfront resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, which also has a golf course. There’s also the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, which is a great option if you’re planning to take a ferry to Catalina Island. Dana Point is where ferries leave for Catalina, a small island with a charming town and beautiful natural surroundings.
Lastly, if you’re going to Torrance, good hotel options include the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance or the Marriott Residence Inn near Redondo Beach.
That’s a quick rundown of the best hotels and areas to stay in Los Angeles and Orange County! If you have more questions, feel free to ask in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help.
