Where To Stay In Los Angeles For The First Time? – Best Areas and Neighborhoods
Are you planning your first visit to Los Angeles and wondering where to stay? With so many neighborhoods and hotels to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
But donโt worryโIโve got you covered! As a California local who’s been visiting LA for over 20 years, Iโll help you find the perfect spot to make the most of your time in the City of Angels.
In this guide, weโll explore the best areas for first-time visitors, offering options for every budget. From the glitzy streets of Hollywood to the relaxed vibes of Venice Beach, thereโs something here for everyone.
Letโs find the perfect place to stay and make your LA trip unforgettable.
Quick Guide: Best Place To Stay In Los Angeles First Time
- Best Areas for First-Timers: Santa Monica
- Best Luxury Hotel: Shutters On The Beach
- Best Boutique Hotel: Ambrose Hotel
- Best Middle-Priced Hotel: Gateway Hotel Santa Monica
- Best Budget Hotel: Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Monica
Where To Stay In Los Angeles For First Timers: 7 Best Areas
Los Angeles is a big metropolitan area, and deciding where to stay for your first visit can be intimidating. In this article, I have listed the best locations plus their pros and cons so you can choose the best location to stay based on your needs.
1. Santa Monica
Best For: First-time travelers, beach lovers, and families.
Santa Monica is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a perfect blend of beachside relaxation, outdoor activities, and a lively vibe.
Santa Monica’s convenient location allows easy access to other popular destinations in LA, such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood.
Staying in Santa Monica is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, where you can swim, surf, or simply soak up the sun.
Additionally, Santa Monica has a busy dining scene with a wide range of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, from fresh seafood to international flavors.
With its beachside charm, fun attractions, and proximity to other major LA attractions, staying in Santa Monica ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable visit to the City of Angels.
If you are staying here, don’t miss Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Farmers Market, and Palisades Park.
Pros of Staying in Santa Monica:
- Near the beach
- Walkable and bikeable
- Can explore without a car
- Attractions for all ages
- Many shops and dining
Cons of Staying in Santa Monica:
- Limited parking
- Expensive
- Can be crowded
Where To Stay In Santa Monica
- Best Luxury Hotel: Shutters On The Beach
- Best Boutique Hotel: Ambrose Hotel
- Best Middle-Priced Hotel: Gateway Hotel Santa Monica
- Best Budget Hotel: Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Monica
Hollywood
Best Area For: First-Time Travelers and Cinema enthusiasts.
When visiting Los Angeles, staying in Hollywood is a popular choice for many reasons.
As the world’s entertainment capital, it is home to iconic landmarks and attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
In addition, staying in Hollywood provides convenient access to some of LA’s most famous attractions, including Universal Studios and the Griffith Observatory.
Hollywood has a great selection of luxury and budget hotels catering to every budget. With a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife options, Hollywood has something for everyone.
Some must-do things here are seeing a movie at the Chinese Theater, hiking up to the Hollywood sign, walking on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and taking a tour of Paramount Studios.
Pros of Staying in Hollywood:
- Walkable during the daytime
- Easy access to popular tourist destinations
- Numerous public transit routes
- Famous landmarks
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
Cons of Staying in Hollywood:
- Noise and crowds
- Homelessness
Where To Stay In Hollywood
- Best Luxury Hotel: Dream Hollywood
- Best Boutique Hotel: Palihotel Hollywood
- Best Middle-Priced Hotel: The Hollywood Roosevelt
- Best Budget Hotel: Dunes Inn – Sunset
- Best hotel near Universal Studios: Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City (this is where we always stay when we visit Universal Studios)
Beverly Hills
Best For: Travelers looking for safe, upscale, and luxury
Staying in the Beverly Hills neighborhood offers a range of unique experiences and advantages. Known for its luxury and glamour, Beverly Hills is home to world-class shopping on Rodeo Drive, exquisite dining options, and stunning architecture.
Additionally, the city is home to many famous landmarks, such as the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and the picturesque Greystone Mansion, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into this exclusive enclave’s rich history and culture.
With its central location in Los Angeles, staying in Beverly Hills allows easy access to other popular destinations like Hollywood and Santa Monica. Beverly Hills is great for exploring celebrity hangouts, indulging in high-end shopping, or enjoying the upscale ambiance.
A stay at Beverly Hills is complete with visiting Rodeo Drive, Coldwater Canyon Park, Beverly Canyon Gardens, Spadina House, aka the witch house, and taking an Instagram photo in front of the famous Beverly Hills Sign.
Pros of Staying in Beverly Hills:
- Safe neighborhood
- Luxurious hotels
- Proximity to entertainment
- Great for shopping
- Central location
- Celebrity sightings
Cons of Staying in Beverly Hills:
- Expensive
Where To Stay In Beverly Hills
- Best Luxury Hotel: The Peninsula Beverly Hills
- Best Boutique Hotel: Sirtaj โ Beverly Hills
- Best Middle-Priced Hotel: Sixty Beverly Hills
West Hollywood
Best For: Nightlife & Dining Scene
When visiting West Hollywood for the first time, there are several compelling reasons to choose it as your base.
Firstly, West Hollywood is centrally located within the greater Los Angeles area, making it a convenient starting point for exploring all the city offers.
West Hollywood has numerous art galleries, music venues, and theaters, making it a hub for entertainment.
West Hollywood is the perfect place to stay if you want a great dining scene, world-class shopping, and lively nightlife. From trendy rooftop bars to iconic music venues, there is never a dull moment in part of town.
West Hollywood has many accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.
While there, the best things to do include exploring the iconic Sunset Strip,people-watching on Melrose Avenue, and catching a comedy show at The Comedy Store.
Pros of Staying in West Hollywood:
- Nightlife
- Shops and Restaurants
- Centrally located
Cons of Staying in West Hollywood:
- Noisy
- Traffic
- Need to drive or Uber everywhere
Where To Stay In West Hollywood
- Best Luxury Hotel: The West Hollywood EDITION
- Best Boutique Hotel: The Charlie West Hollywood
- Best Middle-Priced Hotel: Chamberlain West Hollywood
- Best Budget Hotel: Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel
Downtown LA
Best for: Best Neighborhood to Stay in Without a Car
Downtown LA is the perfect place for culture enthusiasts. Downtown LA is in the middle of a busy cityโa known hub for art, architecture, and museums like The Broad and MOCA.
The iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall and historic theaters add a touch of sophistication and entertainment to the area. With its central location, Downtown LA is ideal for travelers who want to explore various parts of the city efficiently.
Excellent public transportation options, including the Metro, make reaching other neighborhoods and popular attractions easy.
Downtown LA caters to cultural enthusiasts, foodies, nightlife seekers, and travelers who value convenience and accessibility.
While staying here, places to add to your itinerary are visiting little Tokyo, el Pueblo de Los Angeles, the Bradbury building, the Biltmore Hotel, and Chinatown.
Pros of Staying in Downtown LA:
- Public transportation
- Museums
- Central hub
- Restaurants and shops
Cons of Staying in Downtown LA:
- Higher crime rate
- Noisy
Where To Stay In Downtown LA
- Best Luxury Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton
- Best Boutique Hotel: Hotel Figueroa
- Best Middle-Priced Hotel: Hotel Per La
Venice Beach
Best For: Travelers seeking a laid-back and fun beach atmosphere
Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles and the perfect place to stay while visiting if you want to spend your days soaking in the beach vibe.
The area’s iconic boardwalk offers plenty of entertainment, from street performers and artists to eclectic shops and food vendors, creating an engaging and colorful ambiance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Venice Beach is ideal for sunbathing, surfing, bike riding, working out at Muscle Beach, or simply enjoying the beach.
Staying in Venice Beach also provides easy access to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a trendy and artsy district filled with unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
If you don’t like staying in a location with crowds and homeless, Venice Beach won’t be the best place to stay.
Pros of Staying in Venice Beach:
- Walkable
- Great for surfing
- Beachfront
- Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Street performers and artists
Cons of Staying in Venice Beach:
- Homeless people in the area
- Crowded beach
- Limited parking plus parking fees
Where To Stay In Venice Beach
- Best Oceanview Hotel: Hotel Erwin
- Best Middle-Priced Hotel: Venice Breeze Suites
- Best Budget Hotel: The Kinney
LAX (near the Airport)
Best For: Business Travelers
As the primary gateway to the city, the Los Angeles International Airport area (LAX) provides the convenience of being close to the airport, making it a great option for those arriving by plane.
This eliminates the stress of navigating an unfamiliar city immediately after a long flight, allowing travelers to rest and recuperate before venturing out.
The LAX area offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. This accessibility extends to transportation, with numerous shuttle services, taxis, and public transit options, making it easy to get around the area without a car.
Suppose you plan on visiting Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Marina del Rey. In that case, staying here is just a short distance from these beautiful famous beaches.
While the LAX area offers convenience and proximity to the airport, it lacks tourist attractions, local experiences, and the unique atmosphere found in other neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Pros of Staying in LAX:
- Access to transportation
- Affordable accommodation
- Dining
- Close proximity to the airport
Cons of Staying in LAX:
- Noise and Traffic
- Lack of attractions and local experiences
Where To Stay near LAX
- Best Luxury Hotel: AC Hotel By Marriott Los Angeles South Bay
- Best Middle-Priced Hotel: Hyatt House Lax Century Blvd
- Best Budget Hotel: Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
Where NOT to Stay in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, a large city with diverse neighborhoods, has a few areas that you may want to avoid due to higher crime rates and safety concerns. Here are the areas to avoid.
Skid Row
Skid Row is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles, known for its high concentration of homeless individuals and poverty. The area has a higher violent crime rate than other parts of the city, making it potentially dangerous for residents.
Compton
Compton has historically had higher crime rates compared to other areas. The region is known for its prevalence of gun violence, drug-related incidents, impoverished conditions, and a high violent crime rate.
Tips for Staying in Los Angeles
The below tips will help you plan a perfect stay in Los Angeles:
Stay based on the itinerary
Because Los Angeles is such a big city, choosing accommodation is best based on your specific itinerary and the attractions you plan to visit.
Staying in an area close to these sights will significantly reduce commuting time, giving you more opportunities to explore and experience the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions.
For example, if we want to visit Disneyland, we stay in Anaheim. If we want to visit Universal Studios, we stay in Hollywood/Universal City.
Avoid Rush hour traffic
Avoiding rush hour in Los Angeles is a crucial tip for travelers. According to US News, Los Angeles is one of the top US cities with the worst traffic.
Plan your activities outside of the rush hour to maximize your time and minimize stress. Avoid driving from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and during the evening from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Traveling during the off-season
Like many popular destinations, Los Angeles sees its busiest months during the summerโJune, July, and August. However, visiting during the off-season is often the best time to experience the city. With fewer crowds and lower prices on accommodations and activities, youโll have more space to enjoy LAโs top attractions.
The cooler weather in fall, winter, and spring also makes exploring outdoors more comfortable. Plus, navigating the city becomes much easier with less traffic and more parking options available.
Be Patient
LA has a laid-back vibe, but can also be fast-paced. With the city of Los Angeles being so big and spread out, you will be driving to different areas. Be patient with the traffic, the lines, and the overall busy LA lifestyle.
Where to stay in LA: FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the best places to stay in LA:
Where to stay in LA for Disneyland?
If you are planning to go to Disneyland, I highly recommend staying in Anaheim and staying in a hotel within walking distance from Disneyland to make the most of your time there.
Where is the best place to stay in Los Angeles for tourists without a car?
Santa Monica is the best place for tourists without a car because you can access the beach, shops, restaurants, and activities. You can easily bike down to Venice Beach and take the bus or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to other areas.
What neighborhood is safest to stay in, LA?
Beverly Hills is often considered one of the safest places to stay in Los Angeles, with its affluent reputation, well-maintained streets, and upscale shopping areas. Its low crime rate contributes to the perception of Beverly Hills as a safe haven for visitors.
Is it better to stay in downtown LA or West Hollywood?
Staying in West Hollywood is better than staying in downtown LA because it is known for its safety, abundant restaurant choices, diverse hotel options, and many activities. Additionally, West Hollywood is centrally located, making it a breeze to reach top attractions across Los Angeles.
Is it ok to stay in downtown LA?
Absolutely! Staying in downtown LA gives you access to a wide range of attractions, great restaurants, lively nightlife, and cultural spots.
Additionally, downtown LA is well-connected to other parts of the city through public transportation options like buses and metro lines, making exploring other Los Angeles areas convenient.
Final Thoughts: Where To Stay In Los Angeles For The First Time
When visiting Los Angeles for the first time, choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. But by considering your interests and budget, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy the best the city has to offer.
From the upscale Beverly Hills to the glitz of Hollywood to the relaxed vibe of Venice Beach, LA has something for everyone. Whether you’re after luxury, budget-friendly stays or exploring the city’s culture and art, thereโs an option for you.
Selecting a hotel that fits your needs and offers easy access to top attractions will make your trip to Los Angeles more enjoyable.
โญ Got questions about your trip?
Join my private Facebook group – California Travel Advice & Tips! It’s the perfect spot to connect with me and other California locals, as well as past visitors. It’s a great growing community and the quickest way to get answers for your visit!
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