Where to Stay In Los Angeles: 8 BEST Areas (Hollywood to Santa Monica)

With more than 250 sunny days per year, an unparalleled movie industry, and more celebrity homes than you could shake your fist at, Los Angeles is a sought-after vacation destination in the breathtaking state of California – and it's not hard to see why.

At first glance, Los Angeles is a world of celebrities, dedicated yoga moms, and green-juice-drinking hipsters, but upon further inspection, this multicultural haven has hidden depths.

From bohemian artistic communities to some of the best Mexican food you'll eat outside of Mexico, Los Angeles is full of surprises.

Whether you long to have your picture taken with the Hollywood sign or a day out at Santa Monica Pier sounds like your idea of fun, there's a perfect spot for you in the City of Angels.

One thing to know about LA is it's big and sprawling. This is the land of limousines and SUVs, where walking is a form of exercise, not a way to get around. That means the neighborhood you choose to stay in is pretty important because you won't be able to simply walk from one to the other, and public transport isn't great either. Not even considering traffic too!

Luckily, I've got you covered with the ultimate guide on where to stay in Los Angeles, including the coolest neighborhoods and the best hotels. From boutique hotels with a rooftop pool to the 5-star resorts that celebrities frequent, you'll find something to tickle your fancy.

The best neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles

West Hollywood and Hollywood – Home to many of LA's best bars and eateries, this neighborhood is the perfect jumping-off point for first-time tourists to see LA. It's vibrant, gay-friendly, and you can get around without a car as most things are within walking distance. Its neighbor, Hollywood, is home to some of LA's most iconic sights, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater. If sightseeing is your primary aim, Hollywood is a great place to start.

Beverly Hills – If you want to live like a celebrity during your stay in LA, Beverly Hills should be your destination. Home to some of LA's most sought-after real estate, Beverly Hills is a swanky residential area known for its namesake hotel.

Bel-Air – Despite being a mostly residential area without tons to do, Bel-Air is an incredibly safe and desirable area to stay. You'll experience how the other half live with a stay in this beautiful part of town, complete with many of the city's most impressive homes and hotels.

Silver Lake and Los Feliz – The hipster paradise of Silver Lake is lined with vintage boutiques, vegan eateries, and independent coffee shops. If you want to see a more alternative side to LA while still having access to luxury and upmarket amenities, Silver Lake is the perfect spot. Located near the always-popular Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park, Los Feliz offers visitors the best of both worlds – access to exhilarating outdoor activities as well as a laid-back inclusive vibe that permeates its streets.

Santa Monica – This upmarket coastal area is a bit of a drive from central LA, but if you can stand the traffic, you'll find no shortage of things to do and see, plus a beautiful long beach.

Venice Beach – This bohemian neighborhood is where you'll find California's famous ‘surfer dudes' and a laid-back, hipster vibe. There's plenty to eat and drink and you can put your weight-lifting skills to the test at the famous Muscle Beach. I personally loved staying in Venice and day-tripping into LA to see the sights.

Downtown LA – Though less hip than other famous downtowns in the US, this spot is well worth staying in for anyone without a car who wants proximity to LA's other popular neighborhoods.

The San Fernando Valley – Known colloquially as ‘The Valley' and home to well-known ‘Valley girls', this area encompasses a few different neighborhoods and is great for shopping and escaping the crowds.

1. Where to stay in Los Angeles for first-time visitors & sightseeing: West Hollywood and Hollywood

West Hollywood (known colloquially by residents as WeHo) is simply my favorite neighborhood in LA, and it's where you should stay if it's your first time visiting this incredible city.

As well as being one of LA's more walkable neighborhoods, West Hollywood is home to some of the most iconic streets of this Californian city and its central location makes it easy to get around all your must-see sights. To be honest, you could probably fill your vacation with just a visit to West Hollywood!

One of the main things to do in West Hollywood is to stroll along the Sunset Strip. This street has at some point or another seen basically anyone who's anyone walk its sidewalks and enjoy a tipple in its bars.

This epicenter of a mix of luxury and debauchery is home to iconic sights such as the pricey hotel Chateau Marmont (an excellent spot for celebrity spotting), The Viper Room, and The Comedy Club.

Just to walk down this street is to be a part of Hollywood history. You'll also see part of the incredible 22-mile-long street, Sunset Boulevard, LA's most impressive and diverse street. Plus, fans of the Netflix show Selling Sunset will find the HQ of the show's Oppenheim Group there.

Eating and drinking is an experience in West Hollywood. Plenty of Mexican restaurants serve up authentic Mexican food influenced by LA's large Latinx population, while cool bars and LGBTQ+ clubs keep the nightlife going well into the early hours of the morning.

The shopping opportunities are great too, with a blend of designer boutiques and independent vintage stores meaning there's something for everyone.

It's just a short journey from West Hollywood to Hollywood, where you can see the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theater and can pose for a picture with the Walk of Fame stars of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

If sightseeing is your aim or you're only in Los Angeles for a few days, staying in Hollywood can be a good way to ensure you see all the sights. Hollywood isn't as upmarket as the nearby West Hollywood, but you might have a better chance of finding budget accommodation and you'll certainly be in the heart of everything location-wise.

If you're interested in staying in the heart of the USA's entertainment industry, Hollywood is certainly the best place to rest your head. Plus, thanks to its proximity to West Hollywood, you'll be able to enjoy the city's best eateries while paying less for accommodation.

Things to do in Hollywood & West Hollywood:

• Enjoy a Mexican feast at Gracias Madre (vegan-friendly!)

• See stand-up stars at The Comedy Club

• Take a tour of the iconic Paramount Pictures studios on Melrose Avenue

• Stroll down Sunset Strip

• Visit The Grove Shopping Center

• Eat your way around The Original Farmers Market next to The Grove

• Go star hunting on The Hollywood Walk of Fame

• Visit the Chinese Theater

• See famous wax figures at Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Best area for:

• Sightseeing

• First-time visitors

• Tourists

• Hollywood lovers

• Foodies

Best hotels to stay in West Hollywood

($$$) The London West Hollywood

($$) Sunset Marquis Hotel

($) Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood

2. Where to stay in Los Angeles for luxury and celebrity-spotting: Beverly Hills

From the moment you arrive at Beverly Hills down the wide palm-street-lined boulevards, there's no doubt you've arrived at California's heart of luxury. A blend of Spanish colonial-style mansions and new ultra-modern villas line the streets while residents stroll by with handbags adorned with the latest big name in fashion.

Los Angeles is known for being home to the rich and famous – from Hollywood A-listers to TV personalities and global superstars. Their playground of choice is Beverly Hills.

Offering slightly more seclusion than West Hollywood and a more family-friendly vibe than the sought-after Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills is home to some of the most iconic homes of all time, including the Trousdale Estates.

The existence is this city within a city actually centers around a hotel – The Beverly Hills Hotel. This iconic 5-star hotel was built before Beverly Hills and it attracted landowners to buy up spaces and property in the neighborhood.

Over the years, the neighborhood has transformed into the sought-after area it now is, with astronomical property prices to boot. Fun fact – The Beverly Hills Hotel is the so-called ‘Hotel California' from the song. Even if you're not a guest at the hotel, you can still stop by for a cocktail.

Here you'll also find Rodeo Drive, LA's most iconic shopping street. Home to the biggest names in fashion as well as plenty of stylish restaurants and bars, Rodeo Drive should be your go-to destination when money is burning a hole in your pocket.

Mulholland Drive is well worth a visit, too. It's lined with plenty of exclusive residences, which are home to many celebrities.

If you're keen to do some celebrity spotting, I did this incredible private tour of the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills on my last visit to LA, which I'd definitely recommend. If it's not within your budget, don't worry – there are tons of group tours you can take that will show you where some of LA's best-known residents live.

Things to do in Beverly Hills:

• Visit Greystone Mansion & Grounds (The Doheny Mansion) which has been a filming location for countless films and TV shows

• Grab a drink at the Beverly Hills Hotel

• Drive down Mulholland Drive

• Go (window) shopping at Rodeo Drive

Best area for:

• Shopaholics

• Luxury lovers

• Celebrity spotters

Best hotels to stay in Beverly Hills

($$$) The Beverly Hills Hotel

($$) Beverly Wilshire

($) Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles

3. Where to stay in Los Angeles for an upmarket family holiday: Bel-Air

Known by many as being the setting for the TV show ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', this residential neighborhood is home to some of LA's wealthiest residents.

This swanky enclave is located at the foot of the Santa Monica mountains and seeps affluence from every pore. Bel-Air is where you're likely to find incredible celebrity homes and feats of architecture, so if seeing how the other half live is your idea of fun, you'll love it.

The downside to Bel-Air is that it's mostly residential, so it doesn't have the same vibrance or diversity of activities on offer as somewhere like West Hollywood. Luckily, it's close enough to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood that you can benefit from the amenities on offer there while enjoying the safe and family-friendly vibe of Bel-Air.

Finding affordable accommodation is unlikely here, so it's not for those travelers on a limited budget. There are also limited hotels in the area itself, but you can stay close by for a taste of the Bel-Air lifestyle.

Plus, if you want to see Bel-Air despite not staying in the neighborhood, you can always book a tour of the area that will drive you to see notable homes.

Things to do in Bel-Air:

• Check out notable celebrity homes

• Visit The Getty Center

• Have a day at the Hotel Bel-Air Spa

Best area for:

• Luxury

• Celebrity-spotting

• Upmarket family trips

Best hotels to stay in or near Bel-Air

($$$) Hotel Bel-Air

($$) Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel & Spa

($) Luskin Hotel

4. Where to stay in Los Angeles like a local and for hipster vibes: Silver Lake or Los Feliz

While some visitors come to LA hoping to see how the other half live, other travelers are hoping for a more authentic Californian experience. If you want to live in LA like the non-celebrity locals do, head to Los Feliz or Silver Lake.

Located in the north-east of the city center right near the iconic Griffith Observatory, Los Feliz is a mostly residential neighborhood with a unique personality. Visitors to Los Feliz can spend their time hiking to the Hollywood sign and enjoying a plethora of outdoor activities or strolling around the eclectic boutiques and coffee shops that line the neighborhood's streets.

While Los Feliz is polished, it's anything but snobby, so you'll find the atmosphere to be laid-back and inclusive. For many people, this neighborhood best exemplifies what LA has to offer – incredible natural beauty as well as the coolest hangout spots in Cali.

Home to a reservoir of the same name, the nearby Silver Lake is the ultimate hipster hangout. Spend ten minutes in this iconic neighborhood and you'll spot yogis with a green juice or iced coffee in hand, vegan cafes, pilates studios, and avant-garde taco trucks lining the streets. It's an alternative lovers paradise and well worth staying in if you're the artistic type.

Despite being the center of hipsterville, Silver Lake is authentic, with working-class families going generations back having their homes here.

Here you'll find Sunset Junction, a bustling street with plenty to do and well worth a stroll along. If you need somewhere to refuel after all your walking around, you won't be short on cute cafes and coffee shops, all serving up oat milk, of course.

If you're looking for a vacation in LA that's less about the glitz and glamor and more about seeing LA's authentic heart, you'll love these two friendly neighborhoods. While you're in the area, it's worth checking out the nearby Echo Park, home to the Dodger's Stadium and a hipster paradise all of its own.

Things to do in Silver Lake and Los Feliz:

• Visit the reservoir which the area is named after

• Stock up on artisan food at the Silver Lake Farmer's Market

• Stroll down Sunset Junction

• Visit the Griffith Observatory for exceptional views of LA

• Hike up to the Hollywood sign

• Visit the Los Angeles Zoo

• Stroll the Barnsdall Art Park

• Go shopping for your next read at the cool indie bookstore called Skylight Books

Best area for:

• Hipsters

• Living like a local in LA

Best hotels to stay in Silver Lake and Los Feliz

($$$) Silver Lake Pool & Inn

($$) The Rosemary

($) Noon on Sunset Hill

5. Where to stay in Los Angeles for a couple or family beach holiday: Santa Monica

Home to the famous Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Boulevard, this beachy neighborhood is perfect for your couples or family vacation on the coast.

More upmarket than its edgier neighbor, Venice Beach, Santa Monica is known for its iconic pier, Pacific Park Amusement Park, Looff Hippodrome Carousel, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Essentially, it's a lot more than just a beach holiday.

Santa Monica Boulevard is home to plenty of stylish shops, eateries, and bars, so you won't be short on places to eat and drink. Promising the sandy Santa Monica beach on one side and a view of the mountains on another, you'll also be wowed by Santa Monica's impressive scenery, as well as the activities it has to offer.

If you like rides, the pier and amusement park will keep you busy, making Santa Monica especially suitable for families whose kids might be prone to boredom on a family vacation.

Be warned, like its neighbor Venice Beach, driving to the center of LA will require a trip down the famously traffic-ridden Pacific Coast Highway, so avoid rush hour if you plan on staying in Santa Monica but checking out LA's downtown, too.

Things to do in Santa Monica:

• Visit Santa Monica Pier

• Grab dinner at a spot on Santa Monica Boulevard

• Stroll over to neighboring Venice Beach

• Have a beach day

• Visit the palm-tree-lined Palisades Park

• Shop along Montana Avenue

Best area for:

• An upmarket holiday

• Shopping and dining by the beach

• Theme parks

Best hotels to stay in Santa Monica

($$$) Santa Monica Proper Hotel

($$) Palihouse Santa Monica

($) Huntley Santa Monica Beach

6. Where to stay in Los Angeles for bohemian vibes & beaches: Venice Beach

Venice Beach is slightly further along the coast than Santa Monica, but as you pull up to this part of LA, the vibe change is almost immediate.

Whereas Santa Monica is upmarket, with elegant boutiques and luxury eateries, Venice has a laid-back, hipster vibe, with ramshackle shacks on the beach and an eclectic mix of businesses.

If you think the name Venice sounds familiar, that's because LA's Venice is actually based on the Italian city of the same name.

Developer Abbott Kinney tried to recreate Venice's canals in LA and while the result was nowhere near as successful as in Italy, there are still a few Venetian-style canals in the Venice Beach area that you can see today.

If you visit or stay in the Venice Beach area, it's well worth strolling through these canals for a taste of Italy in modern-day California. It's probably one of the most picturesque parts of LA and I love coming here at sunset.

Another must is to stroll the Venice Boardwalk, known for being a popular spot for people rollerblading and skateboarding their way around the Venice neighborhood. The beach is clean and pleasant, too, so if you're in the market for a laid-back beach holiday, Venice Beach is certainly a good option.

Plus, it's just a short taxi ride or longer walk over to Santa Monica, where you can visit the famous pier and check out another portion of the coastline.

Traffic can get busy around here though, so time your trips from Venice to downtown LA carefully.

Things to do in Venice Beach:

• Watch the bodybuilders in action at Muscle Beach

• Stroll down the Venice Boardwalk

• Explore the Venice Canals

• Eat breakfast at Great White Cafe

• For brunch, head to The Butcher's Daughter

• Stroll down Abbot Kinney Boulevard

• Grab a drink or dinner at Hotel Erwin's Rooftop Bar

• Visit the nearby Marina Del Rey and rent bikes from Fisherman's Village

Best area for:

• Bohemian vibes

• Beach days

Best hotels to stay in Venice Beach

($$$) Marina del Rey Marriott

($$) Inn at Venice Beach

($) The Kinney

7. Where to stay in Los Angeles without a car: Downtown LA

You must be surprised at how low down my list Downtown LA is, but the truth is, unlike other cities, LA's downtown isn't its beating heart. While it has one of the best locations in terms of accessibility, Downtown LA can be a little sketchy. Although its reputation and safety have certainly improved in the last decade or so.

So why is Downtown LA worth staying in? Its location is a huge plus, with proximity to almost every neighborhood in LA. Plus, it's the best place to stay in LA without a car. You'll almost always be able to grab a quick Uber and the streets are set up in a way that you won't require a car to get around.

There's much more to Downtown LA than people think, too. From the mind-bending Disney Concert Hall to the impressive Grand Central Market, there's certainly no shortage of things to do in the city center.

Vibe-wise, it's more of a business district than somewhere like staying in New York's midtown Manhattan, but it's much cleaner and safer than it has been in a long time. It has a decent range of places to eat and drink too, with the diversity of cuisine options you'd expect from Los Angeles.

Things to do in Downtown LA:

• Check out the unique architecture of Disney's Concert Hall

• Take a look at the iconic design of Union Station

• Take a walking tour of central Los Angeles

• Grab some food at Grand Central Market

Best area for:

• Visitors without a car

• Travelers looking for a good location

• Business travelers

Best hotels to stay in Downtown LA

($$$) Hotel Per La, Autograph Collection

($$) E Central Hotel Downtown Los Angeles

($$) Sheraton Grand Los Angeles

($) The Delphi Hotel

8. Where to stay in Los Angeles away from the crowds: The San Fernando Valley

Known by most residents only as ‘The Valley', this part of the San Fernando Valley over the Hollywood Hills was responsible for the ‘Valley Girl' stereotype that emerged in the 00s – a woman with vocal fry who shops exclusively at designer stores. Think Paris Hilton or Cher from Clueless.

The reality is, that the neighborhood is much more diverse than its image and is a sprawling urban area that offers plenty to do.

It's also home to some major studios, so film buffs might want to stay here to get a closer look at movie magic. There are plenty of malls, here, too, so if you like to shop, The Valley might be the best area to head to.

If you plan on escaping the crowds you'll find in West Hollywood and finding much more budget-friendly accommodation, maybe even long-term accommodation, consider The Valley to be your LA destination.

One thing to note about The Valley – it always tends to be between 10 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the breezier center of LA, so if you can't stand the heat, this area might not be for you.

Things to do in The San Fernando Valley:

• Visit Universal Studios Hollywood and take the iconic Studio Tour

• See Forest Lawn Memorial Park

• Hit the shopping malls for some new designer gear

• See the iconic Brady Bunch House

Best area for:

• Shoppers

• Movie lovers

• Those looking to escape the crowds

• Long-term stays

Best hotels to stay in San Fernando Valley

($$$) Hampton Inn & Suites Sherman Oaks

($$) The Village

($) Best Western Plus Carriage Inn

Where to Stay in Los Angeles – Frequently Asked Questions

🚗 Do I need to rent a car in Los Angeles?

Most visitors to California choose to rent a car, and if you've got a license and the budget for it, it's a good decision. Unfortunately, while LA has some walkable neighborhoods, the city as a whole isn't, so you couldn't walk from Los Feliz to West Hollywood, for example. There's a public transport system but it's not particularly robust, so if you do visit LA without a car, expect to book a lot of Ubers. Luckily, the rideshare companies don't charge too much for trips here – you'll find Ubers much more affordable than in New York, for example.

⭐ Where do celebrities stay in Los Angeles?

In terms of neighborhoods, you'll catch most celebrities in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Bel-Air. Hotel-wise, some of the most famous celebrity haunts include The Beverly Hills Hotel, Chateau Marmont, The Sunset Tower, The Beverly Wiltshire Beverly Hills, and The Hollywood Roosevelt.

❓ Where is the best place to stay in Los Angeles without a car?

It's infamously hard to get around LA without a car, but some neighborhoods are better equipped for walking than others. You can walk around most of Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Downtown Los Angeles. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are walkable once you arrive there, but getting to them from central LA requires a car. The biggest issue in LA isn't walking around the neighborhoods as much as walking between them. LA is big, spread out, and often doesn't have sidewalks, so even if you stay in a walkable neighborhood, planning your route from one area to the next is a must.

💸 Is staying in Los Angeles expensive?

A vacation in Los Angeles certainly doesn't come cheap, especially accommodation costs. Food and drink can be pricey, too, and don't forget to factor in your tip and taxes. If you're keen to save money, stay in one of the more budget-friendly neighborhoods (such as Silver Lake and Los Feliz) and opt for a hotel from my most affordable options. Once there, you can save money by eating breakfast at your hotel, using public transport when available, and taking advantage of offers and deals on activities.

📍 Where should I stay when visiting Los Angeles for the first time?

If it's your first time in LA, West Hollywood or Beverly Hills (if your budget allows!) are both excellent places to stay. Located within proximity of all the main sights, both neighborhoods are walkable, luxurious, and offer excellent options for eating, drinking, and shopping. In my opinion, West Hollywood slightly edges it, but that's mostly because it has some of the best bars, shops, and restaurants in the entirety of LA. Hollywood is also a good option for being close to all the main sights, budget accommodation, and getting around easily.

Where to stay in Los Angeles – Final words

Los Angeles is a thriving city, home to tons of neighborhoods with their own distinct personality. While hipsters and artists might flock to Silver Lake, those seeking an upmarket beach holiday will adore Santa Monica, while first-time tourists will find themselves at home in West Hollywood.

Before choosing your accommodation on your LA vacation, establish what you're seeking and how centrally located you want to be. With these factors and a budget in mind, you'll be able to make a more informed decision about where to stay.

Luckily, wherever you decide to stay in LA you'll be rewarded with incredible views, out-of-this-world food and drink, and fabulous sights and activities. Plus, you might even have the chance for some celebrity sightings if luck is on your side!