Best Areas To Stay In Los Angeles For Sightseeing:
So much of the draw to LA is the famous sights. Theyve shown up on our TV screens for decades, so what would it be like to see them with our own eyes? Although it can feel very touristy, its easy to get swept up in the fun and fame of LA.
For sightseeing, Hollywood has it all. Not only will you be close to the Hollywood sign but also the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, and theme parks like Universal Studios and the fun Universal City Walk.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
- A spiky, metal covered building thats impressive in its own right.
- There are over 250 concerts here a year.
Why its so awesome: If you enjoy music and architecture then this venue combines the two interests. The building itself was designed by Frank Gehry and is a spiky, strangely attractive building that juts into the air at seemingly random angles. But even if architecture isnt your thing, the music here will make up for it. The acoustics are amazing, and the concerts are absolutely first-rate too.
What to do there: Make sure you take a photograph with this building in the background because it would make a quirky and interesting shot. Also, check the local programs to see what concerts are on while youre in the city. The best of the best play here, and theres nothing like seeing a great concert in a place thats designed to get the most from the music.
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Want more deetz on why we love it so damn much? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
Where Should I Stay In La
Every neighborhood of LA has its own personality and where you stay will largely depend on what you want to do and the vibe you’re seeking. First-time visitors may want to stay right near Hollywood and you’ll want to be Downtown if you’re looking for the nightlife scene and some of LA’s premier restaurants.
For luxury stays and high-end shopping boutiques, look to Beverly Hills. However, to be close to the beach, consider areas like Santa Monica and Venice.
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Where To Stay For Luxury: Beverly Hills
These two wordsBeverly Hills are known in even the most remote parts of the planet. Synonymous with rich and famous, Beverly Hills boasts some of the worlds poshest hotels, the fanciest restaurants on the planet, and some major league gawking at all the six-figure automobiles cruising the wide roads and the mansion-flanked streets.
And then theres Rodeo Drive: studded with some of the most expensive shops and boutiques in the world, this street has been emulated in posh neighborhoods around the globe. If you want to feel like a wealthy celeb, this is the place to do it.
Best Places to Stay in Beverly Hills
Louisiana Attractions: Cypress Island Preserve
Located between Breaux Bridge and Lafayette, Cypress Island Preserve protects over 9500 acres of ecologically important cypress-tupelo swamp as well as hardwood forest. Many reptiles and amphibians call the preserve home, including the American Alligator. The park is also a popular destination for bird watching, as a variety of birds inhabit the area, in part due to the wading bird rookery located on the grounds.
Cypress Island features a volunteer-ran Visitor Center with interpretive exhibits and park information. Nearby picnic pavilions provide visitors with a pleasant and beautiful place to have a meal. A walking trail starts near the levee and is available for trail walks unless it is nesting season for alligators.
1264 Prairie Highway, St. Martinville, LA 70582, Phone: 337-342-2475
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Where To Stay In Los Angeles For Couples
If you’re pining for a romantic stay by the sea, Santa Monica’s Casa del Mar, is a grand old 1920s hotel with lovely sea views. Chandeliers and a sweeping double staircase in the lobby make a striking first impression, and the beach-view Colonnade Ballroom is a popular spot for weddings. Sunbathe by the oceanside pool, relax in Sea Spa with an eco-friendly treatment, and snuggle up in a four-poster bed in your super-stylish sea-view room. For the ultimate in privacy, you can hide away in a two-story penthouse on a private floor.
North of Beverly Hills, set amid 12 acres of peaceful, palm-studded gardens and swan-dappled lakes, the Hotel Bel Air feels a world away from the busy streets of LA. But it’s only minutes from many of the city’s top attractions. Relax at the spa, lounge by the pool, and feast on Wolfgang Puck’s California cuisine.
For Old Hollywood glamour, the legendary The Beverly Hills Hotel is another one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles for couples. It offers private bungalows huddled amid the lush 12-acre gardens. Some come with fireplaces, private gardens, plunge pools, and outdoor showers.
Tourism In Los Angeles: Overview
Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States, coming after New York City. In 1771 it began under the rule of Spanish Missions, starting as a small pueblo. In 1821 the city and its territory fell under Mexican rule until the Mexican-American in 1847. After 1847, the city was under the influence of American rule and culture and in 1910 Hollywood merged into Los Angeles, helping to create the iconic city as it is today. The city itself has an impressive landscape that is close both beaches and mountains.
The best ways to get around the city are by walking or taking a car. The city extremely spread out and is notorious for traffic. If you want to explore different areas of the city, a car or other motorized transport will be necessary. Walking can be a great way to travel once you have pinpointed a specific area you would like to explore, such as Rodeo Drive.
Los Angeles is mostly a safe city, but it is busy and bustling. There are lots of people in the city and there are many different places to explore. The entertainment industry draws many tourists who are hoping to catch a glimpse of their on-screen idols.
If you are flying to California compare and book flights using Jetradar.
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West Hollywood: Within Walking Distance Of The Stars
Finally, you can also look in the West Hollywood area, a stylish and glamorous neighborhood close to Beverly Hills and Bel Air that has great shopping, art, and of course, cinematic attractions. Also ideal if you are looking for an area with a lot of nightlife.
For an exclusive overnight stay, you may want to consider the Chateau Marmont at 8221 W. Sunset Blvd, a charming castle-style property suitable for an unforgettable honeymoon, for example, with art deco furniture, a large garden, and sophisticated decor.
If you travel by car, which we strongly recommended in our article on how to get around Los Angeles, youll be within a good distance from the main attractions: 25 minutes from Downtown and Santa Monica and 10 minutes from Universal Studios and Beverly Hills.
- Mondrian Los Angeles in West Hollywood: Located in an area full of very luxurious hotels, this beautiful 4-star hotel is up to par with the other hotels in the area, but it remains a little more accessible. The hotel has excellent rooms and is geared towards couples, however, it is not too family-friendly.
- Ramada Plaza West Hollywood Hotel and Suites: There are lower rates for this hotel, which offers spacious rooms at a good price. It has a great location between Hollywood and Santa Monica.
Find accommodations in West Hollywood
Hotels In Los Angeles: Where To Stay
The following pages will give you an idea of what each part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area is like, with the pros and cons of staying there. Browse around and once you find an area you like, you can go to our lists of the best hotels in that area.
No matter where you stay in the city of Los Angeles, hotel tax is 12%. Other cities may have slightly different rates.
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Bonus 2 Best Hotels Near Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport is the main international airport of Los Angeles metropolitan area and the place where youll most probably land when you arrive in the city. The airport is located 19 miles / 30 km away from Downtown, which means around 20 minutes by car.
In case you have a very early or very late flight to Los Angeles, I advise you to book a room located as close to the airport as possible this way, you wont be in a rush to leave your hotel room in the morning and you wont have to carry your luggage downtown during the night. This can also save you quite some sleep, so Id say that in some cases this is a very good idea.
If you decide to do so, below I have found the 3 best airport hotels in Los Angeles :
- Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport Heres my recommendation for those of you that want to stay in a luxurious property close to the airport. This 4-star hotel is less than 1 km from the airport and it has tons of different rooms to choose from!
- Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles LAX This 3-star mid-range hotel is 1.4 km from the airport and it awaits with clean and comfy rooms and very good service!
- LAX Teresa B& B For those of you that are on a budget I can recommend this nice homestay that comes with some great prices and super friendly staff. Plus, its only 2 km from the airport!
Best Airbnb In West Hollywood: Green And Sunny Vintage Home
This cute studio is the perfect spot to relax after a long day of exploring. Its decorated with an eye for detail, which gives it a super charming and welcoming vibe. The vintage style is being highlighted by a couple of nice houseplants and a sun-flooded living area. You can make use of the small library and head up to the rooftop to admire the stunning sunset . All-in-all, its a real home away from home!
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Best Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles
Quick weekend getaways from LA include Catalina Island, Palm Springs, Ojai, Laguna Beach, Encinitas, Solvang, Mammoth Lakes, Carlsbad, Malibu, Santa Barbara, La Jolla, Newport Beach, Oxnard, Paso Robles and other unique towns in California. If you are traveling with children, our list includes destinations with kid-friendly attractions, hotels and restaurants. Couples will find a selection of scenic beach resorts, unique weekend trips, day tours, affordable inns and relaxing spas. Be sure to call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
Best Hotel In Venice Beach: Hotel Erwin
If you want to stay as close as possible to the beach, you cant find a better place than this stunning boutique hotel. You have unrestricted views of the sea, beach and street promenade from your private balcony. Theres also a massive rooftop where you can have a couple of drinks with your friends. In addition to that, you can also make use of the in-house bicycle rental or head to the fitness center with your day pass, which is included in your booking. If youre getting hungry but dont want to go out again, youll be happy to hear that the hotel has its own restaurant as well.
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Best Cities To Stay At If Youre Visiting Los Angeles Without A Car
In most US cities, a visitor can stay in a downtown area and expect to find most attractions nearby.
Not in Los Angeles .
Built by the automobile lobby, Los Angeles was initially created as a driving haven for gear-heads and car lovers.
They wanted to get away from the traffic-heavy, snowy east coast, a wintry labyrinth made difficult for driving.
So they escaped to sunny Southern California, where one could cruise from the Mojave Desert to the Pacific Ocean.
As LA developed, it became an urban sprawl with few designated city centers in Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Santa Monica.
Hence, city planners located most of the attractions and several transit hubs in these three areas.
These two neighborhoods and one beach city are perfect places for visitors looking to get around Los Angeles without a car.
Think of these three neighborhoods as your must-visit during your first trip to Los Angeles!
Per the map below, many Los Angeles light rails cross through these three communities with easy access to other neighborhoods and attractions.
Plan Your Next Trip To California With These Resources
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.
Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner
Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor
Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:
- World Nomads – Digital Nomads or Frequent Travelers.
- Allianz – Occasional Travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.
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Silver Lake: Best For Feeling Like A Local
Silver Lake and Echo Park are adjacent neighborhoods that are close to Chinatown and Downtown LA. Since these areas cater mostly to locals, there are amazing cafes, quirky boutiques, and hidden gems to explore. Theres really only one place to stay here thats not a vacation rental, and we think you should avoid vacation rentals in Los Angeles.
You should know before you choose to stay here that this is the epicenter of gentrification in Los Angeles. Its a desirable neighborhood, which has brought more demand and caused rising rent prices that have forced out communities that have lived here for decades in order to renovate their apartments and turn them into vacation rentals, or open a new hip clothing boutique.
Were not going to fix gentrification here, but you should go into staying in these two areas knowing the impact that your visit have had on this community. We definitely recommend staying in a hotel rather than a vacation rental, which takes much-needed long term housing units off the market in service of making landlords more money.
With all that being said, we really liked this area of the city, and its nicely located for visiting the adjacent neighborhoods like Downtown LA and Los Feliz .
Pros and Cons of Staying in Silver Lake
Pros: Theres a ton of great restaurants, bars, and more in the neighborhood. Plus, its surrounded by other cool areas to explore, and close to Dodger Stadium, Elysian Park, and Griffith Park.
Silver Lake Highlights
Shutters On The Beach
Shutters on the Beach is located in Santa Monica and offers large, luxurious and almost over-the-top suites that are great for kids and adults who share with more than enough space.
There are several on-site restaurants with great menu options for kids, and drinks for adults.
For parents who have younger kids, theres an additional babysitting service on offer, and room service is available around the clock in a wi-fi enabled room with a huge TV what more could a family on vacation be after?
Related:Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
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Beverly Hills And Bel Air: The Upscale Neighborhoods In La
Another cult area of the city is definitely the one with the highest concentration of VIPs and expensive villas. Im talking about Beverly Hills and the nearby Bel Air Hill in Los Angeles. These are interesting neighborhoods because they allow you to observe closely a lifestyle far from normal standards and thus it is an opportunity to discover a portion of America that would otherwise be difficult to experience .
Obviously, in this area, there is no lack of luxury hotels . However, in the surrounding area , you can also find more affordable solutions, such as interesting Bed & Breakfasts and hostels, which we have mentioned in these articles:
Santa Monica: Best Place To Stay Near The Beach
If you want to be close to the beach, the answer is Santa Monica. Plus, its on the west side of the city, which means getting around the city will be just a tad easier thanks to the reverse commute .
This beachside neighborhood is a destination in its own right, boasting a mix of celebrities, surfers, and hippies who call this place home. While most people come here solely for the beach, and it is an amazing beach, there are plenty of other things to do in the area.
The famous Santa Monica Pier is a bustling attraction with arcades, shops, outdoor cinemas, and live music. Just underneath it is an aquarium which hosts educational talks and hands-on activities that are perfect for families.
Santa Monica can be an expensive area to stay if you are on a budget, nearby Venice Beach is more cost-effective .
Alternatively, if you want to just spend a day here, you can actually catch a train from Downtown LA!
Pros and Cons of Staying in Santa Monica
Pros: The beach! Youll be within walking distance of the best beach in LA. The Farmers Market in Santa Monica is AWESOME too. The stretch along Montana Avenue is one of our favorite stretches in LA, with all sorts of bars, restaurants, and shopping that is worth a visit.
Santa Monica Highlights
Where to Stay in Santa Monica
However, there are a couple of beachfront hotels that are worth looking at. But youll be paying for it. Hotels in Santa Monica are expensive since its such an in-demand place to stay.
The Georgian Hotel
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