Pasadena: A Good Balance Of Art And Fun
Pasadena is an interesting city where you can stay and feel safe and at ease. It is not a neighborhood but an actual city in Los Angeles County and there are very picturesque, artistic, and cultural areas, with many spaces suitable to host events as well as boutiques for shopping and leisure .
People often overlook Pasadena when they look for accommodations, because they think that it is a little far from the main attractions of L.A., but in reality, the area is on the outskirts of the city and the attractions in L.A. are easily accessible by metro. If you are traveling by car, then Hollywood and Universal Studios will only be a short drive away . I recommend:
- Hotel Constance Pasadena: The style of this attractive hotel harmoniously mixes ancient and modern influences. Equipped with every imaginable comfort, dusitD2 boasts a quiet location far from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
- Rose & Crown Hotel: simple but very good 3-star hotel with spacious and well-kept rooms. Here you can save money which would be impossible elsewhere in Los Angeles and have the opportunity to take a stroll to the historic district of Pasadena.
Find accommodations in Pasadena
Where To Stay In Los Angeles On A Budget
Cheap hotels in LA are hard to find, but if you’re traveling with a car, you can stay just outside the prime sightseeing areas and drive to the top sites. This is how you find the cheapest rates for Los Angeles hotels.
A 10-minute drive todowntownattractions like the Staples Center and LA Live, Friendship Motor Inn offers comfortable, colorful rooms for travelers on a budget. The spacious guest rooms come with flat-screen TVs, fridges, and microwaves, and you can park right outside your door for free. Breakfast is also included in the rates.
About a 10-minute drive from Venice Beach, Super 8 by Wyndham-Los Angeles-Culver City Area offers easy access to the freeways, including the Pacific Coast Highway and I 405, so you can zip to other LA hot spots. The sparkling clean rooms come with comfy beds, microwaves, fridges, and safes. Other perks here include an outdoor swimming pool and free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. If you’re looking for Los Angeles hotels near the airport, this one is relatively close â it’s only about six miles away.
Beverly Hills The Best Neighborhood For Luxury
Beverly Hills is located on the West, in-between Hollywood and the coastal areas. From boutique shops to upscale restaurants, business centers, palm trees, luxurious mansions, and beautiful streets this beautiful area has it all and Im convinced youve seen at least some parts of it in tons of movies!
If youre all about luxury and designer shops, then youll love Beverly Hills. But hey, dont expect this famous neighborhood of Los Angeles to be tailored for the rich only, as everyone is welcomed and the area offers a little bit of something for everyone.
If you want to spot a celebrity during your stay in Los Angeles, trust me, Beverly Hills is THE place where its most likely to happen!
During your stay, you can explore the food places and shops near the famous Rodeo Drive, but you wont have tons of iconic landmarks and attractions for these, youll have to go to the other neighborhoods I am recommending in this post. Ah, and did I mention that Beverly Hills is one of the safest areas in the entire LA?
That being said, here are the best Beverly Hills hotels to choose from :
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Best Hotels In Downtown Los Angeles
Mid-Range: Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo makes it possible not to have a car in downtown LA. Youre close to public transport and within walking distance of theaters and live sport. The boutique hotel has a pool, fitness center, nightclub, on-site restaurant, and free breakfast options.
Budget: Freehand
With just a brief walk to LA Live, Freehand is one of the top hostels in the city. Youll have a rooftop pool and bar with sweeping downtown views along with an on-site restaurant, plus private room and dorm options.
Situated in the heart of downtown, this bed and breakfast is a great option for those who want their own private kitchen. Guest will have also access to the outdoor swimming pool.
Bel Air Hollywood Hills
View from Hollywood Hills
Best Area For Peace and Quiet | Best Bel Air, Hollywood Hills Hotels:Hotel Bel Air Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection Hollywood Hills Hotel
Incredible views and privacy make Bel Air and the Hollywood Hills very attractive to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway. The Hotel Bel Air is an icon of exclusive luxury. Many celebrities and artists live in this area.
Fryman Canyon Park and Coldwater Canyon Park are lovely pockets of California wilderness tucked away in these hills both are perfect spots for a romantic picnic. Scenic Mullholland Drive along the crest extends from the 405 freeway to Universal City.
Getting to & around the hills is next to impossible without a car. Even experienced rideshare drivers can easily get confused in the vast network of narrow, winding roads. Cell phone service here gets spotty, which can make GPS unreliable.
Pros of Staying in Bel Air, Hollywood Hills:
- Excellent hiking trails
- Where to Eat Wolfgang Puck Hotel Bel Air , Vibrato Grill Jazz , Yamashiro
- Where to Drink Vibrato Grill Jazz, Polo Lounge, Bar & Lounge at Hotel Bel Air
- Top Attractions Fryman Canyon Park, Runyon Canyon, Mullholland Drive
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Stay Aware Of Current Events
COVID-19 Pandemic
Los Angeles has at times faced frightening statistics over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of this writing, indoor and outdoor mask restrictions have been lifted for those who are fully vaccinated. Specific guidelines are detailed in this recent statement from the mayors office.
All patrons will be asked for proof of vaccination at hotels, restaurants, and other public venues. Unvaccinated persons or persons not fully vaccinated including appropriately timed boosters will need proof of a negative test and will be required to wear a mask. Facilities offering free tests are widely available, many with same-day results.
Political Climate
In order to address the potential concerns of as many visitors as possible, it is necessary to mention a controversial topic. Los Angeles received substantial coverage related to a number of political protests in 2020. While mass protests have lessened and are unlikely to affect travelers, legitimate concerns raised within these protests are ongoing and may be shared by some travelers.
Los Angeles can be dangerous, some parts more than others. The most potentially dangerous area mentioned in this guide is downtown LA.
Statistically, visitors to Los Angeles are much safer when these areas are well patrolled by local authorities, though some visitors are less comfortable with a strong police presence. The most heavily patrolled areas on this list are downtown and Hollywood.
Party town
Downtown Los Angeles: Best Area For City Lovers
If you love the feeling of being in an actual city, Downtown LA is one of the best places to stay in LA. Downtown LA boasts great restaurants, bars , galleries, and interesting sights. Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and Olvera Street are also all located downtown.
The 101, the 10, and the 5 highways all connect through the neighborhood, so it makes it fairly easy to access other parts of Los Angeles .
Pros and Cons of Staying in Downtown LA
Pros
- Tons of Excellent Eateries, Bars, and Cafes: Theres really no shortage of places to eat and drink in DTLA, whether you want something casual or more upscale. Youll see a few recommendations below, but you really can find whatever youre in the mood for downtown!
- Walkable: While you may still need to take a rideshare from one side of Downtown LA to the other, a lot of the main sights in the city are pretty contained. You can see a lot without having to jump in a car or public transit.
Cons
- Not the Most Central Option: Downtown LA isnt way far out, but it is fairly far east. This means that, if youre planning on spending more time further west or along the coast, youll spend a good amount of time in the car.
- Coming and Leaving Can Be Difficult: Unsurprisingly, this area can get very busy, and traffic can be a pain. You may find that driving in and out of Downtown LA to be cumbersome, especially during rush hour.
Downtown L.A. Highlights
Best Places to Stay in Downtown Los Angeles
ACE Hotel
Image courtesy of the ACE Hotel DTLA
NoMad
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Pick Your Location Wisely
There is no easier way to ruin a trip to Los Angeles than by choosing to stay in a location that isnt convenient to your desired LA attractions. Wasting time in traffic is by far the most common complaint. In the worst-case scenario, tourists can end up in dangerous areas.
Heres another simple breakdown of these top LA locations, based on interests:
- Famous attractions Hollywood, Santa Monica, Universal City
- Theme parks and/or amusement park Santa Monica, Universal City
- Nightlife West Hollywood, Silverlake, Hollywood
- Live entertainment West Hollywood, Universal City
- High-end shopping and dining Beverly Hills
- Mid-priced shopping and dining Beverly Grove, Santa Monica, Westwood
- Budget shopping Downtown, West Hollywood, Venice Beach
- Family beach area Santa Monica, South Bay
- Romantic beach area Santa Monica, South Bay
- Budget beach area Venice Beach
- Hipster vibes Venice Beach, Silver Lake, West Hollywood
- Business trips Downtown, Westwood
- Outdoor fun in nature Hollywood Hills, South Bay
For more detail, be sure to check out my guide to the 55 best things to do in LA.
The Magic Castle Hotel
The Magic Castle Hotel is right next to the official training school for stage magic, and the hotel presents many of their shows on a nightly basis.
Their weekend shows allow for kids to join in the fun.
You can start the day with a great breakfast, and then explore the rest of the hotel.
Theres a heated pool available at the Magic Castle, as well as a small gift shop that sells great magic-related items that can keep kids busy for hours.
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Laxaccommodations Near Los Angeles Airport
Another option to stay in Los Angeles, if youre flying late or early in the morning, is the area near the airport. In addition to having accommodation at a reasonable price, this area offers many places you can visit while waiting for a flight. For example, you can visit the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center, where youll see models of historic airplanes and The Space Exploration Gallery.
8. LAX,accommodations near Los Angeles airport
If you book your accommodation in Los Angeles near the airport, youll be connected to the rest of the city by the Green Line.
- Low-cost option: Super 8 by Wyndham Los Angeles Airport
The London West Hollywood At Beverly Hills
Best for: Couples, friends, families
On-site amenities: Rooftop pool, complimentary breakfast, British-inspired restaurant, ballroom, screening room, firepits
Pros: The inclusion of breakfast in all room rates adds serious value, and the rooftop pool and afternoon tea are both standout experiences.
Cons: Parking is expensive, and the valet can be slow.
Anglophiles will particularly appreciate this West Hollywood all-suite property with nods throughout to its namesake city across the pond. Boutique in scale, this hotel offers a sleek rooftop pool, fun afternoon tea experience, and complimentary breakfast buffet for all guests.
Every room is a 725-square-foot suite, with pricing determined by view. Rates start in the mid-$300s and given the included breakfast and oversized entry-level rooms, the hotel offers competitive value in a neighborhood renowned for luxury and the high prices that often accompany such grandeur.
You can find COVID-19 policies here.
Best for: Couples, friends, families
On-site amenities: Rooftop pool and bar, restaurant bt Michelin-starred chef, spa, fitness center
Pros: The spa and Ardor restaurant are destination-worthy on their own, but staying on-site means you’ll enjoy the gorgeous rooftop pool.
Cons: The Edition is pricey, even for a basic room in the low season.
You can find COVID-19 policies here.
On-site amenities: Pool terrace, two upscale restaurants, spa, bar, fitness center
You can find COVID-19 policies here.
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Best Hotels In Los Angeles Ca The Top
Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second-largest urban area in the United States of America.
Its a metropolis with numerous faces and unique communities, each having something fascinating to offer.
Youll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore the city if youre looking for glitz, glam, and excitement.
Check out the best hotels in Los Angeles if youre planning to enjoy the land of Hollywood glamour, surfer vibes, and cultural icons.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
The Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is a good family option with large pools spread throughout the resort .
Its just a short walk away from the beach, and as always, the Loews hotel offers a lot of added amenities especially for kids including the option of snacks.
Rooms have other basic amenities like television and free w-ifi also included in their stay.
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Where To Stay In Los Angeles For Sightseeing
If this is your first trip to Los Angeles, and you want to soak up the sights without paying the big bucks of Beverly Hills, Hollywood is probably the best place to stay in LA without a car. It’s also only about seven miles from Griffith Park, California’s largest state park, with popular tourist attractions like the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Observatory, the planetarium, and hiking trails.
A block north of Hollywood Boulevard, the great-value Kimpton Everly Hotel is a fresh contemporary choice with easy access to the top attractions. Sunlight floods into the large open-plan lobby, where hipsters perch with laptops on the stylish sofas. Perks include a sparkling rooftop pool, evening social hour, pet amenities, loaner bikes, and complimentary morning tea and coffee.
Guest rooms at the Kimpton Everly Hotel continue the hotel’s sleek style and come with soothing pale-gray color schemes, Frette linens, Chromecast devices, and yoga mats. All have views of the famous Hollywood sign or the LA skyline.
If you prefer a little more nostalgia, try The Hollywood Roosevelt. A few of the elegant rooms and suites are named after famous former guests, like Marilyn Monroe. You’re in the heart of Hollywood here, right on the Walk of Fame and across the road from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and when you’re not hitting the sightseeing highlights, you can sunbathe by the pool in the palm-studded courtyard or hang out at the hotel’s vintage bowling alley.
Best Hotels In Los Angeles For A Family Vacation: Kid
Finding bliss and relaxation on vacation is so much easier when the kiddos are happy. Whether you’re looking for a hotel in Los Angeles because you’re vacationing, housing out-of-town guests, or indulging in a staycationhere are our picks for the best hotels in Los Angeles that cater to the smallest guests. These kid-friendly resorts offer a little slice of paradise, family-friendly amenities, and unique experiences that might make you want to ditch any thoughts of other destinations and spend every weekend in SoCal. The best part is watching the kids have a blast, too.
If you’re looking for other cool sleeping options near Los Angeles, we’ve got the Coolest California Vacation Rentals for Families, the Best Campgrounds near Los Angeles, and more in our Los Angeles Weekend Getaway Guide.
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Santa Monica Best Place In Los Angeles For Families To Stay
If you ask me where the best place to stay is, its Santa Monica. Santa Monica is a fabulous neighbourhood located in western LA, and one of the best places to stay in LA by the beach. It perfectly combines the convenience of a busy city with the laid-back atmosphere of the beach.
It has everything from outdoor adventures to high-class shopping and dining. Whatever youre looking for, youll find it in Santa Monica.
Its also my top choice for families visiting Los Angeles. In addition to the restaurants and shops, here youll find a wide variety of family-friendly activities, from the Santa Monica Pier to the Farmers Market.
Los Angeles Neighbourhood Guide
Los Angeles is packed with dreams bigger than those of Hollywood starlets and bronzed bodies this is a hub for creativity of all sorts. Los Angeles is a city to inspire films, yes, but it also inspires musicians, fashion designers, architects, artists, chefs and restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs of all sorts. And even visitors will notice theres something intrinsically hopeful in the atmosphere. In L.A. youll find old delis and hot dog vans beside super clubs and Michelin starred restaurants, flea markets beside big brand boutiques, and museums beside cinemas. You’ll also find plenty of sunshine, plenty of preening, but also plenty of fun. Some of L.A. takes itself too seriously, but that’s one of the reasons why it’s so much fun for the rest of us!
When it comes to highlights and landmarks the list is long, but the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, Griffith Park, Venice Beach, Universal Studios, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Getty Center, are all good places to start.
L.A. is a huge, sprawling city with a correspondingly huge public transport network, some parts of which work better than others. Some neighbourhoods have great access, whilst in others getting around is more of a challenge. L.A. is also known for its legendary traffic jams.
- Where to Stay in Los Angeles to Sight See Downtown, Hollywood, Beverly Hills
- Where to Stay in Los Angeles for Luxury Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Pacific Palisades
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