Where To Stay In Orange County
For most visitors Orange County means Disneyland and you should only look at staying here if youre heading to the park or travelling along the coast.
Best for surf city:Huntington Surf Inn
Right on the beach and close to the pier, with nine simple but super cool rooms featuring a pop-art theme based on Southern California beach and surfing culture. Lots of pro surfers really do stay here.
Best for oceanside luxury:Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
A stunning Ritz-Carlton, this one is perhaps the best in town for its oceanside beauty . Rooms and suites are chock-full of luxury.
This feature contains affiliate links you can find out more about why weve partnered with booking.com hereDropdown content. All recommendations are editorially independent and taken from the Rough Guide to California.
Where To Stay Downtown
Downtown, the historic heart of LA, has experienced something of a renaissance. Graceful old banks and hotels have been turned into apartments. The $2.5-billion shopping and entertainment complex, LA Live, has brought cinemas, upper-end hotels, numerous restaurants and clubs.
It remains a diverse neighbourhood however, with, in the space of a few blocks, adobe buildings and Mexican market stalls, skid row , avant-garde art galleries and high-rise corporate towers.
Accommodation here ranges from basic beds to plush hotels. But bear in mind that while Downtown is the hub of the MTA networks and public transport, getting to the beaches isnt simple.
Best for cool LA style: Ace Hotel
This hip hotel offers neat, stylish rooms and a rooftop pool all in the heart of Downtown.
Best for sporty types: Los Angeles Athletic Club
The top three floors of this exclusive club make up a hotel with 72 nicely furnished rooms a real bonus is free use of the clubs gym, plus a whirlpool and sauna.
Pasadena Pleasant Base To Stay In La
Classy, serene Pasadena is where California dreams come true. This is a great option if youre looking for a place where to stay in Los Angeles that shuns the fanfare of Hollywood for the quieter San Gabriel Valley.
Of course, thats not to say that Pasadena necessarily allows itself to be outshined by its flashier Los Angeles neighbors. This city is the home of the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade.
In addition, it is the home of Caltech, Fuller Theological Seminary, ArtCenter College of Design and the Pasadena Playhouse. Do take time to savor the grounds of the esteemed Norton Simon Museum to take in an extensive sculpture garden, European paintings and Southeast Asian sculptures.
The Pasadena Museum of History, the Pacific Asia Museum and the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens are also great picks for cultural experiences.
Pasadena is also famed for its estates. Among the properties to swoon over in Pasadena are the Gamble House, the Tournament House of the Wrigley family and the Bissell estate.
Its fairly easy to glide from Pasadena into deeper Los Angeles by using the 31-mile Gold Line running through East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. The Pasadena Area Rapid Transit System is the citys local bus service.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PASADENA
Choosing Where to Stay in Los Angeles
Read Also: Where To Stay In Banos Ecuador
Hollywood The Best Area To Stay In Los Angeles
There really is cinema magic on every corner when you stay in Hollywood. The first stop is Hollywood Boulevard to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Next up is a whirlwind day of sightseeing that will bring you to spots like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the Guinness World Records Museum, the Magic Castle and Ripleys Believe It or Not!
This is also a place to find tons of restaurants and souvenir shops. Whats more, big personalities and celebrity impersonators bring the streets of Hollywood to life.
In addition to some high-profile resorts, Hollywood offers a nice amount of budget motels and inns. Hollywood is one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HOLLYWOOD
Where To Stay In Los Angeles: A Guide To 5 Amazing Areas
Despite living in San Francisco for nearly a decade between us, we had never really spent any significant time in Los Angeles until recently. On our last visit we spent over a week living in LA and exploring the citys many distinct neighborhoods. The sprawling city which is truly GIGANTIC has so much to offer, and theres a nearly unlimited number of areas to consider staying.
Picking where you stay will almost certainly play a huge role in shaping your LA experience are you spending time doing, seeing, and eating, or are you spending time in the car full of road rage at LAs crazy drivers? We put together this guide to help you decide where to stay in Los Angeles by narrowing down the options and giving you our take on what each area below has to offer.
Our best advice? Figure out what you want to do while you are staying in LA, and then pick a location near the majority of those attractions. This will save you hours of wasted time stuck in traffic.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we dont stand behind 100%.
Read Also: Best Places To Stay In St Andrews
Best And Safest Hotel/area To Stay In La
Where is the best and safest place to stay while visiting LA for four days in May to see as much as possible?
1. What specifically do you want to see?
2. Do you plan to have a
3. Whats your budget for hotels per night?
Universal possibly, best beach, shopping, tours, walk of fame etc.
Please look at the top questions on the right hand side of this page. If, from that, you get an idea as to what area you wish to stay, then check on the left side of this page, Los Angeles hotels. The reviews there will help you, especially with regards to safe neighborhoods. If, after that reading, you have questions about specific topics, we can better help you. Happy planning!
Edited: 9 years ago
Well I would say the Beverly Wilshire Hotel at Rodeo Drive& Wilshire is about as safe it gets, or the Mandarin Oriental in Beverly Hills, but I am not sure you are looking to spend $500 a night.
Do you have a target for a budget?
All of the popular tourist neighborhoods are safe, relatively-speaking. I dont think anyone is safest. And, best is kind of vague. Tell us more about your specific concerns and wants.
I want to be central for most attractions, if that is possible. Im not hiring a car as yet but if needed I will. As for the best I really mean location/ area!!
Edited: 9 years ago
Everything you list that you want to see is far apart. Theres no best spot central to your sites (the beach is an hour from Universal by
Our metro area is extremely spread out .
Edited: 9 years ago
Bonus 4 Where To Stay In La Without A Car
Being a huge city, with large streets and driveways linking all the areas, Los Angeles is considered the car capital of the world. Getting around by car could be the easier choice, but what if during your holiday you dont want to stress about rentals, traffic jams, and parking? No worries, Los Angeles offers countless public transportation options to explore any corner of the city: metro, bus, tram youll be spoiled of choice! And if youre not a public transport person, Uber is working at every time of the day.
Anyways, there are some areas that offer better connections and hotels closer to the public transport stations than others, the perfect starting point to discover the citys main attractions or to reach other Californian cities like San Diego.
In Santa Monica and Hollywood for example, being very touristic areas, you will find bus stops in every corner, or you can get the subway and reach Downtown super easily. At the same time, also the main central areas like West Hollywood and Downtown are perfectly connected to the rest of the city.
Enough talking, lets check out the best hotels to stay in LA without a car, from where youll just have to do some steps to reach the bus/metro station:
Read Also: Cheap Places To Stay In Carolina Beach Nc
Things To See And Do In Faubourg Marigny
- Take a stroll along the bustling and lively Frenchmen Street, which is lined with bars, clubs, and great restaurants.
- Sample great local beers at Brieux Carre.
- Pick from a great selection of small-batch beers at Parleaux Beer Lab.
- Check out the modern installations at the Art Garage.
- Grab some small bites at the Rock Market.
- Hunt for treasure at the Piety Street Market, a festive monthly flea market.
- Enjoy a night of smooth jazz at The Spotted Cat Music Club.
- Listen to live music at the bohemian Hi-Ho Lounge.
Best Airbnb In Los Angeles: Private Studio Near The Hollywood Sign
If location is your top priority, then this vacation rental in LA is a winner. Adjacent to Griffith Park where you can hike to see the Hollywood Sign and Thai Town, where you can taste various authentic Thai cuisine. This studio apartment is conveniently located near the 101 highway, just a 10-minute drive to Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, Walk of Fame and a few blocks from Franklin Village.
Also Check: Best Place To Stay In San Francisco Without A Car
Best Hotels In Venice Beach
Luxury: Hotel Erwin
With views of the ocean and steps from the boardwalk, Hotel Erwin serves up Venice Beach on a platter. Many of the top shelf rooms have seating areas and guests can rent bikes, dine onsite or chill on the rooftop lounge.
Budget: Samesun
Bright and airy, the tropical decor of Samesun complements Venice Beach perfectly. The hostel comes with free boogie boards, plus bike rentals handy for exploring the boardwalk which passes in front of Samesun.
Those seeking a budget Venice Beach option should consider this VRBO. Steps from the Pacific have a private bathroom, kitchen, Wi-Fi, and free parking with the ocean breeze floating through.
Maritime Museum Of San Diego
The is home to what is considered one of the worlds best collections of historic ships. This is also a great stop for history fans.
You can see authentic and replica ships at this floating maritime museum and be able to walk on board the Star of India, the worlds oldest active ship. Its docked right on the Embarcadero, so a great spot for photos.
Read Also: Best Neighborhood To Stay In Vienna
West Hollywood A Good Place To Sleep In Los Angeles
West Hollywood is a district of Los Angeles with a wide variety of attractions. A lot of celebrities live here, so you can see large mansions with lovely gardens.
West Hollywood Park is one of the busiest and safest places in the district. If you want a good option to sleep in Los Angeles, this place is the one.
6. West Hollywood, a good place to sleep in Los Angeles
Staying in this area of Los Angeles isnt expensive because you can get cheap and beautiful options, especially if you book in advance. In addition, its one of the most comfortable areas of Los Angeles. These are my favorite accommodation options:
- Low-cost option: Alta Cienega Motel
Bourbon Street Where To Stay In New Orleans For Nightlife
Home to Mardi Gras, big brass bands, and plenty of colourful buildings, Bourbon Street is without a doubt the liveliest and craziest part of the city. Bourbon street is lined with amazing hotels, so you can stay right in the centre of the action.
Located at the heart of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is its own little world. Extending 13 blocks from Canal to Esplanade Avenue, this bustling thoroughfare is lined with bars, clubs, pubs, and restaurants. Here you can eat, drink, dance and party the night away.
Tucked within a city renowned for its music, Bourbon Street is also where you can see live acts from almost any genre. Whether you want to enjoy a night of smooth jazz, rowdy rockabilly, or techno trance, theres something for everyone on Bourbon Street.
You May Like: Where To Stay In San Francisco With Kids
Swim With Leopard Sharks
We have the largest annual aggregation of leopard sharks in the world in the shallow ocean water near The Marine Room restaurant on La Jolla Shores Beach.
They come to incubate their babies in the warm water here while feeding in the nearby submarine canyon at night. Theyre harmless, and you can swim and snorkel around the sharks.
Ditch The Fitness Center
Take advantage of our beautiful Southern California weather by getting your exercise in the great outdoors. Griffith Park has mile upon mile of hiking trails and acres of picnic-perfect parks.
Prefer to trek with a guide? Try An LA Tour Through the Hollywood Hills for a look around Griffith Park. APrivate Tour of Griffith Observatory provides guests with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture & history, as well as the wonders of outer space.
Don’t Miss: Areas To Stay In Florence
Which Area Should You Choose
First of all, here is a map of all the Los Angeles neighborhoods I am going to talk about in this post, so you can easily visualize them:
As I mentioned above, Los Angeles is a very BIG city and its divided into 8 districts, which are further divided into several different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and unique advantages.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is another popular spot with visitors and locals for its family-friendly mild to moderate hiking trails and ocean views. Its one of two places the endangered Torrey Pine tree grows. You can pair a visit here with Torrey Pines State State Beach.
Theres a steep trail down to Blacks Beach though its easier if youre a surfer carrying a surfboard to access it from Torrey Pines State Beach or La Jolla Shores .
Tip: The nearby Torrey Pines Gliderport is where youll fly tandem on a first-come, first-served basis with an instructor. Grab a sandwich or salad at the casual cafe here to eat on the picnic tables while you watch the colorful gliders fly across the sky in Southern Californias sunshine.
Don’t Miss: Where To Stay In Dc With Kids
Downtown La Sleep In Downtown Los Angeles
For those looking for a central place to stay in Los Angeles, this option is the best. Downtown LA is considered a business area, so it doesnt have as many attractions as other areas. However, its very well connected with other places in the city.
As for attractions for visitors, youll find the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad, and the Bradbury Building, among others. Its the most practical area to sleep in Los Angeles, and youll have everything at hand. It also boasts the best hotels in Los Angeles.
7. Downtown LA, sleep in downtown Los Angeles
If you want to get cheap accommodation in Los Angeles, start looking here. Youll find real bargains, as this is undoubtedly the most affordable area to stay in Los Angeles.
- Low-cost option: Little Tokyo Hotel
Downtown: At The Heart Of Los Angeles
The downtown area is the financial hub of Los Angeles, but surprisingly, it is also a center for art and culture and has excellent restaurants. From a purely aesthetic point of view, downtown Los Angeles is characterized by the many tall skyscrapers and daring modernist buildings, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall or Our Lady of Angels Cathedral. It is also one of the areas that are most accessible by public transportation in the city. For more information, please read my recommended route to Los Angeles Downtown.
Its not a particularly lively area at night, when offices tend to empty out and move people to other neighborhoods, but its also pretty close to other points of interest, so you can move around easily by car: 25 minutes from Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and about 20 minutes from Hollywood and Universal Studios. The distance from Disneyland is also fairly convenient: 30 minutes without traffic and about 50 minutes during rush hour.
Find accommodations in Downtown Los Angeles
Read Also: Places To Stay In Kinsale Ireland
Best Airbnb In Hollywood: Private Studio Near The Hollywood Sign
If location is your top priority, then this Airbnb is a winner. Adjacent to Griffith Park where you can hike to see the Hollywood Sign and Thai Town, where you can taste various authentic Thai cuisine. This studio apartment is conveniently located near the 101 highway, just a 10-minute drive to Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, Walk of Fame and a few blocks from Franklin Village.
Downtown La Proper Hotel
In recent years L.A.s once-overlooked downtown district has come roaring back, and its renaissance continues with the advent of the Proper Hotel Downtown L.A., a 148-room luxury boutique hotel by the team that includes star designer Kelly Wearstler among its creative minds. Like the original Proper Hotel in San Francisco, it begins with the rehabilitation of a classic building, in this case a 1926-vintage Renaissance Revival building at the corner of 11th and Broadway.
As with all of the Proper hotels and all of Ms. Wearstlers previous interior work the design is singular and unmistakable, a riot of patterns and colors that nevertheless feels cool and composed, never busy. The combination of Southern California sunshine and near-full-length windows makes for light-filled spaces, and the comforts are luxurious, especially the spa-like tiled showers.
You May Like: Where To Stay In Beaver Creek