Los Angeles hotel particulars are super personal to each traveler, but this guide has you covered with most scenarios.
Rest be assured that your Los Angeles travel is one of the most popular across the United States.
Travelers flock to LA for its entertainment industry, incredible landmarks, gorgeous beaches, diverse culture, thriving dining scene, year-round pleasant weather, and lively nightlife.
In this guide, we will tackle neighborhoods to consider, basic hotel information for the area, as well as what to avoid.
So, if you’re planning a trip to this incredible destination in California, keep reading.
L.A. Travel Overview
This is a great place to visit. Of course, since your visit is more than where to stay, consider the different Los Angeles neighborhoods.
First of all, when we talk about “Los Angeles,” we are talking about Los Angeles County, which includes multiple cities clustered together in this coastal area.
The county has diverse parts suited to various tastes. Santa Monica (separate city), for example, is perfect for a relaxed beach experience.
Other beach neighborhoods to consider include Marina del Rey, Venice Beach, and Malibu (separate city).
Of course, Hollywood tends to attract entertainment lovers with the Walk of Fame and Chinese Theatre. It’s in the middle of the city, about equal distance to beach and downtown.
Speaking of downtown, Downtown LA is home to cultural attractions like The Broad but can be quiet on weekends.
Koreatown is budget-friendly, while Culver City (separate city) is home to an art scene, trendy dining, and shopping.
So, expect each area to give you a distinct experience far beyond your Los Angeles hotel.
Los Angeles Hotel Basics
Korean restaurants in Los Angeles delivering steaming hot barbecue to your room? Oh, yes.
Los Angeles has a variety of hotel options for every traveler. Luxury resorts and upscale hotels are scattered acoss the city, though many are near the beaches.
Luxury spots typically range from $500 to $2000+ per night. These places give you access to high-end amenities like pools, spas, and prime locations.
Mid-range hotels tend to be within the city limits, especially in and around Downtown LA, including Koreatown, Hollywood, and Silverlake.
Although they aren’t cheap, mid-range hotels are way more affordable. They usually cost between $250 to $500 per night. Expect basic comfort and convenience.
Budget options, such as motels and basic hotels, are everywhere. They typically range from $100 to $250 per night, offering basic accommodations.
Hostels are also super affordable, although not as inexpensive as other major cities around the world. Expect to pay $25 to $100 per night for dormitory-style rooms.
Of course, rentals such as Airbnb vary widely, with prices ranging from $100 for a shared space to $500+ for entire homes, depending on location and size.
In addition to your stay fee, Los Angeles accommodations charge a transient occupancy tax (TOT) of approximately 14-15% on room rates.
The good thing, though, is that they all must comply with building codes and health regulations. Expect fire safety standards, accessibility requirements, and sanitation protocols.
Plus, LA accommodations are subject to local zoning laws and licensing to operate legally. So, make sure your hotel is a real hotel. Check for proper licensing, reviews on trusted platforms, etc.
Los Angeles Hotel Deals
Believe me when I say that this town runs on deals. So, to score the best deal for your Los Angeles hotel, start by booking in advance, especially for peak seasons.
Peak season spans from June to August, during summer, and around the holidays in December. January to March is a time to be careful as it falls on Awards Season. Spring break (March-April) can also be busy.
If you have the chance, consider flexible dates to take advantage of lower prices during off-peak times.
Meanwhile, use comparison websites and apps to compare rates across different platforms. Use multi-platform comparing sites like Skyscanner.
Also, look for discounts through loyalty programs, credit card promotions, or membership sites like AAA or AARP.
Of course, you should definitely sign up for hotel newsletters and set up price alerts for your preferred options.
Finally, try negotiating directly with the hotel for potential upgrades or better rates, especially for longer stays or last-minute bookings. Consider alternative areas to find cheaper options.
Best Los Angeles Hotel Chains
In Los Angeles, many hotel chains offer varying levels of quality and service. So, consider the class of the hotel to figure out if it works for you.
Notable high-end chains include Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Hyatt. All of these properties are super great.
Mid-range options like Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton are also common. Although not as pricey as the high-end ones, each tends to be a great place to stay.
Meanwhile, budget-conscious travelers might find affordable stays with chains like Motel 6, Super 8, or Days Inn. These are scattered across the whole region rather than within city.
Although every Los Angeles hotel chain is generally reliable, I would highly encourage you to check recent reviews. This is because individual property conditions can vary widely within larger hotel chains.
Hotels Near Beach
Did you know there are at least 16 nice beaches in Los Angeles? That’s right! This coast is dotted with great places.
For a beach-focused trip to the sun, your Los Angeles hotel must be within popular seafront spots like Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Malibu.
After all, do you really want to drive an hour from downtown to get to the beach? You may be too stressed by the time you reach the sand.
Now that we narrowed down the areas, let’s think about the hotel class. Expect luxury, mid-ange, and budget-friendly spots.
Luxury options, such as oceanfront resorts or boutique hotels, give you stunning views and direct beach access. For this class, expect prices that range from $500 to $1000+ per night.
Mid-range hotels are also available near the beach. These spots give you comfort and proximity to the sand for $250 to $500 per night.
Of course, budget-conscious travelers will find motels or hostels within walking distance to the beach. These places to tend to cost from $75 to $250 per night.
You definitely want to expect higher prices in peak seasons and more limited availability in prime beach locations.
Plus, anything close to the beach is 25%+ more expensive than in-land spots of similar class.
Disneyland Hotel Ideas
Winter family vacation in the sun? Yes, say hello to Disney’s popular theme park, Disneyland!
For a family trip to Disneyland, you’ll find a variety of accommodations near the park to suit different budgets.
Before getting into specifics, you should know that Disneyland is about 30 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles.
You ideally will have a car to really enjoy a family trip to Disneyland, but the good thing is that it comes handy with scoring lower-priced hotels!
Let’s start with luxury. Luxury hotels, including those on or near Disneyland property, come with convenience, character-themed rooms, and exclusive perks.
Perks at these properties may include early park entry, private park-themed parties, and guided tours.
Luxury properties in this area are typically priced from $250 to $1000+ per night.
Mid-range hotels, including familiar chains, will give you good amenities and family-friendly options. Cost will range from $150 to $250 per night.
Meanwhile, budget motels and inns are available around a mile or two away for $70 to $150 per night.
If you don’t have a car, don’t worry; many hotels offer free shuttles to Disneyland, which makes it easier to get to the park for less.
What to Avoid
As you go through the process of booking a Los Angeles hotel for your trip, avoid staying in areas too far from your key destinations.
This is because traffic can be a huge issue! No, really; it’s a big problem.
In beach areas, avoid hotels that aren’t truly oceanfront or lack direct beach access. There are cheap spots beyond the freeways, and it makes it hard to walk to the beach.
For Disneyland trips, steer clear of budget hotels that don’t offer shuttle service if you don’t have a car. Same with ones that are located too far from the park.
In Downtown LA, avoid areas with high crime rates, such as parts of Skid Row. Also, be cautious of hotels that don’t clearly disclose safety measures or guest reviews. Always check recent reviews to ensure your stay meets expectations.
Final Thoughts
Popular for its mix of entertainment, culture, and natural beauty, Los Angeles attracts visitors for many reasons.
There are Hollywood landmarks, gorgeous beaches, diverse dining, pleasant weather, and lively nightlife, to name a few.
So, for your Los Angeles hotel, make sure to take the time to really decide which neighborhood you want to stay, what activities you will want to do, and more.
Enjoy LA!
AJ Paris is a travel photographer based in New York. He is the editor of Caravanzers.
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