Where To Stay In Los Angeles: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

LA traffic can be brutal, too. A short distance on the map does not always mean a short drive. That’s one reason your choice of neighborhood matters so much.

You could wake up near Venice Beach, where the famous high school was actually built inside an old bathhouse. Or you could grab a room in Koreatown to hit up 24-hour K-BBQ joints near the Wiltern, an old movie house from 1931. Even those famous palm trees you see everywhere were just planted in the 1930s to make the city look nice for the Olympics.

Every corner of LA feels like a totally different city. Finding the right base turns a stressful stay into an awesome trip.

So, to make the most of your time in this extremely busy city, be sure to pick the right neighborhood for your needs. Here are five of the best places to stay while visiting Los Angeles!

In this travel guide:

West Hollywood

Best area for: luxury, nightlife, shopping

West Hollywood, or WeHo as locals call it, packs a lot into a small area. It sits between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, but it has a personality of its own. The city is only about 1.9 square miles, yet there is plenty to see and do.

The Sunset Strip is the big draw. This stretch of Sunset Boulevard has a wild history. Back in the 1920s, West Hollywood was outside Los Angeles city limits, which meant the area had a reputation for loose policing, nightlife and gambling. Later, the Strip became a major rock ’n’ roll hangout. The Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy and The Troubadour all played a part in that story. Bands like The Doors, Guns N’ Roses and Mötley Crüe helped make the area famous.

We also like the Design District around Melrose Avenue. There are high-end stores, galleries and some seriously good people-watching. For LGBTQ+ history and culture, head toward the Rainbow District around Santa Monica Boulevard. West Hollywood has a long LGBTQ+ legacy, and you can feel that history in the neighborhood today.

For coffee, we’d stop at Couplet Coffee on Santa Monica Boulevard. It’s a handy place to fuel up before exploring. For breakfast, West Hollywood Breakfast Company is another solid pick. We’d grab a table, order something filling, and let the day unfold from there.

Best place to stay in West Hollywood

Hotel Petit Ermitage. Address: 8822 Cynthia St, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA.

Arts District/Downtown

Best area for: art, food, culture

Stay in the Arts District and Downtown LA if you want great energy. The area used to be pure industrial real estate with citrus groves, rail yards, and abandoned brick warehouses. Artists moved into those empty spaces back in the 1970s and completely transformed the vibe. Now it stands as one of the coolest urban pockets in California.

You find art everywhere you look. Modern murals cover almost every alley wall. We usually start our mornings at the Hauser & Wirth gallery space. It takes up a massive restored flour mill and features incredible contemporary art. Nearby, The Broad museum holds an insane collection of modern masterpieces, while the Walt Disney Concert Hall dominates the skyline with its gleaming steel curves.

Between gallery stops, there is endless ground to cover. You can browse through thousands of books at The Last Bookstore or pick up handmade goods from local vendors. When hunger hits, we always head to Maru Coffee for a cream top iced coffee. After that, we grab a lunch table at Bestia. Their rustic wood-fired pizzas and house-made charcuterie hit the mark every single time. It feels like a real blend of historic grit and fresh creativity.

Best place to stay in Downtown LA

Hotel NoMad. Address: 649 South Olive Street, Downtown LA, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States of America.

Venice

Best area for: beach, bohemian, tourists

Venice gives you a mix of beach culture, street art, old-school California weirdness, and trendy restaurants all packed into a few blocks. It can be chaotic, but that is part of the appeal.

Venice was founded in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, who wanted to create a seaside resort inspired by Venice, Italy. He built canals, brought in gondoliers, and even added an amusement pier. Most of the original canals disappeared when cars took over, but the remaining Venice Canals are still one of the prettiest places to explore.

Then there is the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk. We can spend hours here watching skateboarders, street performers, artists, and bodybuilders doing their thing at Muscle Beach. The Venice Skatepark sits right beside the sand, so there is usually something happening.

For a quieter change of pace, we head inland to Abbot Kinney Boulevard. It is packed with independent shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Venice also has a strong artistic history, dating back to the Beat poets and artists who helped shape the neighborhood’s bohemian character.

When we need breakfast, Gjusta is a solid pick. It serves breakfast all day, with everything from shakshuka to breakfast burritos and excellent bread.

Venice is not polished in the way some LA neighborhoods are. That is exactly why we keep coming back.

Best place to stay in Venice, LA

The Rose Hotel Venice. Address: 15 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291, USA.

Los Feliz

Best area for: hipster, life like a local

Los Feliz is one of the most charming areas of Los Angeles. Spanish settler José Vicente Feliz received this massive land grant back in 1795. Over the years, it evolved into a relaxed hillside neighborhood nestled right at the base of Griffith Park.

You get a solid mix of historic architecture and local street life here. We usually kick off the day at Little Dom’s for breakfast. Their ricotta pancakes are legendary, and the vibe feels straight out of classic mid-century L.A. Afterward, we usually stroll up Vermont Avenue or Hillhurst Avenue to hit up the local indie shops and historic cinema spots.

The real heart of the neighborhood is Griffith Park itself. You can hike straight from the neighborhood streets up to the Griffith Observatory. The planetary views across the city basin are tough to beat. Right nearby, you will also find the historic Greek Theatre, where we catch outdoor concerts all summer long. If you want a quick hit of architecture history, the iconic Hollyhock House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, sits right in Barnsdall Art Park.

It strikes a great balance. You get high-profile history and culture mixed with a distinct, walkable neighborhood feel.

Best place to stay in Los Feliz

Hotel Silver Lake Pool & Inn. Address: 4141 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States of America.

Koreatown

Best area for: nightlife, food, culture

Koreatown sits just west of Downtown LA and packs a huge amount into roughly three square miles. Korean culture is at the heart of it, but the area is also deeply Latino and wonderfully mixed. You’ll see Korean signs next to Spanish ones, old apartment buildings beside shiny new cafés, and restaurants from all over the world.

The neighborhood’s Korean roots go back more than a century. The first Korean immigrants arrived in Los Angeles in the early 1900s, and the community gradually moved west into what became Koreatown. Immigration changes in the 1960s helped the neighborhood grow into the Korean-American hub we know today.

For us, food is one of the biggest reasons to spend time here. Korean barbecue is the obvious choice, but don’t stop there. We can also find Oaxacan food, Taiwanese dishes, bakeries, noodle shops, cocktail bars, and plenty of late-night spots. Guelaguetza is a great pick for Oaxacan food, especially if we’re hungry enough to share a giant tlayuda and several types of mole.

For coffee or lunch, we’d head to Open Market on Wilshire Boulevard. It’s a small café and market with excellent coffee, pastries, and creative sandwiches.

Koreatown also has the historic Wiltern Theatre, the Koreatown Pavilion Garden, karaoke bars, spas, and some of LA’s best nightlife. It’s busy, compact, and rarely feels sleepy.

Best place to stay in Koreatown

The Line Hotel. Address: 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA.

Where travel critics stay in Los Angeles

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Los Angeles? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Los Angeles.

Budget

Freehand Los Angeles.

“Stylish hostels are nothing new these days—but this Roman & Williams-designed space, which opened in summer 2017, takes the lowly genre to new levels. Worth it for the Downtown location, affordable rates, designer interiors, and rooftop bar/pool.” — CN Traveler.

Address: 416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA.

Mid-range

Mama Shelter Hotel.

“For a nontraditional Los Angeles hotel, you really can’t go wrong with Mama Shelter. The friendly staff was a huge plus, as its infectious enthusiasm set a welcoming tone throughout the property.” — New York Times.

Address: 6500 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA.

Luxury

Hotel Shutters On The Beach Santa Monica.

“If you ever wondered what an East Hampton mansion would look like if it were conveniently placed on the Santa Monica coastline, this would be it. Shutters is a secretive hideaway, tucked behind the busy streets of Santa Monica.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA.

FAQ: Los Angeles hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Los Angeles? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Los Angeles hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Los Angeles.

Best time to visit Los Angeles

You can expect warm, sunny days and mild evenings year-round. However, the best time to visit Los Angeles is from March to May and September to November.

During these months, you’ll experience the most comfortable temperatures, averaging in the 70s°F, and the least amount of rain, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Springtime in Los Angeles – from March to May – is simply delightful! This is when the city bursts into vibrant colors as flowers bloom throughout its numerous parks and gardens. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the many outdoor festivals and events, such as the LA Beer Festival, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and the LA Food Bowl.

Plus, with fewer tourists in town, you’ll have better access to popular attractions like Universal Studios, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Griffith Observatory without having to endure long lines and wait times.

The months of September to November offer a different kind of magic. As the summer crowds dissipate, you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and the breathtaking beauty of autumn foliage throughout the city.

This is also the time when Los Angeles transforms into a cultural hub – hosting events like the LA Film Festival, the Los Angeles County Fair, and the Hollywood Bowl’s summer concert series.

Not to mention, you’ll find great deals on accommodations and attractions during this off-peak season.

Best things to do in Los Angeles

There are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Los Angeles:

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Beaches and More

From the Hollywood sign to the celebrity mansions of Beverly Hills, Los Angles is so full of iconic sights it can be tricky to see them all. Price: $89. More info.

Los Angeles: Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Tour

See where the rich and famous hang out on a guided tour of Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills by open-top bus. Discover the hot spots and celebrity homes of the world’s entertainment capital. Price: $37. More info.

Griffith Park Experience: Hollywood Hills Hike

Experience panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline as you embark on a 3.5 mile (5.6 km) hike to one of the highest peaks in Griffith Park. Price: $39. More info.

More things to do in Los Angeles

Deciding where to stay in Los Angeles

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of Los Angeles above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in Los Angeles

• Arts District
• West Hollywood
• Los Feliz
• Koreatown
• Venice

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Los Angeles is important. Whether you stay in Arts District, West Hollywood, Los Feliz, Koreatown or Venice, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great stay in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles overview

More Los Angeles tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Los Angeles:

Hotels in Los Angeles

Hostels in Los Angeles

Boutique hotels in Los Angeles

Luxury hotels in Los Angeles

Cheap hotels in Los Angeles

Sustainable hotels in Los Angeles