If you don’t know where to stay in Los Angeles area, we are here to help!
As you plan your California vacation, down below are hands-down the best hotels in LA. Choose from hotels in the most popular LA neighborhoods and get ready for the vacation of your dreams.
Los Angeles USA is the city of angels.
It’s La-La Land, the place where stars are born and made every single day. It’s so iconic, that it’s a super popular vacation destination for couples, families, or even by yourself.
There are so many things to do in LA that you might have to take a few different trips just to see and experience it all.
Our Tip:
If you’re researching where to stay in Los Angeles first time, focus your Los Angeles vacation on one specific area or neighborhood at a time.
There are four super-fun and popular neighborhoods in LA (Santa Monica, Hollywood, Downtown LA, LAX) and we found the best hotels in each one.
Are you planning a Disneyland vacation? Disneyland is in Orange County, not LA, so it isn’t on this list. But we found the best places to stay near Disneyland, saving you lots of time.
To make things easy for you, we browsed Booking.com and found the best 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotels in each region of LA.
No matter where you are exploring and visiting, you’ll find a reliable and relaxing hotels in LA for you.
Why Book Your LA accommodation with Booking.com?
I like that you can book a variety of LA accommodation types on the one website – hotels, apartments, and hostels, even holiday homes – and I love how simple their website is to use!
Booking.com is the world leader in booking accommodation online and has over 800,000 properties worldwide and over 1,800 in LA.
The best thing about booking Los Angeles hotels via Booking.com is the free cancellation on most rooms and a best-price guarantee. You can book knowing you are getting a low rate, and have the freedom to cancel if your plans change.
We also enjoy reading verified reviews from guests who stayed at the properties. Booking.com is our go-to hotel booking site.
Hotel Stars Criteria
We used the below criteria to narrow down the search results for the best LA hotels:
- Location Score 8+
- Review Score 8+
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Air Conditioning
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Property type: Hotels
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
These are the best hotels in Los Angeles California split into the most popular vacation neighborhoods in LA:
- Santa Monica
- Downtown LA
- Hollywood (and Universal City)
- LAX
Hotels near LAX Airport
First, let’s look at places to stay near LAX.
If you don’t know where to stay in LA near the airport, these are going to be really convenient and most of them will have complimentary airport shuttles.
3-Star Hotels near LAX
Where to stay in Los Angeles on a budget near LAX? Check out these three star hotels.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport
Enjoy the comforts of home in this extended-stay hotel.
The over-sized suites have separate living and sleeping areas, full kitchens and high ceilings. The rooms are full of space and even have a pool and workout center.
Distance from LAX: 225 feet
Embassy Suites Los Angeles International Airport/North
The Embassy Suites offer a complimentary cooked breakfast every morning.
The rooms are spacious and you can order items from the front desk and Winnie, the robot butler will deliver them directly to your room.
Distance from LAX: 1/2 mile
Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles LAX
Walk past the stunning fountains and palm trees and enter the Courtyard by Marriott, where you will be treated like a VIP every single day.
It’s a modern hotel with The Bistro – a restaurant that serves Starbucks coffee and evening cocktails.
Distance from LAX: 1 mile
4 Star Hotels near LAX
H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton
Indulge in some luxury just minutes from Los Angeles airport.
The beauty is in the details. From the ergonomic office chairs in the rooms to the 55-inch HDTV with premium cable, you will feel pampered the minute you check in.
Distance to LAX: 0.4 miles
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
This is the closest hotel to LAX – you could literally walk to it in just a few minutes.
But if your looking for 4 star hotels near LAX airport with shuttle, they also offer complimentary shuttles too. And they fortified this hotel with soundproof windows so that even though it’s that close, you can still sleep in peace and quiet.
Distance to LAX: 1 block
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles
This is the place to stay if you are organizing any kind of group event.
There are plenty of rooms and meeting spaces for anything you want to host. Plus their restaurant can’t be missed!
Distance to LAX: 0.2 miles
Hotels near Santa Monica
If you’re looking for Los Angeles beach hotels, then Santa Monica is a good choice.
And if you hear the Sheryl Crow song every time you think of Santa Monica, you aren’t alone. There’s so much to do here – including watching “the sun come up over Santa Monica Boulevard.”
Spend some time at Santa Monica Beach (or Venice Beach), then relax in your hotel swimming pool after a full day of shopping.
When you want to enjoy the sunshine and warm air of Santa Monica, these are the best LA beach hotels that you should stay at.
3 Star Hotels
Where to stay in Santa Monica on a budget?
There are only two hotels in Santa Monica with 3 stars that we recommend, but both of these are fabulous.
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica
This is a fairly new hotel and just a short walk from the pier and beach.
It features over-sized guest rooms that are all meticulously designed to reflect the SoCal vibes from this beautiful area.
Distance to Santa Monica Pier: 3 Blocks
Wyndham Santa Monica At the PierÂ
This hotel has the most breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Pier and beach. It is just a few steps from all the fun.
Open up your windows and enjoy the sounds of the waves at night.
Distance to Santa Monica Pier: 0.2 miles
4 Star Hotels
Shore Hotel
This is an eco-friendly boutique hotel and one of the best hotels near Santa Monica Pier.
Not only can you rest assured that you are staying in a place that does all they can to take care of the environment, but you also get unobstructed ocean views and a champagne toast when you arrive.
Distance to Santa Monica Pier: 0.2 miles
Le Meridien Delfina Santa MonicaÂ
Not only do they offer free valet parking, but their house car awaits to take you anywhere within 2 miles or you can take a free beach bike.
And when it’s time to relax, you can unwind in the heated saltwater outdoor pool.
Distance to Santa Monica Pier: 0.8 miles
Hotel Shangri-La
The Hotel Shangri-La is one of the best hotels in LA and an amazing experience.
It is just minutes from the Santa Monica beach with the most stunning views. It’s historic too – starting out in 1939 as a boutique hotel. And it still maintains the standards of the classic golden age of Hollywood today.
Distance to Santa Monica Pier: 0.5 miles
5 Star Hotels
Researching where to stay in Los Angeles in 5 star luxury and near the beach? Check out these three options below.
Casa Del Mar
Unwind in luxurious style.
Every single intricately designed guest room features art from local artists. Share some Tapas with your friends or relax at the spa alone. It’s all the best way to experience the coastal life of southern California.
Distance to Santa Monica Pier: 0.5 miles
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Treat your mind and body to a boutique experience like none other.
The Santa Monica Proper Hotel has unique organic designs in the rooms that are bathed in California’s sunshine.
The landmark restaurant Onda features a collaboration between award-winning chefs James Beard, Jessica Koslow, and Gabriela Camara.
Distance to Santa Monica Pier: 1 mile
Oceana
It’s known as a haven away from the bustle, but still close enough to go shopping at Rodeo Drive.
The luxurious suites have a private spa-like bath with Bottega Veneta bath and body accessories.
Distance to Santa Monica Pier: 1.1 miles
Hotels near Downtown LA
You can’t miss the evolving excitement of downtown Los Angeles.
When researching places to stay in Los Angeles California, staying in a hotel right in the heart of the city has its perks. You’ll be able to walk almost everywhere.
3 Star Hotels
There are only two hotels near Downtown LA with 3 stars that you should consider.
Residence Inn by Marriott L.A. LIVE
The Residence Inn L.A. LIVE is right in the heart of downtown LA.
You are an easy walk from The Staples Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the 7th Street/Metro Center Station.
This is an extended-stay hotel, so the suites all have fully-equipped kitchens and dining areas.
Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
This hotel is located within a 14-minute walk from Little Tokyo. When you stay at the Miyako Hotel, you are experiencing Asian culture up close.
4 Star Hotels
InterContinental – Los Angeles Downtown
Guests love the breathtaking views from the top of the InterContinental Hotel – the tallest building on the West Coast.
And if you love stunning views, you will enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the guest rooms.
JW Marriott L.A. LIVE
If you like being in the middle of all the action, then this is the hotel for you.
It’s just a short walk from L.A. LIVE, the Convention Center, Microsoft Theatre and the STAPLES Center.
Then after enjoying the food and entertainment of downtown LA, relax in the marble bathroom and curl up under the luxury bedding.
Hotel Indigo
The Hotel Indigo is also just a few blocks away from L.A. LIVE – the premier entertainment and food center of downtown LA.
And if you love nightlife poolside, then you will enjoy the pool deck with fire pits and penthouse lounge: 18 Social.
5 Star Hotels
If you are researching where to stay in Los Angeles near downtown that is luxurious, check out these two hotels. Both are rated with 5 stars and treat you like royalty.
The NoMad Los Angeles
Experience the rich history of the original NoMad hotel from New York in the sunshine of California.
You can’t miss it.
It’s located in the historic Giannini Place that was originally built in the 1920s as the headquarters for The Bank of Italy. Every single detail – like the gold faucets and marble countertops – harken to the NeoClassical design of this luxury hotel.
Hotel Figueroa
Dazzle your senses by staying in the Hotel Figueroa in the heart of downtown LA.
This 1926 Spanish Colonial was first built as a unique haven for professional female travelers. Today, it offers supreme elegance and unforgettable dining experiences.
Hotels near Hollywood & Universal City
If you are deciding where stay in Los Angeles with family to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame or Universal Studios, then consider one of these family friendly and inviting hotels.
4 Star Hotels
Andaz West Hollywood – A Concept by HyattÂ
This was the first hotel on the sunset strip and used to attract rockers in the 1960s – and now you can stay in it too.
It’s located right on Sunset Boulevard, close to the iconic Sunset Strip.
The Garland
The Garland is very resort like with a retro feel, and one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles with kids, and one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood.
Convenient location for Universal Studios, Warner Bros and Hollywood in general.
Universal is only 1.1 miles away, and Universal City – home to more than 50 shops and restaurants – and there is a courtesy bus to Universal.
Petit Ermitage
They say if you want to escape the ordinary, stay at the Petit Ermitage. It’s unlike any hotel you have ever experienced.
The artwork and design of this hotel is part bohemian chic, part otherworldly. You have to see it for yourself.
Palihouse West Hollywood
This is described as a “boutique urban lodge.”
You can stay in one-bedroom or two-bedroom guest suites with fully-equipped kitchens. It is located in West Hollywood, in the middle of a vibrant night-life and arts district.
5 Star Hotels
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills knows luxury. This is one of the best places to stay in LA in one of the most famous neighborhoods.
You can experience all-suite accommodations and the highest service from the well-trained staff. You will feel like a star the minute you walk in the lobby.
Sunset Tower Hotel
The iconic Sunset Tower was created by architect Leland A. Bryant in 1929.
Today, it is the most well-known hotel in all Hollywood. In fact, you can work out in the 7,000 square foot gym that is located in what used to be John Wayne’s apartment.
Even the astounding guest rooms have history and vitality. There is bespoke wallpaper in the bathrooms created by famous fashion illustrator Donald Robertson, among other stunning artistic touches.
1 Hotel West Hollywood
Centrally located on the Sunset Strip, 1 Hotel in West Hollywood is an organic-lover’s dream come true.
From the reclaimed wood in the guest room decor to the 1 Hotels’ signature Lobby Farmstand, you will feel at home here.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
While you are staying in Los Angeles accommodation, explore the area and enjoy being a tourist. Here are more tips on the best things to do in LA you shouldn’t miss:
- 20 fun things to do in Los Angeles with kids
- 10-Day Itinerary in Southern California
- 20 Funky Things to Do In Downtown LA
- 8 Non-Touristy Things to Do in LA
- 10 awesome road trips from LA
More Hotel Guides
- 15 best hotels near Disneyland
- Where to stay in San Diego
- 24 best hotels in San Francisco
- 36 best hotels in New York City
I hope this post helped you to decide where to stay in Los Angeles? If you have any suggestions on the best hotels to stay in Los Angeles, leave a comment down below!