Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Where Not To Stay In Los Angeles
- Where To Stay In Los Angeles
- Safest Places to Stay in Los Angeles
- Accommodation Options For Los Angeles
- Where To Stay In Los Angeles If You Are Visiting A Specific Location Or Attending An Event/Concert
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Six Flags: Magic Mountain
- Beach Activities
- The Hollywood Bowl
- Crypto.com Arena (Previously called the Staples Center)
- SoFi Stadium
- Rose Bowl
- The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- Dodger Stadium
- BMO Stadium (Previously called the Banc of California Stadium)
- The Kia Forum (Previously called the Forum)
- Where To Stay In Los Angeles If You Do Not Have A Car
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
Figuring out where to stay in Los Angeles can be an extremely intimidating question. Since the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area contains 88 different cities and dozens more neighborhoods, there are a lot of accommodation options. Resorts, hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and hostels, dot this immense city. In this blog post, I will discuss places you should not stay in, the safest areas to stay in, my specific recommendations, where to stay if you are visiting a specific area or coming for a specific event, and where to stay if you do not have a car.
Where Not To Stay In Los Angeles
Just as in any metropolitan city on Earth, Los Angeles has its good and bad parts. Los Angeles’ 88 cities, and its neighborhoods, all come with their own crime statistics, which fluctuate as the years go on. Moreover, Los Angeles is currently experiencing a homeless crisis, where the city has seen a rapid increase in people living on the streets. Although the city is taking steps to help alleviate this issue and make the city safer for residents and tourists, the problem unfortunately persists.
It is due to the homeless that many places that have very popular tourist spots, such as some parts of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles, are not safe to stay in due to increased crime rates. I want to elaborate and say that I know not all homeless people are bad, however with their presence, drug use, robberies, muggings, and thievery have increased. In this section, I will discuss where you should not stay in Los Angeles, and give a few reasons why you shouldn’t base yourself there. In order of severity, here are the places I would suggest you not stay.
1. Wholesale District/Skid Row
Arguably one of the most notorious areas in Los Angeles, Skid Row has stood synonymous with drug use, crime, and illegal activity. Skid Row sits inside the Wholesale District, and although Skid Row is much more dangerous than the entirety of the Wholesale District, they both unfortunately deserve this spot. The streets are lined with tents and makeshift shelters where many homeless people live. Many of these people are addicted to some sort of substance and can lash out while you walk to your accommodation. The Wholesale District can be safer to visit during the day, but not at night. Skid Row is not recommended to visit during the day or at night. Skid Row is as bad as it gets in L.A.
2. Downtown Los Angeles
This may be a surprising addition (it was to me as well), but right next to the skyscrapers and Walt Disney Concert Hall lies a darker side when the sun goes down. Nighttime in this part of the city can be unsafe for a tourist. The proximity of Downtown Los Angeles to Skid Row makes it vulnerable to the encroachment of its inhabitants. Downtown Los Angeles is mostly safe to visit during the day and offers some great things for tourists. The main hotels (like Marriott and Intercontinental) have great security and tend to be very safe but trust me, there are better and cheaper places to stay. Overall, I would not recommend you stay here due to the increased possibility of crime at night.
3. West Adams
West Adams is located right next to one of the most prestigious universities in the country, the University of Southern California (USC), and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. It has a high crime rate (one of the highest crime rates in the city) primarily due to gang activity. Robberies, assaults, and gun violence are common here, but luckily, there is nothing to see in West Adams, so as a tourist, you shouldn’t find yourself around this neighborhood. Just as in Downtown Los Angeles, the USC campus and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are better just explored during the day, and not an area to stay in.
4. South Los Angeles
South Los Angeles is an area that sits southwest of the Crytpo.com arena and encompasses the West Adams neighborhood. The entirety of South Los Angeles (except West Adams) can be safe to explore during the day. The California Science Center and the Exposition Park Rose Garden are great places to explore and enjoy some gorgeous photo ops. However, after the sun descends, the area can turn rather unsafe. Just as in West Adams, assaults, robberies, and thievery can occur here; not to the same degree as West Adams, but enough to add it to the list.
5. Watts
Watts suffers the same fate as West Adams. Gang activity unfortunately drives up the crime in this neighborhood. Robberies, muggings, car thefts, and gun violence can be issues in Watts. There is one point of interest in Watts with the Watts Tower, which is an art installation and an official California State Park. But besides that art installation, you should never find yourself stumbling into the area unknowingly. In general, It is best to completely avoid Watts during your trip to Los Angeles.
6. Koreatown
One of the many ethnically distinct areas of Los Angeles, Koreatown (sometimes called K-Town), as its name implies, is home to many Korean shops, restaurants, and culture. Koreatown may be known for its restaurants, but not for its accommodation. Robberies and car thefts can occur. A couple of tips I can give you is not to withdraw money in Koreatown to avoid being mugged. And if you drive, try to park in a parking structure to avoid something happening to your personal or rented car. Koreatown is a good place to grab a bite to eat and walk around during the day, but not stay.
7. Fashion District
The Fashion District is the last entry on this list. It is located below Skid Row and, like its northern neighbor, is home to a large homeless population. Just as in Skid Row, the homeless venture from that area into the Fashion District, which can make it more dangerous. I have noticed a lot of individuals with mental illnesses around this area, so please be careful walking around. Needless to say, I do not recommend you stay in this area.
I want to emphasize that crimes of opportunity can occur anywhere, and just because a city or neighborhood is not on this list, does not mean it is 100 percent safe nor does going to any one of the previously discussed locations, guarantee a crime to occur. Common sense and good awareness are integral to any traveler. Please keep an eye out, be observant, and trust your gut while traversing any city in any country.
Where To Stay In Los Angeles
Now that we have established where we should not stay, let’s get into where you should stay. Many factors contribute to the overall decision on where you are going to stay. Are you visiting L.A. for a specific activity? Such as Universal Studios Hollywood? Do you have a personal or rented car available, or are you going to use public transportation and/or ride-share apps? In this section, I will discuss the safest areas to stay, different accommodation options, and where to stay if you are visiting Los Angeles for a specific reason.
Safest Places to Stay in Los Angeles
As many bad spots as you may think Los Angeles has, it has more good spots. Whether you want to stay near the mountains, in the heart of the city, or right next to the Pacific Ocean, there are areas that everyone will be content with. Since many of these places are similar in terms of safety, this list will not be in a particular order.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is one of the most popular destinations in all of California. There is so much to do, from the Santa Monica Pier to exploring relaxing beaches. It can be really fun and convenient to stay in Santa Monica. You’ll be near major tourist attractions, beaches, and wonderful nightlife. it is also located right next to the Los Angeles International Airport, normally referred to as LAX, which makes it very simple for those flying into the city. The proximity to the ocean gives Santa Monica a much cooler temperature than the inner city, but it can get very hot, especially during summer. It is a good spot to base your L.A. adventures on.
West Hollywood
Home to some of the best nightlife in the city, West Hollywood has always been a popular place for people to dance and drink the night away. This neighborhood doesn’t have tourist destinations like Hollywood or Downtown Los Angeles does, but offers unbeatable and unique nightlife. West Hollywood is also home to the gay district, which is an area that is adorned with LGBT flags and pride. Be aware that it can get rather hot here, but most accommodations will offer air conditioning. Also, due to the nightlife, it can get a little rowdy at night, but depending on whether you like to party, can be a great location to stay in.
Venice Beach
One of the most popular beaches in the United States, Venice Beach is the most popular beach in Los Angeles, in my opinion. Venice Beach is located south of Santa Monica and offers a lot of benefits for those who stay in its vicinity. Besides the obvious beach it has, Venice also has a wonderful boardwalk and a more relaxed vibe than Santa Monica, but still a bit of energy. Just as in Santa Monica, Venice Beach has a much cooler temperature due to the Pacific Ocean. It is also located close to LAX, so if you are flying in and staying in Venice Beach, it is very simple to get here.
Pasadena
Pasadena is a very relaxed and safe area to stay in Los Angeles. It is located to the northeast of the city and borders the Angeles National Forest. Pasadena is a little out of the way from the major theme parks and tourist areas but has some great nearby hiking spots and museums. The temperature in Pasadena can also be high, but all hotels and motels have air conditioning. Pasadena does have some of the mildest temperatures in all of Los Angeles for a city not being located near the ocean, so if the temperature is a big factor in where you stay, Pasadena may be for you.
Beverly Hills
This may come as no surprise, but Beverly Hills is one of the safest areas in Los Angeles. The area is known for its upscale living and high-end shopping. Beverly Hills also sees some great weather, but can get hot during summer. The area is conveniently located near popular areas such as the Tolerance Museum and the Getty Center. The hotels and places to stay in this area tend to be expensive, but it is the nicest and cleanest part of the city.
Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a nice, relaxing place to base yourself in Los Angeles. It is located near the Griffith Observatory and Dodger Stadium. The area can get a bit hot during late spring through summer, but a good and safe spot nonetheless. There is also a reservoir in the middle of the city where you can relax, walk, and have a nice picnic. A very relaxing place to come back to every night.
Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey is a fabulous spot to stay. It is located less than 30 minutes away from LAX and offers a nice, refreshing temperature as the ocean breeze cools the areas down. Marina del Rey is located south of Venice Beach but does not offer a busy atmosphere as it has a much more laid-back beach vibe. You can walk around Fisherman’s Village or use the area as your base around L.A. The cooler weather and great, relaxing ambiance make it an inviting area to stay.
Manhattan Beach
Yet another beach area on this list, you can probably see a trend. Manhattan Beach is a wonderful area inside Los Angeles to stay. This is yet another fresh and relaxing place to base your travels. After a long day of exploration and/or activities, it is a nice area to take a relaxing walk or just enjoy the sounds of the Pacific. Alongside Hermosa Beach, this is probably one of the most calm city beaches in all of Los Angeles and a great place to stay.
Glendale
Glendale is a very safe place to stay in the city and has had some of the lowest crime in the city for years. It is located right next to the Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Park, which gives it access to some of the best hiking in Los Angeles. Glendale can get pretty hot during summer, but again, air conditioning is everywhere. The city is also pretty quiet (minus the traffic), so if you want a place to stay in the city that’s club-free, Glendale may be for you.
If you wonder why I put the temperature in every location when talking about one big city, it is because the temperature between the areas can differ dramatically. The temperature on the beach can be up to 20 degrees cooler than in the center of the city during some parts of the year. These nine areas have been the safest areas of Los Angeles for a tourist to stay. If you want to learn more about overall safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles” Complete Guide” blog post.
Accommodation Options For Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a large city, so large, that there are over 1,000 registered hotels in the city, and that’s just the hotels! In this list, I will go over the different types of accommodations you have available because it’s not just hotels. I will be listing these options from the most expensive to the least expensive. Please keep in mind that these are just generalizations, as many of the options’ prices can fluctuate. I will also be posting some pros and cons about each option to give a more rounded view.
A good tip is to know the most popular time to visit Los Angeles as if you come during peak season, all accommodation prices will shoot up, sometimes costing more than double. The peak season for Los Angeles is from late May to mid-August. This is summer vacation in the United States and sees many of the grade, high school, and college students home and wandering around the city. The weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Day can also see increased prices in places to stay but very brief. I use hotel comparing websites like Booking.com or Agoda to compare hundreds of different hotel prices to try and find you the best prices. Be sure to check them out if you plan on staying in a resort or hotel.
1. Resorts
Resorts are not as abundant as hotels in L.A. but are still very much there. One of the main differences between resorts and hotels is what both places offer. Resorts act as destinations themselves, offering different amenities such as spas, golf courses, elaborate pool areas, and other activities. Of course, not all resorts have these options, but just some examples of how they differ from hotels. Generally speaking, most resorts have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00 but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra and is usually not worth it.
Many resorts also tend to be located in more remote areas, but that doesn’t apply to Los Angeles, since this concrete jungle has buildings almost everywhere except state parks and the mountainous areas. Resorts can be a great option for those with a higher budget who are looking to do some R&R (Rest and Relaxation) on their trip to this chaotic city. Almost all resorts have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. Prices can vary depending on your length of stay and during what time you are visiting, but average prices range from $160.00 to $400.00+ / €147.79 to €369.48+ per night. Below are the pros and cons of staying at resorts and hotels in Los Angeles that have excellent reviews, or I’ve heard great feedback from.
Pros:
- Easy check-in and check-out process
- Amenities on the property
- Parking spots
- Located in safe areas
- Security
Cons:
- Expensive
- Dependency on resort amenities
- Usually found away from important and popular attractions
- Hidden Fees
- Devoid of L.A. Culture
- No free cancelations or rescheduling (usually)
Recommendations:
- Terrana Resort ($$$)
- The Ritz-Carlton ($$$)
- The Langham Huntington, Pasadena ($$$)
2. Hotels
Hotels are abundant in Los Angeles. There are over 1,000 registered hotels in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, and they vary in terms of what is offered and price point. Almost all hotels have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. However, some hotels do charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle. Hotels can be found in almost every city, but some areas are better than others. The previous section discusses the safest places to stay in the city, so check that if you are interested in learning about the best and safest places to stay.
Just like resorts, most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra, usually not worth it. Prices can change depending on the time you are going and for how long. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $70.00 to $120.00+ / €64.65 to €110.83+ per night. Below are the pros and cons of staying at hotels and hotels in Los Angeles that have excellent reviews, or I’ve heard great feedback from.
Pros:
- Can be located in safer areas, but still double-check
- Rewards benefits (if you have a membership or are a reward member)
- Parking spots (sometimes at an extra cost)
- Many amenities are provided in the hotels (sometimes at an extra cost)
- Security
Cons:
- Are usually a little expensive
- Devoid of L.A. culture
- Hidden fees
- It can be very crowded
- No free cancelations or rescheduling (normally)
Recommendations:
3. House and Room Rentals
Airbnb and Vrbo are popular rental companies and offer guests opportunities to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days to a few weeks. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I would recommend you use Airbnb as they have smaller accommodation options. Both Vrbo and Airbnb have a lot of options for large groups and families and are offered all over the city. It is up to you to make sure you stay in a safe location and check to see where it’s located. All rooms and houses offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. I’ve also noticed that ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, both companies have charged a very high cleaning fee. Sometimes close to $200.00 / €185.54!
Costs can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $50.00 to $100.00+ / €46.38 to €92.77+. It is also possible that many options do not have any parking spots, so if you rent a car or have a personal vehicle, check to make sure it has a parking spot. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location.
Normally if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does not come in all the units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, I’d recommend finding a place with air conditioning since it can get very hot.
If you want an area to stay that is safe, check out the previous section, and if you are coming to Los Angeles for a specific reason, check out the next section entitled Where to Stay in Los Angeles if you are visiting a specific location or attending an event/concert. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here. For Vrbo’s official website, click here.
Pros:
- Much more affordable
- Flexible check-in and check-out
- Has a local for suggestions and useful tips
- Get some L.A. culture
- Not very crowded
- Free cancelations (within a certain period)
Cons:
- Can sometimes not come with a parking spot
- Can be found in unsafe areas
- Possible high cleaning fee
- No amenities (usually)
4. Motels
Motels are very common in Canada and the United States. For my readers outside the U.S. and Canada, motels may seem like a weird concept, but let me explain. Motels are very similar to hotels but offer fewer amenities. Motels are very basic, they have a room with a bed, a desk, and a private bathroom, and sometimes the campus will have a pool which can be closed seasonally. Sometimes they will have air conditioning and will always have a parking spot but sometimes with limited parking. Motels are offered all over the city, and it is up to you to make sure you stay in a safe location as many motels are found in very unsafe areas. You can check the above section to look at the safest areas in Los Angeles to stay.
Motels tend to be a little cheaper than hotels but do not offer flexible check-in and check-out and tend to have virtually no security. Just like hotels, most motels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. Average prices for motels around Los Angeles are $40.00 to $80.00+ / €36.94 to €73.88+ per night. Of course, the prices can depend on the time you are going and for how long, but they are very affordable. Many motels do not have a website, so in this scenario, it is best to utilize sites like Booking.com. Keep in mind that Motels can also be a little run-down and dirty, but not all of them.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Possible parking spot
- Availability
- Requires no reservation (although useful and sometimes suggested)
Cons:
- Non-flexible check-in and check-out
- Lack of security
- Lack of amenities
- Can be found in unsafe areas
- Can be dirty and run-down
Recommendations:
- Motel 6 Hollywood ($$$)
- Hollywood Inn Express LAX ($$)
5. Hostels
Hostels are relatively new to the United States. They have been very popular around Europe, Asia, and Latin America for years, but are starting to become more popular in the U.S. Hostels have dorms and sometimes private options. Dorms are a shared space where they can have four to eight beds in one room. The price of this lack of privacy is the cheapest accommodation in Los Angeles. I’ve seen beds as low as $28.00 up to $39.00+ / €25.86 to €36.02+ per night. It’s possible that a hostel can have a parking spot, but do not count on it. Some hostels have 24-hour check-in and check-out, but not all do, so please contact the hostel directly to inquire. Private rooms in hostels can cost about the same as a hotel room, but they have very flexible check-in and check-out. I would compare private rooms at hostels and rooms at hotels to see which prices are better.
Hostels also offer unique tours and activities aimed at increasing guest morale and collaboration. They are offered all over the city, and it is up to you to make sure you stay in a safe location. All hostels offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. Hostels are made for cheap, shared living situations and are aimed towards solo travelers and pairs. Hostelworld is a very popular website that can look up hostels in your target area, and you can compare prices. To go to their website, click here. Many hostels do not have websites, so be sure to utilize sites like Hostelworld to find these accommodations.
Pros:
- Cheap prices
- Very flexible check-in and check-out
- Getting to meet other travelers
- Hostel-planned activities and tours
- Requires no reservation (although useful and sometimes suggested)
Cons:
- Can be in unsafe areas
- Lack of parking spots (usually)
- Lack of privacy
- Can be noisy
- Take the risk of having bad roommates
Recommendations:
Los Angeles does not run out of options when it comes to places to stay. Always research and call before you book any rooms, as many resorts and hotels do not offer free cancelations. You can check the previous section to find safe areas in the city and find your choice of accommodation within that area.
Where To Stay In Los Angeles If You Are Visiting A Specific Location Or Attending An Event/Concert
Are you coming to Los Angeles for one specific thing? Concert? Theme Park? Well, then this will be the section for you. In this section, I will be writing about where to stay depending on what you want to do. Whether that’s visiting a specific theme park or attending a concert over the weekend. I will also be including some suggestions at varying prices for you to choose from, but please utilize sites like Agoda and Booking.com to make your hotel decisions, much easier.
This may seem like a redundant list to have since we are talking about one city, however, it can take more than two hours to get from one side of Los Angeles to the other, so this list can help narrow down your options. I want to let you know that I will not be including Knott’s Berry Farm or Disneyland in this area since they are technically not located in Los Angeles and I will be creating a different blog post for them in the future. I will also only be recommending resorts, hotels, motels, and hostels (not room or house rentals) as those prices are more fixed and availability more abundant.
Universal Studios Hollywood
One of the most famous theme parks in the state, Universal Studios Hollywood, has drawn thousands of tourists to its world-known theme park for years. The places I would recommend you stay if you are prioritizing Universal Studios Hollywood are North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, and West Hollywood (You can learn more about accommodation in Glendale and West Hollywood in the previous section). These areas are located close to the park and are safe, so you shouldn’t have to suffer in traffic too much (but still a little, it is L.A.). Depending on the time you want to go to the park, it may also be cheaper to use a ride-share app or public transportation to get to the park and walk up as opposed to paying $30.00 / €27.70 for parking.
Recommendations:
- Soho House Holloway [West Hollywood] ($$$)
- Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City [North Hollywood]($$$)
- Sheraton Universal Hotel [Right next to Universal Studios Hollywood] ($$$)
- Hotel Burbank [Burbank] ($$)
- Brand Plaza Hotel [Glendale] ($)
Six Flags: Magic Mountain
Six Flags: Magic Mountain is well-known among coaster enthusiasts, due to its record-breaking 20 coasters. The theme park is located about an hour northwest of Downtown Los Angeles/Hollywood. It could be much more with traffic. Six Flags sits right next to Ventura County but still resides in Los Angeles County. The best places to stay if you are prioritizing Six Flags: Magic Mountain are Valencia, Santa Clarita, and Sylmar. These areas are located near the park and are safe places to stay. These areas can also get extremely hot, some of the hottest in Los Angeles, so be prepared if you are visiting during summer and early Autumn.
Recommendations:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Santa Clarita [Santa Clarita] ($$$)
- Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags [Santa Clarita] ($$)
- Travelodge by Wyndham Sylmar [Sylmar] ($)
Beach Activities
Los Angeles is known for its beaches. From Malibu to Long Beach, gorgeous and relaxing beaches dot the coast. The seemingly endless Pacific Ocean provides some of the best activities in the city. Popular activities such as running, biking, swimming, and surfing are very popular things to do in Los Angeles. If you want to focus on beach life while you visit Los Angeles, here is where I recommend you stay: Santa Monica, Huntington Beach, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey (All four of these have more information in the previous section), Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. These areas are safe and right next to the sea. Please keep in mind that accommodations on the coast can be some of the most expensive in L.A. so plan accordingly.
Recommendations:
- Malibu Beach Inn [Malibu] ($$$)
- Shore Hotel [Santa Monica] ($$)
- Air Venice [Venice Beach] ($$)
- Inn at Venice Beach [Venice Beach] ($$)
- Ramada Limited Redondo Beach [Redondo Beach] ($)
The Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl Is located right next to Universal Studios Hollywood and is an amphitheater that is specifically designed for concerts and live shows. This venue is popular among L.A. residents and if you are here for a weekend, or attending a concert, here are the places I would recommend you stay in: West Hollywood, Beverly Hills (These areas have more information in the previous section), East Hollywood, and Toluca Lake. These areas are safe and near the bowl, so you can get to your show with as much ease as possible.
Since the two areas are so close together, the recommendations for the Hollywood Bowl will mirror Universal Studios Hollywood.
Crypto.com Arena (Previously called the Staples Center)
On December 25, 2021, The Staples Center officially changed its name to Crypto.com Arena. This is probably the most popular stadium in the city, home to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Los Angeles Kings. The Clippers and the Lakers are part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Kings are part of the National Hockey League (NHL). Depending on what time of the year you come, depends on who is playing in the stadium. Crypto.com Arena is also home to major concerts. if you are here for a weekend, or attending a concert, here are the places I would recommend you stay in: Glendale, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills (All of these locations are discussed in the previous section). Unfortunately, much of the areas surrounding the stadium are very unsafe to stay in, so I would recommend staying a bit further for better security.
Recommendations:
- Waldorf Astoria Hotel Resort [Beverly Hills] ($$$)
- Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale & Executive Meeting Ctr [Glendale] ($$)
- Glendale Hotel [Glendale] ($)
SoFi Stadium
The SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood and is the largest arena in Los Angeles. This is home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, teams that are part of the National Football League (NFL). For my viewers outside the United States, I am referring to American football. Large-scale concerts and shows, such as Taylor Swift’s ERAS Tour, are held here. Much of the area north of the arena has higher crime rates, so the best places to stay will be closer to the coast. SoFi is located right next to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and popular beach areas. Here are the places I would recommend you stay in: Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey (both of these areas have more information in the previous section), and anywhere close to LAX. Due to its location, many of the safer areas to stay in L.A. lie far from the stadium.
Recommendations:
- Shade Hotel Redondo Beach [Redondo Beach] ($$)
- The Sea View Inn [Manhattan Beach] ($$)
- Hi View Inn & Suites [Manhattan Beach] ($)
Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl is a stadium associated with American college football and home of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins. American college football is very popular in the U.S. and many Americans travel across the country to see their favorite college teams in action. Oddly enough, the Rose Bowl is not located near the UCLA campus, but about 30 minutes away (without traffic). Here are the places I would recommend you stay in if you are prioritizing an event at the Rose Bowl: Pasadena, Glendale (both of these areas have more information in the previous section), and East Hollywood. These areas are close by and safe.
Recommendations:
- The Langham Huntington, Pasadena [Pasadena] ($$$)
- Hilton Pasadena [Pasadena] ($$)
- Glendale Hotel [Glendale] ($)
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (sometimes called the L.A. Coliseum) is where the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans play. This is yet another American college football team, however, this stadium is located in Exposition Park right next to the USC campus and the California Science Center. The Coliseum has hosted two Summer Olympic Games and is slated to host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games as well. The entire campus of USC is unfortunately located in a more harsh part of the city. Due to this reason, many safer places to stay are not located nearby. For this venue, I’d recommend West Hollywood (Which you can read more about in the previous section) and Culver City. Otherwise, I would recommend you choose an area that suits you and drive.
Recommendations:
- The Culver Hotel [Culver City] ($$$)
- Andaz West Hollywood [West Hollywood] ($$)
- Ramada by Wyndham Culver City [Culver City] ($)
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the two teams that play in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the other being the Los Angeles Angels, who play in Orange County. If you are here for a weekend and plan to attend a Dodger game, here is where I recommend you stay: Silver Lake, Glendale (Both of these have more information in the previous section), and Chinatown. These areas are nearby and safe to stay in.
Recommendations:
- Silver Lake Pool & Inn [Silver Lake] ($$$)
- Best Western Plus Dragons Gate Inn [Chinatown] ($$)
- The Rosemary [Silver Lake] ($$)
- The Royal Pagoda Motel [Chinatown] ($)
BMO Stadium (Previously called the Banc of California Stadium)
BMO Stadium is used by both the Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City. The stadium also sees important concerts like ODESZA and Foo Fighters perform in their arena. BMO Stadium is right next to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, so see that section, as the locations will be very identical.
The Kia Forum (Previously called the Forum)
The Kia Forum was the previous home of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings before they moved to Crypto.com Arena. It now sits as an important venue for concerts with popular artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Bruce Springsteen. The arena is located right next to the Crypto.com Arena, so see that section, as the locations will be very identical.
I would like to say that there are hotels near every single one of these areas, but I decided to choose some of the safer areas to give you both ease of access and increased security. If you decide to stay in a well-known chain hotel, you will be safe no matter where you are in the city, although most hotels and resorts are in the safer parts of town. This is by no means a complete list in terms of why people come to Los Angeles, but if I feel as if more information is needed, I will add it accordingly. You can also request an area at the bottom of the blog post.
Where To Stay In Los Angeles If You Do Not Have A Car
Los Angeles, like many cities in the United States, was built with a personal vehicle in mind. As a result, L.A. lacks efficient public transportation, and it can be inconvenient and expensive to traverse the city. Not everyone has a personal car or can afford/ be able to rent a car upon their arrival into the city. Los Angeles has an underground and above-ground metro, which is very useful in taking you to various tourist destinations across most of L.A.
Los Angeles also has thousands of buses across the city, but every single recommendation on this list will have access to a metro station as it is the most effective and safest method of public transport. I will discuss the best areas to stay so you do not blow your budget on ride-sharing apps. If you want more infromatin on how to use the Los Angeles Metro or other transportation information, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportaion Within Los Angeles” blog post. I will be organizing the list from the best to the least favored options.
1. Pasadena
Pasadena is a very quiet area. This city is located in the northern part of the city and has some museums and UCLA’s Rose Bowl. Pasadena is very safe and perfect for those who want a quieter stay and don’t mind being a little bit away from the main touristy things in the city. Pasadena is home to six metro stations, making it the most accessible city (which is why it is number one). The stations are the Fillmore Station, Del Mar Station, Memorial Park Station, Lake Station, Allen Station, and Sierra Madre Villa Station. It’s very easy to make it to one of the stations and use it to go everywhere the metro goes. All of Pasadena’s stations use the A Line, which connects to the other stations in Downtown Los Angeles.
2. Santa Monica
As previously said, Santa Monica is a very safe location to stay in. It has plenty of things to do, ideal weather, and a lively atmosphere. Santa Monica also has three metro stations. They are the 26th Street / Bergamot Station, 17th Street / Santa Monica College Station, and Downtown Santa Monica Station. The most common one you will probably use is the Downtown Santa Monica Station, as it is located less than a ten-minute walk from the Santa Monica Pier. All the Santa Monica Stations use the Metro E Line which will take you to Downtown Los Angeles and from there, go wherever the L.A. Metro goes.
3. North Hollyowood
North Hollywood is a very happening place. It is near Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is a safe location to stay. North Hollywood has one metro station called the North Hollywood Station, which is right next to the North Hollywood Recreation Center. It is centrally located, but may still require a bus or a ride-sharing app to go to the metro station. It uses the B Line and south towards Downtown Los Angeles. North Hollywood would be perfect if you are a traveler who wants to be in a more busy area, with good nightlife, and has access to a metro station.
4. Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach is a nice, safe location and perfect for people who want to stay near a beach but don’t want the busyness of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. My only gripe is that the only metro station is located pretty far from the beach, so if you’re near the water, you may not be near the station. You can always take a bus, ride-sharing app, or electric bike to go to the metro station, but it can be a little inconvenient. However, it is still nice that this relaxing, safe area has a metro station. The station is called the Redondo Beach Station and uses the C Line. You can use that station to get wherever the metro system goes.
5. Chinatown
The centrally located Chinatown is a great place to stay if you do not have a car. It has great walkability and is safer than most other places in Central Los Angeles. Chinatown is a little more calm than you may think. It doesn’t have a lot of nightlife and tends to be a bit more sleepy after dinner time, but has a metro station located right at the edge of the area. The metro station in Chinatown is called the Chinatown Station and is part of the A Line. You can use that station to get wherever the metro system goes. Chinatown can be a good area to stay if you do not have a car, but please don’t wander too far at night since the surrounding areas can be sketchy.
6. Chatsworth
Chatsworth sits at the edge of Los Angeles County, bordering Ventura County, and adjacent to Northridge. It is the furthest city on this list but for a good reason. This quiet area is far from much of the traffic, noise, and danger. Chatsworth also has a metro busway called the Chatsworth Station. The Chatsworth Station is the furthest west and furthest north station that the Los Angeles Metro currently has (keep in mind that it is a bus until you get to North Hollywood). Since the city is not that big, it is easy to get to the busway to the metro station in North Hollywood to get to where you need to. Just keep in mind that since the station is the furthest, it can take some time to get back to your accommodation. The Chatsworth Station uses the B Line busway, which connects to the Metro Rail at the North Hollywood Station.
7. Hollywood
Hollywood finds itself at the bottom of this list due to its unpredictability. Although virtually everything in Los Angeles can be somewhat unpredictable, Hollywood is on another level. The area is home to the most popular tourist activities in the city, but it can be a little dangerous, especially at night. If you are primarily using the metro, you may use it at night, so I wanted to add that. Hollywood has five stations, and although the city has the second amount of stations on this list, its unsafe reputation sends it to the bottom. The five stations in Hollywood are Hollywood/Highland, Hollywood/Vine (which is right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame), Hollywood/Western, Vermont/Sunset, and Vermont/Santa Monica. The last station is on Santa Monica Street, not the city. Keep in mind, that Hollywood has a lot of traffic, so any ride-sharing apps will be a lot more expensive in this area. Hollywood is very lively, with lots of nightlife, things to do, and places to stay, so this may be the most ideal location, you just need to have good travelers’ awareness and common sense.
Conclusion
This has been a lot to digest, but I’ve made the question of where do I stay in Los Angeles much easier. I’ve discussed places you should not stay in, the safest areas to stay in, my specific recommendations, where to stay if you are visiting a specific area or coming for a specific event, and where to stay if you do not have a car.
Have you stayed in Los Angeles? What were yout favorite locations? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to the “City of Angels.”
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