Where to stay in Los Angeles

Beverly Hills is synonymous with luxury and fame, housing Rodeo Drive's designer shops and lavish homes. It's peaceful and clean, with some of LA's best services and amenities. However, the luxury comes at a cost, as it's one of the most expensive areas to stay. If you're searching for an indulgent escape and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, this is your spot, but it might not offer the cultural depth in other neighborhoods.

Santa Monica is the quintessential Southern California beach town with a vibrant and upscale vibe. It's great for those looking for beach access, shopping, and dining, with the famous Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade being major attractions. However, Santa Monica can be crowded and touristy, and the accommodation cost tends to be higher. It’s well-connected by public transit, but traffic going in and out of the area can be intense, especially during peak tourist season. If you prefer the ocean breeze and don't mind the busy atmosphere, it's a brilliant place to stay.

Hollywood is the epicenter of the entertainment industry, home to iconic landmarks like the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre. It's touristy and can feel like a trap with heavy crowds and aggressive street vendors. The area has undergone renewal but still has safety issues, particularly at night. For movie lovers and first-time visitors, it's a must-see, but for those looking for authenticity, it may disappoint.

Downtown LA (DTLA) pulses with energy and boasts a rich mix of cultural landmarks, skyscrapers, and the Arts District. However, it struggles with homelessness and can feel unsafe at night in certain areas. For those who crave urban life and don't mind a gritty edge, DTLA offers fabulous food, entertainment, and shopping, all walkable or reachable by public transit.

Malibu offers a spread-out coastal haven famous for its stunning beaches, surfing spots, and celebrity homes. It's perfect for a quieter, more secluded getaway, far from the city's frenzy. However, the seclusion means that you're far from many LA attractions, and prices for staying here are steep. Malibu's laid-back luxury is ideal for those wanting an exclusive beach retreat but be prepared for a less central location.

Venice is quintessential coastal LA, offering a bohemian atmosphere with a beachside boardwalk, eclectic boutiques, and Muscle Beach. The area can get crowded and touristy, and while the creative vibes are magnetic, be prepared for higher prices and limited parking. Despite this, staying in Venice allows for a laid-back Californian beach experience and is a haven for surfers and artists.

West Hollywood is a trendy enclave known for its design shops, upscale eateries, and nightlife. It's LGBTQ-friendly with a vibrant community and is home to the famous Sunset Strip. Traffic and a high cost of living are the downsides and parking woes here, but West Hollywood remains a chic place for those looking to be in the heart of progressive and stylish LA life.

Culver City has been rising in recent years, blending a small-town feel with a spate of new developments, including artsy spaces and a growing food scene. It's a good middle ground for those who want a bit of everything, with convenient access to LAX and the Westside beaches. The downtown area is a hub of activity with historic sites, such as the Culver Hotel and modern hangouts. While safer than other LA areas, Culver City still has less desirable pockets, especially at night. Culver City is appealing to visitors looking for a mix of historic charm and new developments.

Silver Lake is a hip, artsy neighborhood that draws a young, creative crowd. Known for its indie music scene, trendy coffee shops, and the picturesque reservoir, it has a hipster reputation. Although popular, it's primarily residential and can be quieter at night, lacking the downtown hustle. Some find it too pretentious, but it remains a top pick for those seeking an alternative, cool LA vibe.

Koreatown is a dense, urban heart of Los Angeles known for its authentic Korean food, vibrant nightlife and 24-hour businesses. However, some visitors may find it overwhelming due to the busy streets and limited parking. Despite this, its central location and accessibility via public transport make it an intriguing choice for foodies and travelers looking to experience a lively, cultural neighborhood.

Los Feliz is a laid-back, leafy neighborhood with a hipster edge and is home to a number of creatives and celebrities. Its relaxed vibe and cool coffee shops make it ideal for those looking for a more residential area to stay in, with easy access to Griffith Park, one of LA’s biggest outdoor spaces. Los Feliz boasts an array of quirky shops and eateries, but it's also quieter at night, lacking major nightlife spots. Traffic to and from the tourist-heavy parts of LA can be heavy, and staying here might mean a longer commute to typical tourist attractions.

Bel-Air is another bastion of exclusivity, with gated estates and verdant hills offering a serene, private experience. It's not tourist-friendly in terms of attractions or hotels, as it's predominantly residential. If you do find accommodation here, expect tranquility and perhaps a celebrity sighting. Great for a quiet retreat or a high-end private rental, but not convenient for sightseeing or experiencing LA's vibrant culture.

Mid-City is a central neighborhood that gives you reasonable access to both the westside and downtown LA. It's known for its cultural diversity and has an array of historical buildings and museums, like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The area offers a mix of dining options, but it’s not the trendiest spot for nightlife. Some parts of Mid-City can feel a little rundown and safety can vary from street to street. It’s a practical area if you plan to explore different parts of LA and want a somewhat central location, but it isn't the most picturesque or walkable area in the city.