Hotels in Los Angeles

Santa Monica suits beach-focused visitors with walkable pier access and the Third Street Promenade; West Hollywood anchors Sunset Strip nightlife; Downtown LA offers arts districts and Metro rail connections. Most visitors stay four to six nights. LAX sits 16 miles southwest of Downtown, about 30–45 minutes by car or the C Line light rail.

Where to Stay in Each Neighborhood

Santa Monica draws beach visitors; Venice Beach lies 3 miles south. West Hollywood centers on the Sunset Strip and is within 2 miles of mid-Wilshire galleries. Downtown LA suits business and arts travelers — the Broad museum opened in 2015, and the Museum of Contemporary Art sits blocks away. Hollywood, along Hollywood Boulevard near the Walk of Fame, offers mid-range hotels with easy access to Griffith Observatory, 4 miles north in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Getting Around

Los Angeles operates seven Metro rail lines. The B Line (Red) runs Hollywood/Highland to Union Station in under 20 minutes. The E Line (Expo) links Downtown to Santa Monica in about 46 minutes. A free shuttle connects LAX to the C Line (Green) at Aviation/LAX station. Rideshare is common for trips off the rail grid, especially in the Westside and San Fernando Valley.

Practical Tips

• Secondary airports: Burbank (BUR) sits 12 miles from Hollywood Boulevard; Long Beach (LGB) serves the south bay.
• Parking: Budget $20–$40 per night at hotels near Westwood or Beverly Hills.
• Weather: Coastal areas like Santa Monica see morning fog June through August; inland Pasadena runs 5–10°F warmer.
• Event conflicts: NBA and NFL games at Crypto.com Arena fill Downtown hotels quickly — check the schedule before booking.