Follow my recommendations to make the most out of your visit
This is the first in my series about L.A.. More recommendations to follow.
Los Angeles is one of the largest and most spread-out cities in the world, covering more than 500 square miles and stretching from the Pacific Ocean to hills, mountains, and multiple valleys. Beyond the city of Los Angeles itself—home to nearly 4 million people—Los Angeles County includes 87 other incorporated cities. With a population exceeding 10 million, it is the most populous county in the United States.
Because of its size, choosing where to stay in L.A. depends largely on what you want to see and do.
Visiting Theme Parks
If your trip is focused on theme parks such as Disneyland or Universal Studios, staying near Disneyland in Anaheim makes the most sense. Anaheim is located in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles. Universal Studios is best visited as a day trip; it sits just north of Hollywood, on the other side of the hills.
Experiencing the City of Los Angeles
For travelers who want to experience L.A.’s neighborhoods, culture, dining, and nightlife, the following areas are among the best places to stay.
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown L.A. has experienced many changes since its peak in the 1930s and was particularly affected by the COVID pandemic. While areas such as Skid Row—located close to the historic core—have high levels of homelessness and crime, downtown overall offers a wide range of cultural attractions and amenities.
Highlights include Frank Gehry’s iconic Disney Concert Hall, numerous historic buildings, and major museums. Downtown is also home to distinctive neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little Tokyo, as well as some of the city’s most highly regarded restaurants and cocktail bars.
One of downtown’s biggest advantages is its public transportation. The expanding metro system connects downtown to Hollywood, Pasadena, Long Beach, and Santa Monica, with rail connections to LAX. This makes it one of the few areas in L.A. where visitors can realistically explore without renting a car. Much of downtown is walkable, and areas west of Spring Street are generally safe and well-traveled.
Downtown offers a wide range of accommodations, from historic landmarks to modern hotels. Notable options include the Biltmore Hotel—famous for its role in classic films such as Hitchcock’s Vertigo—and Hotel Figueroa, as well as newer properties like CitizenM, Moxy, and the Hoxton. Major international brands such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Sofitel, and InterContinental are also well represented. Staying near Broadway in the historic core provides easy access to attractions like Grand Central Market and The Last Bookstore.
For views and nightlife, downtown features several rooftop bars, including Perch and Broken Shaker.
West Hollywood
West Hollywood is a compact, lively city located between Hollywood and Beverly Hills and is best known for its nightlife and entertainment scene. Staying along the legendary Sunset Strip puts visitors within walking distance of iconic music venues, bars, comedy clubs, and restaurants.
Public transportation is limited in this area, but ride-share services are widely used and readily available, including driverless Waymo taxis.
Hotels in West Hollywood range from the legendary Chateau Marmont to stylish modern properties such as the Andaz, Mondrian, and The London. The neighborhood is also known for its rooftop bars, with EP & LP and the Andaz rooftop among the most popular.
Beach and Resort Areas
For travelers who want easy access to both the beach and the city, Santa Monica is an excellent choice. It combines a walkable downtown, coastal scenery, and transit connections to other parts of Los Angeles. Additional beachfront hotel options can be found along the coast from Hermosa Beach to Long Beach and down to Huntington Beach.
Those seeking a more secluded resort experience will find outstanding options south of Los Angeles, though reaching the city will require longer drives through heavy traffic. Notable resorts include Terranea in Palos Verdes, Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, and the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria in Laguna Beach.
