The Best Areas to Stay in Los Angeles for Any Budget

One of the most popular areas to stay is Beverly Hills. While not strictly central, it's only a half hour from Downtown when the traffic isn't bad and an easy drive down Route 2 to Santa Monica. It's also at the doorstep of the Hollywood Hills and a major attraction in its own right. To many people, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive are the epitome of the Los Angeles experience.

Attractions in Beverly Hills

• Beverly Hilton Hotel
• Beverly Wilshire Hotel
• Beverly Hills Hotel
• Lawry's
• Saban Theatre
• Raffles L'Ermitage
• The Stinking Rose

Next door to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood is another iconic Los Angeles neighborhood. It is the home of some of LA's most notorious nightlife spots on the Sunset Strip as well as a vibrant artistic culture. West Hollywood is also known for its large LGBT population and business that cater to the LGBT community.

Attractions in West Hollywood

• Whisky a Go Go
• Roxy Theatre
• Troubadour
• Andaz West Hollywood
• Chamberlain West Hollywood Hotel

Hollywood itself is another popular area because it is the location of many touristic "must-sees" such as the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, and the view of the Hollywood Sign. However, some may find the submersion in tourism and the somewhat gritty environment less desirable as a base and prefer a visit to Hollywood rather than a stay there.

Attractions in Hollywood

• Hollywood Sign
• Griffith Observatory
• Hollywood Forever Cemetery
• Greek Theatre, Los Angeles
• Fonda Theatre
• Museum of Death
• The Hollywood Sculpture Garden
• Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery
• Renaissance

Downtown Los Angeles is a patchwork of tightly-packed small communities, some more salutary than others. While some may be put off by the proximity to Skid Row and a growing problem with homelessness, others will find the sleek architecture and ethnic enclaves of Downtown to be irresistible

Attractions in Downtown Los Angeles

• Los Angeles Convention Center
• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
• Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
• Angels Flight
• Microsoft Theater
• Millennium Biltmore Hotel
• The Grammy Museum
• Orpheum Theatre
• Westin Bonaventure Hotel

The large central expanse between Beverly Hills and Downtown is rarely mentioned in discussions of Los Angeles travel but some of these neighborhoods may offer the best options for an inexpensive and authentic LA experience. Koreatown may be the best place outside of East Asia to immerse oneself in Korean culture and cuisine. Despite its name, the neighborhood has more Latino residents than Korean which has led to unique cultural hybrids such as kimchi tacos. Koreatown is also replete with shopping malls and nightlife, much of it with a Korean twist.

Santa Monica is a popular choice especially for families due to the beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade. Santa Monica is also conveniently close to Venice Beach and Malibu but probably not the best choice for a traveler who also wants to see Downtown, East Los Angeles, or Pasadena. If you're exclusively interested in the surf and sun, wealth and celebrity side of Los Angeles then Santa Monica may be ideal.

Attractions in Santa Monica

• Santa Monica Airport
• Pacific Park
• Shutters on the Beach Hotel
• Edgemar
• Father's Office
• Santa Monica Public Library
• Museum of Flying
• Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows