Planning your first trip to Los Angeles? With so many neighborhoods to choose from and price tags that make you do a double take, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The last thing you want is to end up in a tourist trap – or worse, a place that doesn’t live up to the hype.
That’s where we come in. We’ve stayed at two of these hotels, visited six more, and spent plenty of time scoping out the best spots for first-time visitors. This list has everything you need to skip the guesswork and find the perfect place to stay – without breaking the bank or compromising on location. Bonus: We’re dropping a few hot tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free! Here are the top 13 hotels to stay at:
Disclaimer: Bae Area and Beyond contains affiliate links so if you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. This also supports our content to be free. Read our disclaimer policy for more info.
My Top Picks: LA Hotels For First Timers
1. Shutters On The Beach
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Santa Monica
✅ Book it!
Shutters on the Beach is a perfect destination for first-time travelers to California who want to experience the luxurious, 5-star atmosphere of an upscale coastal hotel. Located right across from Santa Monica’s picturesque beach, Shutters offers unforgettable views of the ocean from its rooms and outdoor terraces.
The hotel features 2 oceanfront restaurants so you can enjoy a meal with an unbeatable view of the Pacific, and their outdoor pool and spa offer a place to relax in style while taking in the warm Californian sun. The hotel’s cozy design and complementary bikes also really bring the experience up a notch and makes the atmosphere perfect for a weekend getaway.
🔥 Hot Tip!! This is a perfect place for celebrating anniversaries or even on honeymoon since the beds are incredibly comfy, and the staff really goes above and beyond to make the experience stellar! Just make sure to ask for a room away from the parking lot if you’re looking for the perfect view!
In addition to all these features, Shutters’ staff provide exemplary service that will make your stay even more enjoyable.
“The hotel itself is beautiful and the location couldn’t be better — you truly are right at the beach! I had an ocean view room with a balcony and each morning I woke up to the awe-inspiring view of the Pacific Ocean. Cracking open the sliding doors even an inch and I was greeted with the mesmerizing sound of the waves. And as fabulous as the setting is, the staff is equally magnificent!”
-Lisa (Read more reviews)
2. The Charlie West Hollywood
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: West Hollywood
✅ Book it!
Once home to Charlie Chaplin, The Charlie West Hollywood is a great option for those who want to stay in a historic hotel.
With storybook architecture and spread across 3 buildings, each spacious suite or cottage is named after a Hollywood star and individually styled. Light-filled living spaces and large windows that let in the sunshine create a peaceful atmosphere while fresh flowers are regularly added to give it an extra boost.
🔥 Hot Tip!! There’s usually plenty of on-street parking available here if needed.
The hotel’s stylish rooms are perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat on their first trip to Los Angeles. The English garden area also allows you to take in some fresh air, and the attentive staff are always on hand to satisfy any request. Plus, it’s located in a great spot so you can easily explore nearby restaurants and bars.
Whilst The Charlie West Hollywood does lack some of the usual hotel amenities like a pool or gym, its excellent atmosphere and service more than make up for them.
“Oasis! We stayed in the Oscar and were in love with the accommodations. You get the best of both worlds by being in a great location close to the action but feel completely secluded when at the hotel. My favorite park was the window overlooking the courtyard with the the fountain. Highly recommend!”
-Erica (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
3. Hotel Mariposa
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Valley Village
✅ Book it!
Hotel Mariposa is great if you’re looking for accommodation that won’t break the bank that’s near Universal Studios Hollywood. This 3 star hotel offers surprisingly good amenities, such as a great gym and shared lounge in the entrance, as well as a 2-floor underground parking garage for $25 a night.
🔥 Hot Tip!! Although there is paid parking in the hotel, you can often get free parking on the street here so keep your eyes peeled!
The decor of the hotel is clean and new, with luxurious touches like complimentary robes and lavender sachets to put on your pillows. For those looking for some outdoor relaxation, there’s no pool but they do have an incredible jacuzzi.
During our stay, we encountered a minor issue with a water leak in our bathroom on the last morning. The hotel staff were quick to offer us another room, which was great, especially since it was our checkout day. This seemed like a one-time problem, so it wasn’t a big deal.
Although the hotel doesn’t have free breakfast, Hugo’s right across the street offers delicious Almond Energy Pancakes that we loved.
The butterfly decor throughout the hotel is a nice touch, and its proximity to Universal Studios Hollywood is a huge plus. We definitely plan to stay here again if we’re visiting Universal Studios in the future!
“Large modern rooms, comfortable bed and pillows, excellent location – there is a supermarket, pizza and tacos within a 2 minute walk. There is a safe, refrigerator and means to make coffee in the room. They cleaned and changed our towels every day. Kind staff, they let us check in at 13 instead of 16 for free. The hotel looks really nice and there are pictures of butterflies in common spaces and in the room”
-Alejandro (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
4. Terranea Resort
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Rancho Palos Verdes
✅ Book it!
Terranea Resort is THE PLACE to visit if you’re looking for an action packed first trip to LA. Situated on 102 private acres of Palos Verdes Peninsula, the 5-star resort offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island from every room.
With a variety of on-site activities such as kayaking, whale watching, scuba diving, horseback riding, and the interesting Falconry program as well as an oceanfront golf course, you’ll never be bored! You can even take the free shuttle to Abalone Cove or local shopping centers.
🔥 Hot Tip!! This resort is dog friendly, so you don’t need to leave your 4 legged friend at home!
The trails and cliffs along Terranea are also great places to explore and you might even catch sight of whales or dolphins if you keep an eye out! Families will love it here too; there’s a great kids club with plenty of fun activities for youngsters.
All in all, Terranea Resort is very classy without being too pretentious – perfect for those looking for some relaxation and luxury.
“The location was beautiful! A 45 minute drive from LAX (with good traffic), the room was gorgeous, the pool, bar and food scene was fantastic. The meals were pricey, but that was to be expected. You could see whales from your pool lounge chair. It was family and dog friendly, but you could also easily avoid both by going to the adult only pool. The staff were friendly and helpful. Impeccably clean and well kept grounds”
-Carly (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
5. Conrad Los Angeles
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Downtown LA
✅ Book it!
Looking for top notch design and an architectural feast on your first trip to LA? Conrad Los Angeles is a 5 star hotel that stands out from the rest due to its fabulous interior design and incredible architecture which contrasts with the other buildings around it. With its contemporary style, it offers guests a modern and comfortable experience.
All rooms offer stunning city views while also being well appointed with great amenities and facilities. Enjoy having coffee or tea on your private balcony while admiring the beautiful sites of downtown LA!
🔥 Hot Tip!! Don’t miss out on the complimentary yoga class held outdoors- it raises the experience to another level!
The restaurant is also great, serving up delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast in particular is excellent, offering a wide array of options for all dietary needs. And when you’re looking to stay active during your stay, you can take advantage of Conrad Los Angeles’ well-equipped fitness center.
No matter what brings you to LA, Conrad Los Angeles has you covered! Enjoy staying in comfort with exceptional service right in the heart of downtown LA.
“This property was beautiful and the rooms were spotless (amazing housekeeping). The staff is friendly and professional and the food was amazing! The area surrounding the hotel felts safe and was clean.”
-Karla (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
6. Hotel Figueroa
⭐️ RATING: 4.2/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Downtown LA
✅ Book it!
Hotel Figueroa is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, perfectly situated for anyone visiting LA for the first-time. The hotel offers 2 restaurants and 4 bars on site, including Sparrow, an Italian restaurant that overlooks the pool.
Once you step inside Hotel Figueroa, you’ll be taken aback by their modern design, and even more so when you reach the top floors. From here, you’ll get breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings – it’s truly a sight to behold.
🔥 Hot Tip!! A table in the breakfast area is not guaranteed for guests as it’s small, so get there early to avoid having to wait! You also get free lattes in the morning, so ask for one.
The amenities at Hotel Figueroa are also top-notch. They’ve managed to maintain the charm of the hotel while providing modern amenities. With contemporary furniture and beautiful outdoor areas like their pool oasis featuring a lounge around the pool the hotel exells at creating a romantic atmosphere for couples wanting to share an intimate dinner.
The attentive staff also takes care of all your needs, and everything is designed with comfort and luxury in mind. Truly perfect for those looking for a pampered stay in California’s most happening city!
“The facility is amazing. Everything is clean and modern and my room was super clean and minimalist. Beds are very comfortable. Best showers with your option of waterfall shower. Food and bar is excellent. Great location across from the symphony hall; awesome views from high floors. With all that being said the staff is probably the best part! The staff truly make this hotel glow with the effort they put into making a stay great.”
-Joseph (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
7. Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Burbank
✅ Book it!
Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood offers a unique and luxurious experience if you’d like a retro Hollywood infused trip! This chic boutique hotel brings an old Hollywood feel – both elegant and comfortable. The beds are exceptionally comfortable with luxury linens, down pillows, and a cozy bathrobe provided in each room.
🔥 Hot Tip!! The breakfast here could be improved, but there is a Starbucks across the way so not a big deal.
Beyond the gorgeous rooms and attentive staff, the hotel is located just 15 minutes from the Warner Brothers Studio by foot. And visitors looking to take a break can do so in style; Hotel Amarano features an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi – perfect for catching up on some much needed rest or relaxation while in sunny Southern California.
At Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood, first time visitors will find all their needs met in one place – luxury accommodations, friendly service, and close proximity to all the best sites in the area.
“This place was incredible…it is deco chic with an old Hollywood feel to the place. The beds are exceptionally comfortable and the staff were extremely friendly. The hotel is close to Universal Studios and the studio tours which is great as I would recommend you Uber. Great continental breakfasts offered.”
-Caryn (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
8. Pendry West Hollywood
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: West Hollywood
✅ Book it!
Pendry West Hollywood is a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of West Hollywood, known for its chic and modern boutique style. Newly opened, this hotel offers guests an unforgettable experience with amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, spa and gym, and onsite restaurant.
The location of Pendry West Hollywood is perfect if it’s your first stay in LA; it’s just minutes away from the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as a wide selection of restaurants nearby.
🔥 Hot Tip!! Don’t miss the excellent concierge service—they will help arrange anything from car rentals to show tickets!
When you arrive at Pendry West Hollywood, it’s impossible not to be taken aback by its design and atmosphere. From the very first moment you step through the doors, you’ll feel the luxurious atmosphere and know that you’re in somewhere special. The rooms are tastefully decorated with views of the hills outside, providing a sense of tranquility and serenity.
The onsite restaurant has an incredible rooftop terrace where guests can gather to enjoy some delicious food while taking in great views of Los Angeles.
“Great hotel. Wonderful restaurant, rooftop bar, and ground floor cafe with bakery. Service is wonderful including room service and the bathroom was gorgeous. We also enjoyed the beautiful bar next to the hotel lobby. Our room was very comfortable with a view of the hills; it was quite a challenge to leave the comfort of the room to explore LA! Convenient to the Hollywood Bowl and the various museums. Also love the glass/mirror sculpture in the lobby. ”
-Jeff (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
9. The Metric
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Downtown LA
✅ Book it!
If you’re looking for an excellent budget option, book your stay at The Metric. Located north of the 110 in City West, The Metric is located just steps away from all the attractions that make California so popular.
For those who want to keep their accommodation plans simple and straightforward, there are no frills here – no restaurant, room service or gym. But what you do get is free coffee, water and pastries in the morning, plus an immaculate property with minimalist chic décor. The mattress and pillows are incredibly comfortable too!
🔥 Hot Tip!! This hotel has luggage lockers which means you can store your luggage after check out if have a late flight later in the day
Plus, with new facilities and impeccable attention to detail from the hotel’s owners, you can be sure of great value for your money when staying at The Metric. With a convenient location, great amenities and excellent customer service, The Metric Hotel is an ideal choice for anyone looking to make the most of their trip to California.
“I had a relaxing 3-night stay at this hotel thanks to the attentive, helpful staff and the amenities. While this is a no-frills hotel, the delicious morning pastries and all-day espresso and tea add extra feelings of comfort to your stay. The building is conveniently located in a safe area within a 20-minute walk to Downtown LA.
-Sabrina (Read more reviews)
Overall, I loved everything about this place! The staff were the best part; they made me feel valued.”
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
10. Sunset Marquis Hotel
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: West Hollywood
✅ Book it!
Sunset Marquis Hotel is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of West Hollywood. As a 4-star hotel, it offers luxuries such as private lifts and villas that will make your stay unforgettable.
Nestled into a tree-lined cul-de-sac, the hotel is just steps from the famed sidewalks of the Sunset Strip. From its attentive staff to its lush gardens and 2 outdoor pools, Sunset Marquis Hotel provides all the amenities needed for an unforgettable experience.
🔥Hot Tip!! Bring your workout wear; many guests mention how excellent the gym is.
The property also includes an on-site spa, where guests can indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation treatments during their stay. The spa’s sauna, hot tub, massage services, and rest areas provide an idyllic escape from everyday life. You’ll even find that the Sunset Marquis Hotel has its own recording studio and art gallery for guests to explore.
If it’s your first time in LA and you’re looking for sophistication and quiet luxury paired with convenience and comfort, Sunset Marquis Hotel should be at the top of your list.
“Fun, beautifully designed hotel in a quiet, central location with many good restaurants within walking distance. There was a good mix of families and other travelers here. Our suite was spacious and comfortable.”
-Molly (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
11. Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Manhattan Beach
✅ Book it!
Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach is a great choice for as an LA first-timer if you’d like to do it all on foot. Manhattan Beach & pier are very walkable from this hotel so you don’t have to worry about renting cars or taking public transportation to get around. Plus, the staff is wonderful and very helpful in giving suggestions on what to do in the area.
With its 4 star rating, you can be sure to get great service and comfortable rooms with all the amenities you need. Every room has a 2-person hot tub, balcony, and views of the ocean. On the rooftop pool and bar, you can enjoy stunning sunsets while lounging in the pool or sipping drinks at the bar.
🔥 Hot Tip!! The restaurant at Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach also has great food with plenty of gluten free options. So no matter your dietary needs, everyone can find something delicious here!
The décor is unique and quirky with an Art Deco feel that gives it a bit of character. Although the hotel is a bit dated, the great location and comfortable rooms make up for it. And if you want to explore, complimentary bikes are available for guests.
“The staff is exceptional. The location to nearby shops and dining is also great. The beds are comfortable and the whirlpool tub in the room is awesome. I also was impressed with the food and drinks at the hotel restaurant.”
-Veronica (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
12. Hampton Inn LAX/Hawthorne
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Hawthorne (Near LAX)
✅ Book it!
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel with many FREE amenities, book your stay at this Hampton Inn. That’s why we stayed here! We were looking for a highly rated LA hotel that had free parking & free breakfast and it took us days to find one but we finally did!
The parking is gated in a parking garage that can only be accessed by your hotel key card or a specific code. This gave us a peace of mind knowing that only hotel guests can access the garage.
The hotel offers a free breakfast every morning with lots of different options. Most of the things are the same each day, but they change up the kinds of eggs, sausages, and waffles.
🔥 Hot Tip!! Try their flavored waffles! I’ve stayed in tons of hotels including many Hampton Inns and I’ve NEVER seen waffle flavors like malted vanilla, strawberry and pumpkin spice! And you don’t even have to make a whole waffle for each of the flavors – one of the waffle makers can make mini waffles so sample a little bit of each!
They have comfy beds and the location is great, too – less than 20 minutes away from LAX. Plus you can swim in the indoor pool, work out in the fitness center, or relax in the hot tub. We didn’t have time to enjoy any of those amenities during our 3-night stay but we saw others enjoying them!
We loved that the room was so spacious – we spread our things all over the room! And the room had a microwave and fridge – which is perfect since we had many leftovers from eating out in LA. You can also see planes taking off and landing at LAX.
We checked in on Thanksgiving day and they had complimentary chocolate chip cookies at the front desk! 😋 Our stay was pretty good, but a few things weren’t perfect. First, our bathroom smelled weird when we got there, but it got better after we aired it out.
Another night, our neighbor was playing loud music, but it stopped 10 minutes after we called the front desk. Also, our parking garage card didn’t work on the last day, but the hotel staff gave us a new one. I think these were just small, one-time problems, so we’d consider staying here again!
While the neighborhood around the hotel didn’t seem like the best area for walking around, it wasn’t much of an issue for us. We were mainly there for the nights, and during the day, we explored other parts of Los Angeles.
“Everything was EXCELLENT. Rooms super wide and comfortable, bathroom super wide and clean. Nice decor. Staff very kind and informative. Breakfast was out of words, with a lot of options, the best of my trip! They also had a nice and safe garage for guests. Location is not very friendly at night, but I don’t mind, since the hotel itself is amazing.”
– Leticia (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
13. Huntley Santa Monica Beach
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars |📍 LOCATION: Santa Monica
✅ Book it!
Huntley Santa Monica Beach is the perfect destination for first-time LA visitors looking for incredible views. Located a few blocks from the beach, this luxurious 4-star hotel offers stunning views from both its rooftop restaurant and bar as well as selected rooms.
Enjoy their excellent breakfast with a view of the ocean or take a complimentary bike around town to explore. Even though, there are no pools or spa here, you’ll find that the proximity to the sea and the service all make up for it.
🔥 Hot Tip!! Skip the valet parking since its a little too pricey – there’s a garage 1 block down at half the price.
The hotel does offer a limited number of full sea view rooms, so it’s worth inquiring whether your view is partial or full when checking in. With elegant white drapes and cozy lounges, Huntley Santa Monica Beach promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of Santa Monica’s beach district.
“Great service, room was spacious and cozy with a very comfortable bed and nice bathroom. Penthouse restaurant had amazing views and had great food as well, especially breakfast.”
-Yaniv (Read more reviews)
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
Best LA Neighborhoods For First Timers
🏖️ Santa Monica: It has beautiful beaches, an amusement park pier, and a laid-back vibe. It’s perfect those who love the beach and want a chill place in Los Angeles. The only problem is that there’s a lot of traffic, but you can use buses or bikes to get around easier.
🍸 West Hollywood: This is known for its exciting nightlife, trendy shops, and being super welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. The downside is that things can be expensive, but if you live a bit away from the busiest parts or share a place, it can be more affordable.
👪 South Bay: It’s known for its pretty beaches, nice neighborhoods for families, and great places to eat. It’s a quieter part of LA and recommended if you don’t want the city’s busyness. It’s a bit far from downtown LA, but if you travel during non-peak hours, it’s easier.
🏛️ Downtown LA: This is the heart of the city with culture, arts, and business, ideal if you enjoy an urban lifestyle with easy access to museums, theaters, and fine dining. It can be noisy and busy, but living on a quieter street is possible.
📽️ Near Studios (Universal City & Burbank): Living near Universal City and Burbank is perfect if you’re into movies and TV shows because it’s close to big studios and events. It can be expensive, but there are affordable places to stay including the hotel we stayed in this list.
FAQs
Staying in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, or Downtown LA are great choices because they have lots of things to do and see.
It depends on what you like! Downtown LA is good for museums and restaurants, while Hollywood is better if you’re into movies and want to see the Walk of Fame.
The best place to stay in LA without a car is Hollywood or Downtown LA because there’s lots of things to see and do within walking distance.
The safest places to stay in Los Angeles are Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood, where there’s less crime and more tourist-friendly areas.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—the top 13 hotels for first-time visitors to Los Angeles! Whether you’re dreaming of ocean views near Santa Monica or prefer the buzz of Downtown LA, picking the right hotel can make all the difference in your trip.
We hope this guide helps you find your ideal spot to stay in the City of Angels. Before you pack your bags, make sure to check out our post: Renting a Car in Los Angeles. It’s packed with tips to help you navigate the city like a pro—because getting around LA shouldn’t be harder than choosing your hotel!
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
Top 19 Things To Do In South Bay, Los Angeles
Top 7 Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Los Angeles
The Valley In California: What’s It Like From A Local
Need help planning a trip? We can help plan your dream road trip in California!
Follow our California experiences: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
