Cheap Place To Stay In Los Angeles – Editor’s note: This post was originally published in May 2013 and has been updated to December 2019. All prices were correct at the time of original publication.
Welcome to Los Angeles! This laid-back, quiet, and sunny city is consistently the most populous city in the United States, in more ways than one. Each neighborhood has its own topography and vibe, and almost all are worth exploring. Here are some tips for staying, eating, shopping and playing on the cheap in LA, while still taking in the best the city has to offer.
Cheap Place To Stay In Los Angeles
Accommodation can be difficult, as this is a very expensive place. Try not to travel when there is a big event in town, such as a marathon, awards ceremony or parade, because room prices tend to go up when they are full. All in all, you can’t go wrong with a hostel with a great reputation, which feels very Californian to me. Look for extra savings included like parking if you have a car, easy access to public transportation if you don’t, or a complimentary breakfast. And don’t forget to look for voucher offers! If you’re staying more than a few days, you can get a great deal on renting an apartment, which will provide a kitchen to help you save on food, too!
The Best Hotel Pools In Los Angeles
Stay On Main Hotel (Downtown, hostel) // Little Tokyo Hotel (Little Tokyo, hostel) // Vibe Hotel (Hollywood) // Seaview Hotel (Santa Monica) // Jerry’s Motel (Westlake/Silver Lake) // Apartment Rentals (pictured)
Now, as you quickly learn as you scroll through tons of hotel reviews about places to stay in Los Angeles, I know many travelers are uncomfortable with the idea of staying in motels, hostels, or anywhere that has a crowd of college students or shared bathrooms. . Some will book a Hilton or Holiday Inn or Best Western just for the sake of it, but if you’re upping the ante, still consider the boutique options. Many of these downtown Los Angeles hotels have free wifi, an outdoor pool, and many offer hotel deals.
Beware, because you will see crazy prices for food. This is probably because you are usually paying for organic, humanely raised, locally sourced ingredients and the high wages of the amazing chef who selected them. Vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, gluten-free, generally healthy—any dietary restriction is easily accommodated here. The thing is, Los Angeles does food really, really well, and if you
Shop and cook for yourself on the trip there – a trick I usually find very good – you are missing out. So here’s what I recommend:
Best Affordable Hotels In Los Angeles
My cheap LA shopping advice is very simple. Skip the Grove and Beverly Center, because they are sad and crowded anyway. Go to this little spot on Melrose Ave, focus on the vintage, and go on a Sunday. (Free street parking is easy to find in the residential neighborhoods north of Melrose.)
The Melrose Trading Post flea market ($2 entry) has a wide array of merchandise ranging from home decor to records, clothing to art.
Heading west on Melrose, the stores tend to get more designer and expensive, but the east side is home to tons of affordable clothing stores any day of the week. If you’re in need of sustenance, grab a large slice of Tomato Pie pizza for a few bucks. I know this isn’t New York, but as far as “LA” pizzas go, this has got to be one of the best. Check out American Vintage, Wasteland, Slow, and Crossroads, and try to find my favorite store, which has no name.
Along La Brea Ave, you can find the famous vintage shop Jet Rag, which hosts a $1 Sunday “Yard Sale”.
Cheap Motels In Los Angeles
For the rest of your cheap skates journey, try to keep yourself on the fast track. There are many free things to do, and this is not an exhaustive list. But it’s a good start.
Getty Center // European + American Art, Middle Ages – now // Open: Tuesday-Juan, free to the public. $15 parking.
Getty Villa // Art + culture of Ancient Greece, Rome, Etruria // Open: Wed-Mon, free with reservations (timed entry ticket). $15 parking.
Annenberg Space for Photography // Rotating photo exhibition // Open: Wed-Sun, free to the public. $1-$3.50 parking, depending on day/hour.
Of The Best Cheap Hotels In The U.s
LACMA // Contemporary Art // Regular exhibitions free to the public on Holiday Mondays + 2nd Tuesdays. Parking $10, free with proof from the restaurant/bar (so you can spend that $10 on a drink).
Griffith Observatory // Free to walk around outside and you can get a great view of the famous Beverly Hills Hollywood sign (just a hint, it looks very small and far from the observation deck at the Griffith Observatory but it’s still worth seeing!)
Griffith Park // Come closer to the Hollywood sign. (But not too close, or the choppers will scream at you).
Runyon Canyon // Get a great view of the city, plus watch the dogs. You can also find free yoga classes here several times a day.
Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods In Los Angeles In 2023
Canals of Venice // You can walk these beautiful waterways for free and check out how the expensive houses line up, but it’s also a great place to rent a bike to explore them ($6/hour here or here).
Santa Monica Beach // It’s much nicer to camp on the beach near the Annenberg Community Beach House than the more popular spot near the Santa Monica Pier. Parking is about $10/day in the summer.
Los Angeles is too big a city for space for one post or even one trip but we hope you found this guide useful! I haven’t even scratched the surface of all the things to do in town! What are your favorite cheap and free things to do in LA?
Lauren Johnson is a filmmaker/producer based in West Hollywood who enjoys wild exoticism, fun beers and non-primary colors. Lauren also writes the blog LOCONCEPTS.
Best Luxurious And In Budget Hotels In Los Angeles (2023)
I LOVE Airbnb because it allows me to feel like a host while also helping me save money on food costs (since I can use the kitchen!)
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Los Angeles Best Hotels And Accommodation For Your Budget
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You don’t have to break the bank to spend a trip in L.A. Choose one of these affordable hotels for a stress-free stay.
You’ve researched the best free things to do in L.A., read about which beaches won’t charge you an arm and a leg for parking and found out when you can catch a free concert. Now, you just need to find a cheap hotel in Los Angeles. While the city is certainly known for its luxury digs, it’s not without its friendly options—even on the beach. Before you come to visit, consider staying at one of these cheap hotels in Los Angeles.
The Rose Hotel is a little gem on Rose Road, newly renovated by fashion photographer Glen Luchford. The hotel actually belonged to the founder of Venice, Abbot Kinney, and you can feel the hotel from the last 20th century with the hardwood floors and furniture. Guests are served Stumptown coffee, croissants from Sugarbloom bakery and juices from Moon Juice. Cruisers are also available for rent.
Affordable Luxury At It’s Best In Downtown La: The Historic Biltmore Hotel
Although not exactly on the beach, this low-rise, hilltop hotel is as close as you can get to the ocean in Manhattan Beach. The Sea View Inn is among the low-key restaurants in the quiet north end of town. Some of the rooms have been renovated with a more modern aesthetic, although others feel more like a motel. Rooms facing Highland Avenue can be a little noisy, but larger rooms and suites come with private balconies and beautiful ocean views. Bicycles, beach equipment and Wi-Fi are all included.
Its two-story structure overlooking the parking lot might technically make the Tangerine Hotel a motel, but it’s the best motel in the Valley—think polished concrete floors, wall art, and gorgeous wall art. In addition to Wi-Fi and free parking, the hotel offers free breakfast and pastries from Porto’s beloved Bakery. This hotel is located near the Warner Brothers Studio and is walking distance from Bob’s Big Boy and restaurants in nearby Toluca Lake.
This convenient hotel near the airport has 80 rooms, underground parking and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms can be spacious, especially king rooms, which each come with a mini spa and hot tub. The free continental breakfast is great
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