We’ve all felt pressure from the rising cost-of-living (as evidenced by the outrageous price of mangoes and toilet paper right now). But that doesn’t mean you need to give up on your holiday plans altogether.
Make the most of your trip—and your travel budget—with these affordable hotels in Los Angeles. Here are 7 of the best affordable hotels for your next LA stay.
The Tangerine
Burbank
Image credit: The Tangerine | Website
Inspired by Hollywood’s film industry, The Tangerine is a boutique hotel that’s only minutes away from major studios like Universal Warner Brothers, Disney and NBC. Despite its urban surroundings, the hotel appears more like a retro, roadside Palm Springs motel; two low-rise floors of guest rooms curve around the building’s courtyard and car park, which also happens to contain a sparkling blue swimming pool. As a bonus, breakfast is free and features baked goods from Homeboy Bakery—a social enterprise that supports formerly incarcerated men and women through employment and training.
Freehand Los Angeles
DTLA
Image credit: Freehand Los Angeles | Website
With its exceptional walkability score and share-style rooms, Freehand Los Angeles is one of the best affordable hotels in LA for families and travellers who aren’t shy about meeting new people. It’s like an elevated hostel, but with spacious, loft-style rooms, Scandinavian furniture and private ensuites. A fantastic budget-friendly option for those who are willing to share a dorm or bunk with mates, and if you book 30 days or more in advance, there’s a further 15% discount applied to the room.
Bayside Hotel
Santa Monica
Image credit: Bayside Hotel | Website
If you plan to cover a lot of ground while sightseeing in LA, a hire car will be essential. However, many hotels will sting you with valet or overnight parking fees. Fortunately, parking at Bayside Hotel is completely free—and according to girl math, this means your stay pretty much pays for itself. The hotel is located near the Santa Monica pier and within walking distance of Venice and Marina del Rey, so beach-lovers will be in their element.
Venice Breeze Suites
Venice Beach
Image credit: Venice Breeze Suites | Website
Located at the doorstep of Venice Beach and sitting flush with its famed boardwalk, Venice Breeze Suites is not for those seeking a quiet respite. Being so close to the action makes the hotel somewhat vibrant and noisy, but that’s exactly why you come. With wooden floorboards and red brick walls that frame the ocean views, its coastal design allows guests to immerse themselves in the beachside experience. Plus, the rooms all feature fully equipped kitchens—meaning you can save some extra cash by picking up fresh produce at the local farmers market and cooking a DIY dinner.
Hotel Beverly Terrace
Beverly Hills
Image credit: Beverly Terrace | Website
First of all, don’t confuse this hotel with the nearby Beverly Hilton. Beverly Terrace is a much smaller, 39 room operation that looks more like a 1950s bungalow than tourist accommodation, and it’s not at the level of luxury that the neighbourhood might lead you to expect. However, it’s a clean, entirely pleasant option for those who want to spend their money on activities, not sleeping arrangements. Located at the nexus of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the hotel is within walking distance of Rodeo Drive, live music venue the Troubadour and the iconic Dan Tana’s restaurant.
Hotel Angeleno
Century City
Image credit: Hotel Angeleno | Website
A towering, cylindrical building that shoots up towards the Westwood skyline, Hotel Angeleno offers 360 degree views of the city and Sunset Boulevard below. But there’s some additional special features that make it a hot option for those on a limited budget: firstly, there’s a complimentary wine hour that takes place from 4-5pm daily, which means you can pre-game while taking in the impressive view. There’s also a free shuttle service that ferries guests from the hotel to UCLA Campus and Medical Center, Getty Museum, Skirball Cultural Center, Brentwood Village and Westwood Village/Fox Theater. Plus, they have a gratuity-free policy—which is a welcome relief for Aussies who get anxious wondering when and how much they’re meant to tip.
Mama Shelter
Hollywood
Image credit: Mama Shelter | Website
You know Mama Shelter is Gen Z-friendly, because they use an excessive amount of emojis and pride themselves on offering free adult movies in every room. No complaints here. The room decor has genuine personality, and for a budget price point you’ll still get king size beds with premium linen, and sustainable, organic toiletries that aren’t chained to the vanity. With a lively rooftop bar and restaurant attached—which hosts regular trivia nights, dance parties and film screenings—Mama Shelter is like the Contiki Tour of hotels for a younger crowd.
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