The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Los Angeles

This boutique hotel in Glendale, just east of the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Hills, is quickly approaching its 100th birthday. The vintage-style rooms reference this long history, with exposed beams and period furniture, while the lounge is an opulent haven of plaster busts and gilt-framed rococo cherubs. Few Los Angeles hotels can claim to have been around since 1924, and the Brandwood’s longevity rests on both its excellent service and central location, within 20 minutes’ drive of sights including the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Part of the Japanese Miyako chain, this distinctive hotel reflects its location in Little Tokyo, between Chinatown and the Arts District, with calligraphy artworks in the rooms. The neat guest rooms also feature Japanese-style heated water bidets among their mod cons, which include coffeemakers, mini-fridges and writing desks. Guests can get a taste of the Land of the Rising Sun at Tamon Restaurant, with its sushi bar and bamboo decor, and Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe, which serves Japanese breads and pastries.

You’ll find much more than an anonymous airport hotel at this stylish haven in El Segundo, just south of LAX and 2mi (3km) from the city’s beach. Head to the Hangar bar-restaurant for flights of a different kind, featuring locally brewed craft beers or fries for sharing, and Santa Barbara wines. Outside, take a dip in the dazzling pool or wander the sands of Santa Monica Bay. There’s a range of rooms and suites, including accessible options, and the designers have added character to the comfortable interiors through quirky artworks and furnishings.

This affordable boutique hotel in Los Angeles wears its considerable appeal on its sleeve, offering “su casa” in 16 recently renovated suites next to Southern California’s famed Venice Beach. True to the hip environment of rollerbladers, skateboarders, surfers and musclemen, the casual rooms mix color accents, eclectic art and beach views with all-important mod cons. Opt for a suite or studio with a kitchenette, or upgrade to a two-bedroom cottage or bungalow, the latter offering a beach-house aesthetic of white walls and wooden floors.

Raymond Chandler, James Ellroy, Roger Rabbit… staying at this vintage-styled hotel will bring all sorts of cultural references to mind. Imagine yourself in the role of a silver-screen private investigator with the help of retro telephones and old-fashioned canopy chairs, which decorate the chic rooms alongside contemporary daubs and tree-branch-patterned carpets. Just south of Beverly Hills and LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, the hotel has a playful sense of creativity, from its arty lobby to the striped wall overlooking the outdoor deck.

This historical 1920s property has been refurbished and modernized, but the building’s unique character and charm remain, with original skylights, restored mahogany doors and sophisticated woodwork rounding out the vintage decor. The hotel offers a daily wine reception and continental breakfast, as well as free passes to the nearby Wilfit Sports Club, with a full-service gym and fitness classes. Try the renowned Cassell’s Hamburgers restaurant, or make reservations at the hidden speakeasy, Walker Inn.

Freehand Los Angeles is a budget-friendly LA hotel that is part stylish hipster hotel, part hostel. Guest rooms radiate boho-chic vibes with earthy tones and handmade wall hangings by local LA artists. Having been expertly curated by design studio Roman and Williams, the private rooms and apartment-like suites feature king-sized beds and large windows, inspiring a homey feel. The more affordable shared rooms sleep four, six or eight – perfect for groups – and have their own en-suite bathrooms, privacy screens and lockers. Don’t miss out on a visit to Broken Shaker, Freehand’s popular rooftop pool and cocktail bar, where you can relax and enjoy sweeping views of the city.

Channel Elle Woods by staying next door to the campus where Reese Witherspoon livened up law lectures in Legally Blonde. The USC Hotel is clean-cut and modern, with traditional decor and a range of facilities that include three restaurants, a fitness center and a pool. When you’re not busy at some of the nearby attractions – including LA Football Club and the Staples Center – be sure to spend some time by the pool. The ivy-clad outdoor area is perfect for soaking up some of the rays the Golden State is so famous for.

The Tangerine is a traditional 1950s motel building with a twist. Rooms are vibrant with pops of – you guessed it – orange, alongside murals that range from galactic scenes to canyon images. The building encompasses a street-facing courtyard – complete with a pool, offering a reprieve from the LA heat. Additionally, rather than a lackluster continental spread, the free breakfast comes from nearby Cuban bakery Porto’s. One of the biggest draws of the Tangerine, however, is its proximity to the major movie studios. Universal is just a five-minute drive away, as are Disney, Warner Brothers and Burbank. You’ll be riding through the sets of Hollywood’s most famous films in no time.