From Beach-Side to Airport-Adjacent These Are 12 of the Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles
Cheap Hotels in LA Near Downtown
Vagabond Inn at USC
There are few truly inexpensive hotels in the downtown area, but Vagabond Inn offers just that in a convenient location right at the edge of the USC campus — just a hop, skip and jump from the Shrine Auditorium.
While rooms come with just the bare necessities, they’re spacious, clean and have free WiFi. While there is no onsite restaurant, there’s a Thai eatery next door and neighboring strip malls can easily be accessed for a quick bite no matter what the time of day. Guests can take advantage of the free continental breakfast served in the reception area every morning as well as an outdoor pool for swimming.
Freehand Hotel
A hostel-hotel hybrid, the Freehand sits within the storied 1924 Commercial Exchange building, with the original neon sign still in place. It’s right in the heart of all the downtown action, near hip restaurants and bars, a mile from the events at the Staples Center and about an eight-minute walk from the nearest metro station.
The property has a wonderful rooftop pool surrounded by pink loungers and umbrellas, and offers magnificent views. The pool area sits near the Broken Shaker cocktail bar, complete with ceramic Tiki mugs, rattan chairs and tablecloths with colorful fruit prints.
A wide range of room options are available to suit nearly every budget, with a total of 226 rooms. There are 59 shared dorm and 167 private rooms that feature amenities like large flat-screen TVs, seating areas, desks, a hanging basket of snacks and bottled water. Suites add a separate living room. Dorms come with either four, six or eight beds with bunks, lockers, en-suites and private screens.
Guests of the Freehand can also take advantage of free continental breakfast and The Exchange, a modern restaurant serving American/Israeli cuisine. A hot spot among the locals, it offers a fabulous menu that includes catch-of-the-day fish, steaks, kebabs and colorful salads along with a delectable dessert menu that includes tahini ice cream and baklava.
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O Hotel
Located in the Financial District, the O Hotel is one of the few good value, affordable hotels in a walkable downtown location. A stylish boutique option, it’s housed within a 1925 building and is just nine minutes on foot from the Staples Center and less than five minutes from a rapid transit station. Most of the major attractions in downtown can be easily reached, including the Music Center, Disney Concert Hall, the Convention Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. Live.
There are 67 air-conditioned, contemporary rooms with colorful wall murals that give them a cheery feel. All feature high-end amenities like Nespresso machines, smart TVs, iPod docks and mini-fridges. Higher categories come with city views, while suites add more space with living areas.
On site is the renowned Bar 1 Kitchen restaurant open for lunch, happy hour and dinner, as well as providing room service. Guests can also enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, an onsite fitness center and access to Gold’s Gym next door. The D’Vine wine bar is a fabulous basement spot for sipping vino, and there’s even a spa that offers massages for taking relaxation up a notch.
