United States California Los Angeles Los Angeles Guide Things To Do Essentials Restaurants Nightlife Where to Stay Neighborhoods Events Getaways All Los Angeles The 7 Best Budget Los Angeles Hotels The Hoxton, Downtown LA is the best budget hotel in the City of Angels Written by Christina Liao Updated 05/28/21 Share Pin Email Peter Stark / Getty Images Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products and services; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. The Rundown Best Overall: The Hoxton, Downtown LA Best for Families: Magic Castle Hotel Best Downtown: Freehand Los Angeles Best in Hollywood: Mama Shelter Los Angeles Best in Santa Monica: Sea Shore Motel Best Scene: The Line LA Best near Universal Studios: The Garland Budget-friendly hotels in Los Angeles are easier to come by than you’d imagine. Even in a city that’s known for glitz and glam, the wallet-conscious traveler can rest easy in well-appointed accommodations or conveniently located properties. When you’re trying to figure out where to stay, consider where you want to be in this sprawling metropolis (after all, traffic is notorious here and the last thing you want to do is spend your vacation in the car). Whether it’s in the heart of revitalized downtown, down by the beach in Santa Monica, or near popular attractions like Hollywood and Universal Studios, there are plenty of options to choose from. The following hotels top their categories based on accolades, customer reviews, rates, design, and more. Read on for our expert list of the best budget hotels in Los Angeles. 01 of 07 Best Overall: The Hoxton, Downtown LA The Hoxton, Downtown LA See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It With its de rigeur design and a nice rooftop pool and restaurant, the Hoxton, Downtown LA is a well-appointed boutique hotel at an affordable price. Pros Rooftop pool with great views Rooftop restaurant and bar offers a weekday happy hour Cons Rooms are on the smaller side $30+ daily resort fee, $49+ valet fee per night Description Downtown Los Angeles has undergone a revitalization over the past few years and with that has come a slew of new hotels. One of the many that have made its mark in the neighborhood is the Hoxton, Downtown LA. A boutique property that combines its London roots with a touch of old-school Hollywood glamour, it’s decorated with potted plants, vintage furniture, and punchy patterns. The rooms have been thoughtfully designed with details like handmade bathroom tiles, statement-making rattan headboards, and rugs inspired by Mexico. To capitalize on its rooftop with sweeping views of DTLA, the hotel offers a pool, restaurant, and bar up top, and there’s also a bistro on its ground level with daily coffee, breakfast, and brunch. Notable Amenities Complimentary bikes included in stay 02 of 07 Best for Families: Magic Castle Hotel Magic Castle Hotel See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It With its spacious accommodations, complementary offerings, and Hollywood location, Magic Castle Hotel caters to families and children. Pros Heated outdoor pool with a “popsicle hotline” for free frozen treats Spacious suites Cons No elevator to access the second floor No on-site fitness center $15+ self parking fee Description When you’re traveling with kids, space and amenities are important, and Magic Castle Hotel delivers on both. With one- and two-bedroom suites that accommodate up to five and six people respectively, there’s plenty of room for everyone. The property also offers a heated outdoor pool complete with free popsicles; complimentary full-size snacks at the front desk; laundry services at no additional cost; and access to the private Magic Castle club. Plus, it’s located just steps away from Hollywood’s most popular attractions and less than a 10-minute drive to Universal Studios. Notable Amenities Complimentary laundry services Complimentary snacks offered at the front desk 03 of 07 Best Downtown: Freehand Los Angeles Freehand Los Angeles See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Whether you want a hostel or boutique hotel, Freehand Los Angeles offers both concepts in beautifully designed spaces by Roman and Williams. Pros Affordable rates with beds in a dorm starting at $55 and private rooms starting at $144 Home to Broken Shaker, a James Beard Award–nominated cocktail bar Rooftop pool with great views Cons Quad dorms are on the smaller side $15+ daily resort fee Parking not offered through the hotel Description Located in Downtown’s iconic Commercial Exchange Building, Freehand Los Angeles offers guests a hostel-boutique hotel hybrid with beautifully designed spaces by acclaimed studio Roman and Williams. Shared rooms feature cedar bunks with privacy screens while private accommodations are outfitted with king beds and a sitting space; all are decorated with thoughtful details like hand-woven textiles, painted tiles, and works by local artists. The property even offers a rooftop pool for guests to unwind, as well as four dining and beverage outlets to choose from, including James Beard Award-nominated bar Broken Shaker. Notable Amenities Female-only dorms 04 of 07 Best in Hollywood: Mama Shelter Los Angeles Mama Shelter Los Angeles See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Set just a block away from Hollywood Boulevard, Mama Shelter Los Angeles is just steps from some of the neighborhood’s most popular attractions. Pros Rooftop bar and restaurant with great views Live DJ at the first-floor bar All rooms are furnished with king-size beds Cons Rooms are on the smaller side, starting at 215 square feet Ambient noise is audible in accommodations Room service is not offered Description Within walking distance to Hollywood’s most popular attractions like the Walk of Fame, TLC Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre, Mama Shelter Los Angeles offers a convenient location at surprisingly affordable rates. Some of the rooms are fairly tight but are ideal for younger travelers who plan on spending the majority of their time exploring. To match its jovial vibe, the hotel also offers a lively rooftop bar and restaurant with nearly 360-degree views of the city. Notable Amenities Complimentary movies Organic toiletries Continue to 5 of 7 below. 05 of 07 Best in Santa Monica: Sea Shore Motel Sea Shore Motel See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It With its ideal location on Main Street, Sea Shore Hotel offers surprisingly affordable rates in Santa Monica. Pros Central location on Main Street Complimentary self-parking for guests on-site Deluxe Suites are equipped with full kitchens and balconies Cons Ambient noise can be heard in some accommodations No daily housekeeping Description The family-owned Sea Shore Motel doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but its central location on Main Street provides guests with a convenient and affordable option in the trendy neighborhood of Santa Monica. Spend a little more cash for a Deluxe Suite and you’ll get the added bonus of a full kitchen and beautiful balcony. And while you’re just steps away from many great restaurants, there’s an on-site café if you need a quick bite. The property also offers complimentary parking to their guests, a rarity in the area. Notable Amenities Sundeck 06 of 07 Best Scene: The Line LA The Line LA See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It With its own nightclub, a lounge outfitted with karaoke suites, and an outdoor pool, the Line LA has a sprightly atmosphere that’s perfect for a fun-filled vacation. Pros A retro 80s lounge Central location in the heart of Koreatown Pet-friendly; no pet fee or weight limit Cons Some rooms are on the smaller side, starting at 300 square feet Ambient sound can be heard from some accommodations $25+ daily resort fee Description Located in the heart of Koreatown, The Line LA is near some of the city’s most exciting restaurants and nightlife. But with entertainment facilities like its own disco club with an Art Deco flair and a retro 80s lounge outfitted with karaoke suites, you won’t even have to leave the property for some fun. The hotel also has some other great beverage and dining options in the form of a greenhouse-style Openaire restaurant helmed by chef Josiah Citrin of two Michelin starred–Mélisse; an outpost of Alfred for coffee, matcha, and quick bites; and a lobby bar serving up classic cocktails with a Korean twist. Rooms here are bright thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and are a mix of industrialist and modern with concrete walls and colorful accents. If you want to unwind, there’s an outdoor pool on the second floor; otherwise, grab one of the custom Linux x THE LINE bikes and explore the neighborhood. Notable Amenities Karaoke lounge on site Complimentary bikes for guests 07 of 07 Best near Universal Studios: The Garland The Garland See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Just a little over a mile away from Universal Studios Hollywood, the Garland also offers its guests free trolley rides to the theme park. Pros Free trolley to and from Universal Studios All accommodations have private balconies Family suites with bunk beds Cons Ambient noise from the freeway can be heard in some accommodations Some rooms are on the smaller side, starting at 247 square feet $29 self-parking fee and $33 valet fee per night Description If you plan on spending a lot of time at Universal Studios Hollywood during your stay, look no further than the Garland. Just a little over a mile away from the film studio turned theme park, the hotel also offers free trolley rides to and from the popular attraction. You also won’t be too far from Hollywood and the iconic Griffith Observatory and Park during your stay. On-site you’ll have access to an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, and fitness center. The retro-designed rooms are accented with the property’s signature orange hue and all accommodations have private balconies. Consider booking a Family Suite if you’re traveling with children, which come furnished with bunk beds and a separate room with a king-size bed. Notable Amenities Outdoor pool Final Verdict With an exciting culinary scene, an extensive list of cultural offerings, and popular attractions, Los Angeles has a worldwide appeal. And even though it’s known for its glitz and glam, there are still plenty of budget-friendly hotels in the city. You’ve got well-appointed properties Downtown in the form of the Hoxton, Freehand, and the Line while family-friendly options like Magic Castle Hotel and the Garland put you near iconic sites like Hollywood and Universal Studios. There’s even the Sea Shore Motel in Santa Monica should you want to be near the beach. And while these hotels may not have all the bells and whistles, they’ll at least get you the best bang for your buck. Compare the Budget Los Angeles Hotels Property Resort Fee Rate Number of Rooms WiFi The Hoxton, Downtown LA Best Overall $30+ $$ 174 Free Magic Castle Hotel Best for Families None $$ 43 Free Freehand Los Angeles Best Downtown $15+ $ 226 Free Mama Shelter Los Angeles Best in Hollywood None $ 70 Free Sea Shore Motel Best in Santa Monica None $ 25 Free The Line LA Best Scene $25+ $$ 383 Free The Garland Best near Universal Studios None $$ 257 Free Methodology We evaluated over a dozen hotels with low rates in Los Angeles before settling on the best for the chosen categories. Notable amenities, pricing, quality of service, location, design, and recent openings were all taken into consideration. In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether the property has collected any accolades in recent years. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit