Is East Hollywood OK to stay in?

Question

We’re visiting during a family holiday to Vegas next summer and looking for decent budget accommodation with a pool from which we can access the tourist hotspots via Uber or public transport, Universal, Walk of Fame, Griffith obs, etc

I keep seeing advice to stay in West Hollywood but have saw a couple of hotels that might fit the bill in East Hollywood (The Dunes Inn Sunset being one) Is the area ok? We come from Glasgow so are fairly streetwise😂 but any advice would be appreciated. Flying in and out of LAX.

Answer

East Hollywood is a mixed neighborhood with pockets that are convenient for tourists but also areas that are less polished than West Hollywood or Hollywood proper. For budget accommodations with a pool, it can be a reasonable choice, especially if your main concern is accessibility to popular attractions via Uber or rideshare.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Location: East Hollywood is fairly central, giving relatively easy access to Universal Studios, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Observatory. With Uber or Lyft, travel times are usually manageable. Public transport options exist, but they may be slower and less direct compared to staying in Hollywood or West Hollywood.
Safety: The area is generally safe in tourist-frequented zones, but like any urban area, there are streets with more transient populations. Common-sense precautions are advised: keep belongings secure, avoid poorly lit streets at night, and use Uber or Lyft for late-night travel.
Atmosphere: East Hollywood has a diverse and local feel. You won’t find the glitz of West Hollywood, but it is authentic, with restaurants and local shops. If your priority is a clean, budget-friendly hotel with a pool, it can work well for a short stay.
Hotel considerations: Research reviews carefully for hotels in East Hollywood. Some budget hotels may be older or have limited amenities, while others like The Dunes Inn Sunset are popular for basic, clean accommodations with pools.

Alternative options worth considering if you’re concerned about safety or atmosphere:

West Hollywood – trendier, safer, vibrant nightlife and restaurants, slightly higher prices, still central to attractions.
Hollywood – more tourist-focused, mid-range pricing, easy access to Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, and Uber rides to Universal.
Koreatown – slightly south of East Hollywood, good restaurants, safe, good Uber access, slightly more urban feel.

Summary advice:

East Hollywood is okay for a short budget-friendly stay if your main goal is cost savings and pool access.
Use Uber or Lyft for evenings and early mornings rather than walking long distances.
West Hollywood or Hollywood would offer a bit more convenience, polish, and overall tourist-friendly feel if budget allows.

Given you are streetwise and just need a base for sightseeing, East Hollywood can work fine, just plan your transport and evening outings carefully.