Which area to stay?

Question

I’m headed to Anaheim for a work conference however I’m taking my family and want to take my son to universal.

We’re staying in Anaheim for 6 nights but then plan to move locations to be closer to universal/Santa Monica. I’m looking for an area to look for an affordable hotel for 2 nights. One day we will do universal the other day we will be doing the Hollywood sign, Santa Monica pier & the walk of fame. We will have a rental car.

I’ve found a hotel in Marina Del Rey but unsure if this would be the best area or if there’s other suggestions that would be better.

Answer

For a short stay near Universal Studios and the Hollywood/Santa Monica area, the key considerations are convenience, traffic, and access to parking, since LA traffic can be heavy and unpredictable. With a rental car, you have more flexibility, but it’s still best to choose a central location that minimizes long drives.

Here are some area suggestions for your 2-night stay:

Hollywood / Hollywood Hills: Very close to Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Staying here means you can do Universal early in the morning and visit Hollywood attractions easily. Many hotels and motels are available at various price points. Parking can be tight, so check hotel options for free or convenient parking.
West Hollywood (WeHo): Good for exploring the Hollywood scene, Sunset Strip, and trendy dining. It’s also roughly 20–30 minutes to Universal Studios depending on traffic. Hotels here often have stylish interiors and decent amenities, though prices may be higher than Hollywood.
Santa Monica / Marina Del Rey: Marina Del Rey is more convenient for the beach and Santa Monica Pier, and you’ll be near the 405 freeway. Universal Studios will be a longer drive (roughly 35–45 minutes without heavy traffic). Santa Monica is more touristy and can be expensive, but Marina Del Rey might offer more affordable options with good freeway access.
Studio City / Burbank: Very close to Universal Studios (about 5–10 minutes drive). Staying here would minimize driving time for Universal, though it is farther from Santa Monica and Hollywood attractions (roughly 30–40 minutes drive). Parking is generally easier than Hollywood.

Recommendation:

If Universal Studios is the main focus, consider staying in Studio City or Hollywood. You’ll save time in the morning and can still reach Santa Monica in the afternoon, though plan for traffic.
If you want a balance of beach and sightseeing with a slightly more relaxed vibe, Marina Del Rey or Santa Monica is fine, but you’ll need to factor in longer drives to Universal and Hollywood.
Check hotel amenities like parking, breakfast, and ease of freeway access. With a rental car, proximity to the 101 or 405 freeways will make your trips smoother.

Overall, for a 2-night stay focused on Universal and Hollywood attractions, Hollywood or Studio City are the most convenient, while Marina Del Rey is better if you want a quieter, scenic stay near the coast with easy access to Santa Monica.

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