Where to stay in LA ?

Question

We are family of husband wife and 2 kids… staying for 8nights & 9days in LA for vacation, we would like to divide our stay in 2 different hotels & area as 4-4 days or 5-3 days, so plz suggest accordingly, Thanks.

Answer

For an 8-night, 9-day family vacation in Los Angeles with two kids, splitting your stay between two different areas is a smart idea, especially to reduce driving time and experience different vibes of the city. Here’s a detailed suggestion based on convenience, attractions, and family-friendly amenities:

First, consider dividing your stay into 4-4 days:

Area 1: West Hollywood / Hollywood / Sunset Strip – Great for exploring Hollywood attractions, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and easy access to Universal Studios. Staying here also puts you near restaurants and shops with a lively vibe.
Hotel Options: Family-friendly hotels with pools, suites, and easy parking include Loews Hollywood Hotel, The Garland, or even some Airbnb options nearby for more space.

Then, move closer to the coast for the second part of your stay:

Area 2: Santa Monica / Venice / Marina del Rey – Ideal for beach time, relaxing, and enjoying oceanfront activities. The kids can enjoy Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, and Venice Beach Boardwalk. This area is safer for walking around and has restaurants suitable for families.
Hotel Options: Shutters on the Beach, Hotel Erwin (Venice), or more budget-friendly options such as Holiday Inn Express Santa Monica or nearby boutique inns. Look for pools if you want evening relaxation with the kids.

Alternative 5-3 day split:

Stay 5 nights in Hollywood/West Hollywood to fully explore the theme parks and Hollywood attractions.
Stay the remaining 3 nights on the coast for beach and relaxation, as you will have seen most LA attractions and can enjoy a slower pace before departure.

Additional tips:

Book hotels with parking included or nearby options since LA driving is unavoidable.
Consider proximity to public transport or Uber availability if you prefer less driving.
Check for family suites or connecting rooms for comfort.
Plan theme park days (Disneyland / Universal) early in your stay to avoid fatigue from multiple transfers later.

This combination allows you to balance sightseeing, city life, and beach relaxation while minimizing back-and-forth driving across LA traffic.