Hotel in safe location?

Question

Looking for a place to stay that is in a safe area? I have college boys who like to go out at night and I don't want to be sick with worry that they are walking around going to bars in a sketchy area. We live in the suburbs so they are not city experienced. Are there any areas you recommend or areas to steer clear of? We are coming to LA/Hollywood to see the tourist sights after visiting Disneyland. Thank you

Answer

It’s understandable that you want your college-aged kids to have the freedom to explore, but also ensure they’re in a safe area, especially at night. Los Angeles is a large city, so choosing the right neighborhood is key to having a worry-free experience. Here are some suggestions for safe areas to stay, as well as places to be cautious about:

Safe Areas to Stay in Los Angeles:

Hollywood (near the Walk of Fame): The Hollywood area, especially near the Walk of Fame, is a popular tourist destination with a lot to do and see. It’s relatively safe during the day and evening, with lots of restaurants, bars, and attractions. However, like any major tourist area, it can get crowded and somewhat sketchy late at night, so it’s better to stay in a well-lit, busy area near Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.
Santa Monica: Santa Monica is one of the safest and most family-friendly areas in LA. It's a lively beach town with a lot of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s perfect for your kids to explore, with plenty of things to do during the day and in the evening. The area around Third Street Promenade is particularly safe and offers many options for dining and entertainment. There’s also the beach and pier, which are well-lit and busy at night.
West Hollywood (WeHo): West Hollywood is another vibrant neighborhood known for its nightlife, trendy bars, and entertainment. It’s a great spot for your college-aged kids to enjoy the LA nightlife. The area around Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard is particularly lively and safe. WeHo is known for being very walkable, and it has a lot of young people, so it’s a good area for your sons to explore in the evening.
Venice Beach: Venice Beach is another safe option with a laid-back vibe. The boardwalk is always bustling with people, and there are many cafes and shops to explore. While Venice has a reputation for being a bit quirky and artistic, it’s also a great area to stay for easy access to the beach, cool nightlife, and unique dining experiences. Just make sure to stay closer to the beach and Venice Boulevard, which are the more tourist-friendly areas.

Areas to Steer Clear of:

Skid Row: This is an area in downtown Los Angeles that should be avoided, especially at night. It's known for homelessness and crime, and while it's not necessarily unsafe for daytime exploration, it’s best not to stay here or wander through at night.
Certain parts of South LA: While many areas in South LA are safe and vibrant, some parts can be sketchy and less tourist-friendly. Areas like parts of Compton and Inglewood can be more prone to crime, especially at night. It’s not recommended to stay here unless you’re familiar with the area.
Hollywood Boulevard (west of the Walk of Fame): While Hollywood is generally safe, there are parts of the area west of the Walk of Fame that can be a bit rougher, especially late at night. If your kids want to go out, they should stick to the more popular, tourist-heavy areas around Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.

Additional Tips:

Transportation: Los Angeles is very spread out, and public transportation can be a bit challenging. Uber or Lyft are great options for getting around if your kids are going out at night. Taxis are also available, but ridesharing apps are more commonly used in the city.
Safety Tips: Always remind your kids to stay in well-lit areas, avoid walking alone after dark, and be cautious when it comes to accepting drinks from strangers at bars or clubs.
Check Local Listings: Websites like Yelp or Google Reviews can help identify which places are best for young adults to hang out and check the latest reviews to get a feel for the vibe of a neighborhood or bar before going.

With these considerations in mind, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood are your best bets for a safe and enjoyable stay, with easy access to nightlife and the tourist sights you’ll want to see in Los Angeles. Enjoy your trip!