LA trip planning - where to stay

Question

Hi, we are coming to watch a concert in Sofi-Stadium and already booked 4 days at disney. Two kids, 9 and 12. We have 5 nights to decide where to stay. I was thinking to stay 2 nights near sofi-stadium and then move to other areas close to hollywood attractions, maybe one day to visit universal studio.

My questions:

which neighborhood is good for us? safe and close to attractions

is there anywhere that is safe that we can stay to do both things (sofi stadium and other attractions)?

hotel vs. airbnb? is airbnb still not allowed?

will rent a car.

thanks a lot for your help.

Answer

For a 5-night stay in Los Angeles with two kids and plans to attend a concert at SoFi Stadium, visit Hollywood attractions, and spend a day at Universal Studios, careful neighborhood selection is key. Since you’ll have a rental car, you have flexibility, but LA traffic can be heavy, so proximity matters.

Staying near SoFi Stadium:

Inglewood: This is the closest area to SoFi Stadium (home of the LA Rams and Clippers). Downtown Inglewood is improving and safe around hotel zones, but check reviews carefully for specific locations.
Hawthorne or El Segundo: Slightly north of the stadium, these neighborhoods have family-friendly hotels and good dining options. El Segundo is safe, walkable, and near beaches.
Stay here for 1–2 nights if your main goal is convenience for the concert. Driving 5–10 minutes to the stadium is typical.

Staying near Hollywood/Universal Studios:

Hollywood: Close to Universal Studios, Griffith Observatory, and other tourist attractions. Hollywood Boulevard area has many hotels; pick one with good reviews, secure parking, and family-friendly amenities.
Burbank or North Hollywood: Quieter, safer neighborhoods with easy access to Universal Studios (10–15 minutes drive). Good for families with kids.
Consider spending 2–3 nights in this area to minimize long drives to attractions.

Option for one location for both:

West LA / Century City / Culver City: Centrally located between SoFi Stadium and Hollywood attractions. Culver City is a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with restaurants, parks, and hotels. Driving to SoFi Stadium is 15–20 minutes, and Hollywood attractions are 20–30 minutes.
This can reduce hotel moves and still provide reasonable access to both areas.

Hotel vs Airbnb:

Hotels in LA are plentiful, often offer parking, and have predictable safety and amenities for families.
Airbnb is still allowed in most LA neighborhoods but check local regulations: some areas restrict short-term rentals (e.g., Hollywood, Downtown LA). Choose verified listings with good reviews and clear parking instructions.
For families, hotels are often simpler for a short stay, especially if moving between locations.

Other tips:

Always check the latest safety reviews for the neighborhood and property.
With a rental car, plan your days considering traffic; use Google Maps or Waze to time departures.
If possible, try to group attractions geographically: one day for Hollywood/Universal, another day for Santa Monica / Venice Beach (optional), keeping the driving manageable.

In summary, a two-location stay works well: one night or two near SoFi Stadium (Inglewood/El Segundo), and the rest near Hollywood/Burbank for attractions. If you prefer one location, Culver City or West LA is a convenient compromise. Hotels are often easier for families, but Airbnb is possible with proper research.

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