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The Independent
24-06-2025
- The Independent
The best budget hotels in Los Angeles for location and style
The sprawl of Los Angeles is dotted with superb restaurants, happening bars and myriad other attractions, all of which are determined to get their hands on your hard-earned dollars. The good news is that one of the best ways to make your visit to one of the world's most expensive cities easier on your wallet is by booking a stay at one of these excellent hotels, all of which are eminently affordable without sacrificing quality. The trouble with most of LA's budget-conscious hotels is that they're located close to the city's main airport, LAX, but these come with a catch as they tend to be a long way from the aforementioned attractions so you'll end up spending significantly more time and money on transport. Here's our pick of the best hotels in Los Angeles that offer the chance to stay at a prime location without breaking the bank. For the best family-friendly hotels in LA, the best luxury hotels in LA, the best hotels in New York, and more, see our guides. Best affordable hotels in Los Angeles 2025 At a glance 1. Freehand Los Angeles hotel Downtown Whether you're looking for a private suite or are content with a hostel-style bunk bed, the beautifully designed Freehand Los Angeles has great options for those on a tighter budget. Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, just a couple of blocks from Pershing Square, the party-friendly rooftop features a swimming pool and the tiki-inspired Broken Shaker bar, which hosts DJs and has become a popular weekend destination for locals. On the ground floor, there's a restaurant lined with mosaics of owls, a homage to the fact that the building was once home to the Owl Drug Store. If you do opt for a hostel bunk, bear in mind that while a locker is provided with each bed, it's advisable to bring your own padlock. Downtown For a decade between 2014 and 2024, this Spanish Gothic tower, dating from 1927 in Downtown Los Angeles, was the luxurious Ace Hotel. When that closed abruptly last year, the property was taken over by Kasa, who run it as a limited-service hotel which manages all bookings via a tech platform. They offer competitive pricing and well-sized, modern rooms, although there are no longer any food or beverage establishments attached to the hotel. There is, however, a rooftop pool and an on-site fitness centre – and the ornate United Artists Theatre on the ground floor hosts bands, stand-up comedians and orchestral performances. 3. Hollywood Historic Hotel Melrose Avenue Just minutes down Melrose Avenue from Paramount Studios stands this beautiful red brick hotel that was built in 1927. It was designed by S Charles Lee, an architect who became famous for his work on cinemas across Southern California. The rooms may not be the most spacious, but they're well-appointed and traditionally designed, with vintage wooden furniture offering a touch of old Hollywood class. While affordably priced, the rooms still offer thoughtful details, including free toiletries and bottled water. On the ground floor, the hotel's bar, The Edmon, features a beautiful Art Deco bar, an inventive Mexican fusion menu and an excellent cocktail list. 4. Miyako Hotel Little Tokyo This Japanese -themed hotel in Little Tokyo has become something of a local landmark thanks to its 150-foot-tall mural of Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball star who shattered records when he signed a $700 million deal with the LA Dodgers in 2023. Inside, the three-star hotel offers large, modern rooms and the bathrooms come complete with heated water bidets. It's excellently located for Downtown attractions, and home to the Tamon Restaurant sushi bar and Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe. Post-dinner, don't miss the karaoke bar Lounge Ohjah. If you do, there's always the 24-hour kiosk in the lobby for snacks and other refreshments. Address: 328 1st St, Los Angeles, 90012 5. Hotel Normandie Koreatown The white neon sign on the roof stating 'Hotel Normandie' isn't the only thing that makes this historic hotel in Koreatown worthy of your attention. The building dates from 1926, when it was designed and built by famed architects Walker and Eisen, who were responsible for some of Hollywood Boulevard's most iconic buildings. The hotel's Spanish colonial and Renaissance Revival details were retained in the property's recent multi-million dollar renovation, and it has literary significance as the site where Malcolm Lowry wrote much of his 1947 novel Under the Volcano. The rooms are tastefully designed and cosy, with plush bedding, while the attached Cassell's burger joint is also excellent value. Address: 605 Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, 90005 6. Vibe Hotel West Hollywood West Hollywood If you're keen to base yourself in the heart of West Hollywood, which is a close as Los Angeles comes to having a true centre, then you can't go wrong with the Vibe Hotel. They actually have two locations – one in Hollywood and the other further west – but our pick is the Fairfax Avenue property simply for its proximity to bars, restaurants and nightlife. Both offer affordable, clean rooms with funkily designed common areas aimed at backpackers and younger solo travellers. Despite the hostel vibes, the rooms are private, and there are simple free breakfasts with cereals, toast and coffee and tea on offer. 7. citizenM Los Angeles Downtown hotel Downtown CitizenM are a Dutch hotel chain who've built their reputation on the idea of 'affordable luxury' hotels. Their Downtown Los Angeles location is a perfect example, offering extra-large beds in a modern building ideally located close to Pershing Square and the extensive food stalls at Grand Central Market. The rooms are simple but clean and slickly designed, and there's a gym available 24 hours a day. The meals at the canteenM restaurant are reasonably priced and there's a buffet breakfast served each morning. It's worth noting that children's breakfasts are free with an adult purchase. 8. The Dixie Hollywood hotel Hollywood A short stroll from the Hollywood Walk of Fame you'll find The Dixie, a well-renovated motel featuring a swimming pool and sun deck that opened as the Coronet in 1958. The rooms are comfortable and varied, with family suites offering kitchen facilities and a ' Hello Kitty '-themed suite. There are no breakfast or other restaurant offerings at the hotel itself, but the property is so well-located in the heart of Hollywood that there are plenty of options nearby. You're also close to the Pantages Theatre, the Egyptian Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are held. Address: 5410 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90027 Long Beach For a truly memorable stay that doesn't require remortgaging your house, there are few better options than the former luxury cruise liner The Queen Mary. Now permanently docked in Long Beach, this majestic ship has become both a tourist attraction and a one-of-a-kind hotel. Along with budget-friendly rooms, you'll also find various exhibitions on board exploring the Queen Mary's thirty-year history working for the Cunard Line, as well as the dramatic years it spent serving as a troopship during World War II. There are also regular organised tours of the ship, and plenty of reasonably priced dining options, including the casual Promenade Café and a grab-and-go coffee shop and marketplace. 10. The Line LA hotel Koreatown Known as one of Koreatown's best hotels since it opened in 2014, The Line is a stylish retreat in a superb location near to the historic Wiltern Theatre. The hotel's 388 rooms are modern, sleek and painstakingly designed in a chic minimalist style. On the second floor, you'll find a sizeable outdoor pool and sun deck, next to the greenhouse that's home to the excellent Openaire restaurant. Get the most bang for your buck during your stay by taking advantage of the complimentary Sunday tai chi classes and use the provided bicycles to explore the city without frittering all your money away on Ubers. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs When is the cheapest time to visit Los Angeles? The most economical times to visit Los Angeles are mid-January to early March, and late October to early December (excluding Thanksgiving week). These periods attract fewer tourists, which means cheaper flights and hotels. The weather is also milder, but as LA stays warm year-round, you won't have to skimp on sunshine. What currency do I need? The currency you will need in Los Angeles is the United States Dollar (USD). How much should I budget per day? Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities in the US, so discovering the city on a budget isn't the easiest, but it's far from impossible. Budget travellers should aim for around £80. For this, expect to make full use of public transport, eat at food trucks or grocery stores and enjoy free activities, such as the beach, Griffith Park, Hollywood Walk of Fame and several museums which offer free entry, including The Broad and The Getty Center and Getty Villa. Mid-range travellers should aim for around £180, while high-end travellers can expect to pay anything from £200 and upwards to enjoy the best this city has to offer – and the sky's the limit... Best free things to do in Los Angeles Some of LA's most iconic things to see and do are free. Hike up to Griffith Observatory and Park for incredible views over the city and the Hollywood sign – the observatory is also free to enter. Spot your favourite stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame or head to Santa Monica Pier and beach for incredible sunsets and sun, sea and sand. Fancy a culture hit? Head to the Broad Museum, a contemporary art gallery featuring works by Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama. The Getty Center and Getty Villa also have free art collections, stunning architecture and gardens to explore, while the Hammer Museum also has modern and contemporary works for a song. Work up a sweat on a hike in Runyon Canyon, discover one of LA's most picturesque beaches at El Matador in Malibu, or enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro.
Time Out
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Broken Shaker
We don't like to use the phrase tropical oasis all willy-nilly, but it actually fits the mold at Broken Shaker, the Miami import that landed atop The Freehand Hotel in Gramercy back in 2019. But thumpin' 'clubstaurant' it is not, as the 18th-floor rooftop channels the island lifestyle with reggae tracks on the speakers, tan leather couches and greenery that completely spills out onto the outdoor rooftop. Speaking of the outside, the terrace gives you a sightseeing advantage, with views of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the full scope of downtown Manhattan. Drinks call out the city below with the Up On The Roof (Su Casa mezcal, chambord, watermelon, basil and fire tincture) and the Asphalt Jungle (Hendrick's Gin, Choya Yuzu-shu, Giffard Lichi-Li and pear). Or you can always catch the rotating frozen or punch of the day. When the need for snacking hits, you can fill up your table with wild-caught shrimp ceviche, tacos with mushrooms and crispy cheese and The Broken Shaker Burger with the option to double up on patties.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Broken Shaker LA Relaunches Under Authentic Hospitality
Broken Shaker Broken Shaker LA, the rooftop cocktail bar perched above the Freehand hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, kicked off its 2025 season on May 8 with a fresh team at the helm and a new slate of drinks and bites. The space is now operated by Authentic Hospitality, the New York-based group behind buzzy venues like Ray's, Jac's on Bond and Pebble Bar. This marks Authentic Hospitality's first Los Angeles venture—and it's not a quiet entrance. The group, led by nightlife veterans Matt Kliegman, Carlos Quirarte and Matthew Charles, was tapped last year to revamp the Broken Shaker brand, starting in Miami. Their takeover of the LA location brings a reimagined cocktail menu, a refreshed design by Melissa Bowers, and a new food program with serious culinary firepower. 'We're reigniting the energy of Broken Shaker LA while maintaining what makes the concept so beloved,' says Charles. 'LA will see a slate of programming centered on music, nightlife and industry culture, alongside great food and drinks.' Broken Shaker Rooftop Bar Located on the Freehand's 13th floor, the rooftop bar has always leaned into tropical escapism—with palm fronds, poolside views and a menu of fruity, easy-drinking cocktails. This season continues that theme with drinks like the Electric Warrior, made with Absolut Elyx, St. Germain, and lemon-lime cordial and Breakfast in the Moonlight, a passionfruit-spiked take on a zombie. There's also a tangerine-laced Verbena Spritz on the non-alcoholic side, plus a punch bowl that serves up to a dozen. Broken Shaker Cocktail The food menu comes from acclaimed chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske Valtierra, known for their work at NYC's Contra and Wildair. They've built a lineup of Pan-Latin and Caribbean-inspired dishes meant to complement the setting—easy to share, packed with flavor and just bold enough to keep things interesting. Broken Shaker Menu 'We wanted to create something craveable but unexpected—dishes you could snack on poolside, but that still reflect a sense of place,' says von Hauske Valtierra. 'The jerk chicken sandwich hits hard, but there's also a brightness and depth to the ceviche that makes it perfect for LA.' Guests can expect smaller plates like carne asada fries and ceviche made with pink Gulf shrimp, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, and passionfruit, served with fried plantains. Skewers—like grilled coconut curry shrimp with cabbage, peppers, and onions—round out the casual, snacky vibe. The sandwich game is strong too, led by the jerk chicken with slaw on a potato bun. Authentic Hospitality now oversees Broken Shaker in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles, with the Chicago location set to relaunch later this year. The group also runs several venues within Freehand New York, including Bar Calico and Smile To Go. 'Broken Shaker has become a key part of what makes Freehand feel like home for both travelers and locals,' says Annajane Güzel, Global Director of Brand Marketing for Freehand and Generator. 'We're excited to continue that legacy with a team who knows how to build places people want to return to.' Broken Shaker Pool Broken Shaker LA is open daily from noon to midnight. Food service runs until 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 p.m. on weekends. The bar is located at 416 W. 8th Street. Reservations available via OpenTable.
New York Times
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A First Kiss in an Elevator Was ‘More Than Fireworks'
Virginia McIntosh Venuto and Shauna Hakim Miller had both recently ended long-term relationships when they met on Tinder in September 2022. Mx. Venuto, who calls herself Gin, was new to online dating, while Ms. Miller described herself as a 'seasoned pro.' Their mutual attraction was instant. 'I thought Shauna was cute and had confidence,' Mx. Venuto said. 'I was very intrigued.' 'Gin seemed like a catch from her bio because she went to Mount Holyoke, a school I admired,' Ms. Miller said. 'Plus, I loved the oversized glasses in her profile picture.' After messaging and sharing jokes, they agreed to meet for drinks a few weeks later at Broken Shaker, a rooftop bar at the Freehand Los Angeles, a hotel downtown. Mx. Venuto, 37, said she was 'a mess' in the hours leading up to their meeting. 'I hadn't been on a date in years and called every close friend for advice on what to say and how to dress.' Ms. Miller, 38, was excited. 'I had a sense we would hit it off,' she said. Mx. Venuto arrived first and said that her eyes lit up when she saw Ms. Miller walk in. 'She was wearing a short-sleeved floral dress and was pretty and elegant,' she said. 'Gin was the manifestation of grace and edge,' Ms. Miller said. Their conversation flowed easily, and they ended up staying at the bar until closing. As they rode the elevator to the ground floor, Ms. Miller grabbed Mx. Venuto and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. 'The moment was more than fireworks,' Mx. Venuto said. 'We were enraptured in a blurry silence where time stood still.' [Click here to binge read this week's featured couples.] Not ready to say goodbye, they wandered the streets hand in hand until 2 a.m., talking and kissing all the way. 'We were all in,' Ms. Miller said. From that point on, they spent all their free time together. Ms. Miller lived with her parents in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles and Mx. Venuto shared a home with a friend in Beverly Hills, about a 15-minute drive away. They took sick days from work to have picnics on the beach and scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway. Each knew the other was 'the one' by New Year's Eve during a getaway to Guerneville, a rustic town in Sonoma County. 'We were staying at an empty, isolated hotel out of 'The Shining' and got drenched in a downpour on the way to lunch,' Ms. Miller said. 'We were soaking wet, but we were laughing. I looked at Gin and realized I had found my person to have adventures with for life.' 'The trip solidified my love for her,' Mx. Venuto said. Mx. Venuto, who is from Tacoma, Wash., works as a fractional chief financial officer and automation technologist at the Karlon Group, a finance and accounting firm in Los Angeles. She has a bachelor's degree in economics from Mount Holyoke College and a master's degree in business from the University of Southern California. Her previous marriage ended in divorce. Ms. Miller, who is half Persian, grew up in Brentwood and is a freelance creative director who works with retail and entertainment companies. She has a bachelor's degree in storytelling and the discovery of self from the N.Y.U. Gallatin School of Individualized Study. The couple are collaborating on a new venture, a customizable press-on nail brand that they say will be available this fall. In early 2023, they began house hunting and found their dream property in the Silver Lake neighborhood that September. The Arts and Crafts home, set on a hilltop, has city and Pacific Ocean views. They moved in March 1, 2024. 'This is the place where we want to raise our kids and grow old,' Mx. Venuto said. During a vacation the following month to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Mx. Venuto told Ms. Miller they were going to the beach to free baby sea turtles. When they arrived, Ms. Miller found an elaborate picnic instead. Mx. Venuto presented her with a notebook detailing their love story, and as Ms. Miller finished the last pages, Mx. Venuto dropped to one knee and pulled out a box with a diamond ring. 'I fell to my knees to hold her,' recalled Ms. Miller, who said yes. 'We cried and hugged while the sun set.' They were married on March 21 before 65 guests in their backyard. Rabbi Susan Goldberg, who founded the Jewish spiritual community Nefesh, officiated. After the ceremony, a marching band led guests to waiting buses that transported them to lunch at Tacolina, a Mexican restaurant in Silver Lake. A reception took place the next day for 170 guests at the Paramour Estate, across the street from their home. In a nod to Ms. Miller's roots, they served a Persian dinner of lamb and salmon kebabs cooked over an open fire on the lawn. 'We had a connection beyond language from the beginning,' Mx. Venuto said. 'Our wedding gave us the chance to extend our love to our friends and family.'
