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Los Angeles is one of the biggest cities in the world, quite literally. It’s so sprawling that most visitors need access to a car just to try and see everything. As you might imagine, a city this size also has an abundance of different neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and pros and cons.
Even if you have a car, where you stay when visiting LA is important because of the traffic and how long it takes to get places. With that in mind, I’ll break down some of LA’s top neighborhoods to stay in and where I think you should avoid staying. The Best LA Neighborhoods to Stay West Hollywood West Hollywood is one of my favorite LA neighborhoods and is a rare gem here because it’s very walkable. In WeHo, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shopping. It’s also home to the famous Sunset Strip. For those who plan to bring their dog to LA, WeHo is very dog-friendly; I love to take our dog, Piper, to the West Hollywood Dog Park at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and San Vicente. It’s also clean, safe, and central for easier access to other LA areas. The downsides to WeHo are that it can get pricey, and parking is hit-and-miss since many neighborhoods have permit parking overnight. Silverlake The Silverlake area is great for those who prefer to stay in an area without many tourists that also has more of an artsy, eclectic vibe to it. Silverlake is lined with local eateries, coffee shops, bars, and stores, so there’s plenty to do in the area. Also, it’s not too far from Hollywood for those who still want to visit big tourist sites. This hipster-friendly neighborhood is a great find, but keep in mind that it’s not close to the beach, so getting near the water will easily be a day trip with the city’s notorious traffic. Santa Monica With plenty to do, including its iconic pier and the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica is a great option for those who want to stay close to the ocean (except for any beachfront Airbnbs in Malibu, of course). Santa Monica is home to many hotels, so there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to lodging. Plus, you can easily access other beach areas, including Venice, which is right next door. Burbank Consider Burbank if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and safe with more affordable hotels. This valley neighborhood has more of a suburban vibe, and it’s where Warner Bros. Studio is located. It’s also right next to Universal City, which houses Universal Studios here in LA. The downside to Burbank is that you’d definitely need a car, though downtown Burbank is fairly walkable and has plenty of shops and restaurants. Another advantage of Burbank? It has its own airport, which is way smaller and less crowded than LAX. Where to Avoid Staying in LA Downtown Normally, you might assume a city’s downtown is the place to be, but that’s not the case with LA. Though there are some cool spots worth checking out, downtown is one of the less safe areas of LA. The upside to downtown LA is subway accessibility, but personally, I would avoid staying here and opt for another neighborhood. Hollywood Hollywood might be on your Los Angeles bucket list, but it’s not the ideal place to actually spend the majority of your trip. Loud, crazy, and filthy are just some adjectives I think of when it comes to Hollywood. You’re constantly dodging poop on the sidewalk, and Hollywood Blvd., in particular, is overwhelming. Instead, plan a day to visit Hollywood. Venice Though it’s a famous LA neighborhood, Venice has seen an uptick in crime in recent years. Venice is worth visiting, including the boardwalk and Abbot Kinney Road. However, I recommend staying in a different beach neighborhood, such as Santa Monica, because it is safer and less rowdy. By the Airport Unless you’re only here for one night, staying by the airport just isn’t worth it since you’re not really close to anything unless you take a drive or an even longer bus trip. Even though hotel deals can be better around the airport, you’ll make up the cost in Uber rides or gas. Madrid is the capital city in Spain, and for many travelers, it’s one of those bucket list locations. I recently stayed at the Ok Hostel in Madrid and will share my experience while there to help you decide if this sounds like a place you might stay at during your Spain vacation.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at the Ok Hostel Madrid? The Ok Hostel Madrid was one of the cheaper stays on my Spain trip, with a nightly rate of 29 euros for a 6-person room. For reference, this was in April just after Easter in a six-person dorm-style room. Prices will vary depending on the type of room you book and the time of year. Are Hostels Cheaper Than Hotels? Yes, hostels are generally cheaper than hotels, with nightly rates at a fraction of the price you’d pay for a hotel stay. When you’re traveling around Europe, the price of hotel stays can quickly add up, so hostels are a fantastic way to help cut down costs. Of course, the biggest disadvantage is that you don’t have a room to yourself, but if you’re out exploring most of the time, this isn’t a dealbreaker. What Time is Check-In at the Ok Hostel? Check-in for the Ok Hostel in Madrid is a 3:00pm (or 15:00 hours). What I Liked About the Ok Hostel Madrid
What I Didn’t Like About the Ok Hostel Madrid
Córdoba might not be high on your list of places you plan to see in Spain, but this gem of a city in Andalucia is well worth a visit. Córdoba’s claim to fame includes sights like the Mezquita-Catedral (Mosque-Cathedral), Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Palace of the Christian Kings), and even an ancient Roman bridge. While there’s still a good amount of travelers here, it’s not nearly as busy as Seville or Granada, making this a nice breather from the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy cities.
During my recent trip to Spain, I stayed at the Líbere Córdoba Hostel and will share my honest thoughts on my experience there. How Much Does It Cost to Stay at the Líbere Córdoba Hostel?The Líbere Córdoba Hostel was in the mid-range for hostel prices during my trip, costing roughly 47 euros per night for a 10-person room. Personally, I think you only need a few days in Córdoba, so a 2-night stay can still be under 100 euros. What I Liked About the Líbere Córdoba Hostel
What I Didn’t Like About the Líbere Córdoba Hostel
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About the author
Jill Zwarensteyn is a writer and comedian who has been featured on Amazon, truTV, The New York Times, Matador Network, BUST Magazine, Sleep Advisor, Tiplr, ARTRPRNR Magazine, YourTango, Thought Catalog, GoMad Nomad, Mashable, The Daily Mail UK, the Cannes Film Festival, LaughFest, Women's Lifestyle Magazine, and the Funny Women Festival LA. For more info visit: http://www.jillzwarensteyn.weebly.com Archives
November 2023
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