Lights, Camera, Budget! Affordable Hotel Havens for Hollywood Hopefuls
You finally got the call – that big audition or go-see you’ve been dreaming about in Los Angeles! Among all the excitement of potential callbacks, screen tests, and maybe even booking the gig, reality strikes. Los Angeles is one of the most expensive cities for travel in America, and even just a few nights at a decent hotel can potentially cost more than your kid’s college fund.
Take a deep breath, starving artists. There are affordable hotel options sprinkled all around Tinseltown if you know where to look. Sure, you may not be staying at the swanky W or bucking up for the Beverly Hills Hotel, but a safe, clean, and well-located place to rest your head between auditions is all you really need. Here are some of the best budget-friendly hotel hideaways to consider for your next La La Land casting adventure:
The Virgil Located just outside of East Hollywood, The Virgil sits right in the heart of LA’s audition epicenter near studios like Paramount, Raleigh, and Sunset Gower. Recently renovated rooms start at just $99 per night and come equipped with mini-fridges, HBO, and even a small pool for cooling off after a long day of auditions. Better yet, The Virgil is just steps from affordable dining on Vermont Ave.
Banana Bungalow With its tropics-themed design and lush outdoor courtyard, the Banana Bungalow in West Hollywood offers a fun, vibrant place to stay starting at $115 per night. Centrally located just off the Sunset Strip, the hotel is close to tons of major studios and casting offices. You’ll pay a bit more to be in this prime location, but the value is outstanding for the area.
Samesun Venice Beach Who says budget hotels have to be boring? This funky, colorful Venice Beach hostel offers affordable dorm-style bedding for as little as $30 per night as well as awesome private single and double rooms in the $100 range. Just a couple blocks from the iconic beach, you’ll have quick access to the 10 freeway for zipping over to Hollywood auditions.
Las Palmas Inn Right in the beating heart of Hollywood, Las Palmas Inn provides sleek, comfortable lodging for around $110-150 per night – an absolute steal for the location just blocks from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You’ll be just minutes from major studios like Paramount, plus loads of popular audition venues along Highland Ave.
HI Los Angeles Hostel With both private rooms and open-air dorm accommodations, HI Hostel is the place to look for rock-bottom rates in Santa Monica, just steps from the beach. Shared dorm-style lodging starts at under $40 per night, while simple private rooms can be had for $100-130. You’ll have quick access to the 10 freeway and just a short Uber to theaters and studios.
Best Western Plus Media Center Inn & Suites For those looking for more space at a bargain rate, the Best Western Media Center offers apartment-style suites complete with a bedroom, living room, kitchenette, and workspace starting at just $160 per night. Located right off the 170 freeway in North Hollywood, you’ll be blocks from studios like Chandler Valley, and just a quick drive to Hollywood.
The Bronx Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in North Hollywood, The Bronx hostel has become a popular haunt for performers with its social atmosphere and ultra-affordable rates. You can find basic dorm beds for as little as $35 per night or spring for a private room for around $80. Major studios, theaters, and hip NoHo hangouts are all just a short walk away.
Cadillac Hotel Venice This funky, art-filled boutique hotel is tucked away near trendy Abbot Kinney in Venice and offers a cool, distinctly LA vibe. Rooms at the Cadillac start at $125 per night and come decked out with record players, Instagram-worthy designs, and more. Just a short drive to the west side studios like Sony and Fox.
Whether you’re able to splurge a little or really need to stretch those pennies, there are fantastic affordable hotels options to be found all around the Los Angeles area. You’ll not only save money to keep yourself going to auditions, but many of these budget picks put you right in the heart of the action. Here’s to landing that dream gig!