The call came in from your agent – you’ve got an audition for a major movie next week in Hollywood! Your heart races with anticipation and your mind instantly starts spinning thinking about finding a place to stay in one of the most expensive cities in America. Taking the audition is a make-or-break opportunity, but the lodging costs could break the bank before you even get in the room. Don’t panic, future star! There are affordable hotel options out there if you know where to look. Here are some tips on finding cheap and convenient places to stay for your Hollywood audition or casting call.
Location, Location, Location When looking for inexpensive hotels near the audition locations, you’ll want to stay as central as possible without being right in the heart of Hollywood or downtown LA. Places like North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, and East Hollywood are all just a short drive from major studios like Warner Bros, Paramount, Universal and more without the inflated rates of Hollywood proper. Even seemingly far out suburbs like Culver City or Santa Monica can be viable options with LA’s notoriously bad traffic.
Don’t Overlook motels Hear me out – I know the word “motel” may conjure up images of questionable clientele and sketchy vibes. However, the motels of today, especially in the LA area, are worlds away from their seedy reputations of yesteryear. Thanks to ambitious renovations and cool, modern makeovers, many budget motels have been transformed into chic and safe accommodations. Places like the Rose Bowl Motel, The Salem Motel, or The Beverly Laurel offer clean, comfortable rooms with trendy designs and amenities galore – all for well under $150 a night. You may have to forego the luxury resort experience, but your audition fund will remain intact.
Seek Out Extended Stay Hotels If your audition or casting call schedule has you needing to stay a week or longer, look into extended stay hotels. With full kitchens and plenty of living space, extended stay hotels offer exceptional value for longer term stays. Affordable chains like Extended Stay America, Candlewood Suites, and Residence Inn have multiple locations around LA that can run as low as $75-100 per night. You’ll not only save money over a traditional hotel, but have the added benefit of being able to cook your own meals – a must for any struggling actor on a tight budget!
Go Off The Beaten Path Some of the best budget hotel deals can be found by looking just outside the main cities surrounding Hollywood. The San Gabriel Valley to the east has reasonably priced hotels near the studios while beach communities like Redondo Beach or Torrance offer affordable oceanside options. I stayed at a fantastic little hotel right off the 110 freeway in Gardena that was only $72 per night including parking. It was about a 25-30 minute drive to most of the major studios, but that was a small price to pay for such an affordable and comfortable stay.
Alternative Accommodation Apps If you’ve exhausted the traditional hotel options, don’t forget to check apps and home-sharing sites for unique and cheaper accommodation alternatives. Websites like AirBnB, VRBO, and others allow you to rent spare rooms, guest houses, and entire properties directly from owners for extremely reasonable rates, especially if you’re willing to stay a bit off the beaten path. I know several actors who have mastered the art of finding awesome, affordable places this way. Just be sure to read all listings carefully and only stay at accommodations with plenty of positive reviews.
No Audition-Xpense Spared Pursing your acting dreams in Hollywood often requires making sacrifices, but spending an arm and a leg on a short-term hotel room shouldn’t be one of them. By getting a bit creative with your searches and having an open mind about accommodations, you can find safe, clean, and comfortable places to stay that won’t obliterate your bank account. That frees up funds for other audition essentials like headshot prints, transportation, professional dress, and maybe even a celebratory dinner after nailing the audition of a lifetime. Break a leg!