Due to its location just off Hollywood Boulevard and its plentiful free amenities, the budget USA Hostels Hollywood is one of the most popular hostels in Los Angeles. There are 15 dorm and private rooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms. Dorms have lockers with outlets and private rooms offer flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Breakfast is free and set up for guests to make themselves. Other freebies include a shuttle to the beach, tours and activities, towels, and linens. Days Inn Hollywood/Universal Studios is a good option for those who need more space, a private room, and a pool. For those who prefer a hostel experience, it’s worth comparing prices at Hostelling International – Los Angeles/Santa Monica which is just a few minutes’ walk from Santa Monica beach.
The 43-room Tilt Hotel Universal / Hollywood is a budget hotel off the 101 highway that’s within a 10-minute drive of several major attractions. The movie-themed rooms are comfortable and modern with coffeemakers, and some have microwaves and mini-fridges (for a fee). Wi-Fi is free and there are laundry facilities on-site, along with free tea and coffee in the lobby. Parking is available on-site for a fee that's significantly less than what guests would pay for public lot access. Breakfast isn't served, and some rooms are a bit dim. This is a decent option for the price, but guests may want to check out Days Inn Hollywood/Universal Studios, which has a brighter feeling and a lovely outdoor pool.
The Motel 6 is a reliable budget option in the heart of Hollywood. The immediate surroundings are a bit sketchy at night, but travelers willing to stay in this area put themselves a short stroll from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Hollywood & Highland shopping complex. There are no major facilities, but the hotel offers free coffee, a microwave, vending machines, and coin-operated laundry room. The 125 colorful contemporary rooms have scattered noise issues, but are spacious and clean. All come with mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Note that one pet is allowed free of charge and kids stay free. As an alternative, the nearby Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills Hotel has a pool, breakfast, and rooms with kitchenettes, but it’s a bit farther from Hollywood Boulevard and rates are higher.
The Redbury at Hollywood and Vine is a bohemian-chic boutique with 57 homey, eclectically designed suites. Guests can cook in their in-room kitchen, pop downstairs to Cleo, the Middle Eastern restaurant, walk half a block for sushi at Katsuya (both menus can be ordered for 24-hour in-room dining). The location is ideal for seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theater (formerly, and more famously, known as Grauman’s Chinese Theater), but the neighborhood is continuing to evolve, and some parts are still seedy. Guests wanting a pool (something The Redbury lacks, along with a spa) could try The Hollywood Roosevelt, which has one of the largest pools in L.A.