Three of the most popular bases for LA Olympics visitors, and three very different experiences. Santa Monica, Downtown LA, and West Hollywood all have strong hotel infrastructure and good connections to venues, but they suit different travel styles and priorities. This guide compares them honestly so you can make the right call for your trip.
Santa Monica is the most immediately appealing part of LA for many international visitors. The beach, the pier, the Third Street Promenade, and the general walkability create a base that feels manageable and enjoyable without a car. It's also at the end of the Metro E Line, making it surprisingly well-connected to Downtown LA, Culver City, and via transfer to Inglewood.
Hotels in Santa Monica range from budget motels near Lincoln Blvd to premium beachfront properties. Expect to pay more than Downtown for equivalent quality, but you're paying for the location and lifestyle.
Downtown LA is the most strategically central base for the 2028 Olympics. Multiple Metro lines converge here, meaning you can reach Inglewood, Pasadena, Long Beach, and the Westside all from the same accommodation base. Hotels tend to be better value per night than Santa Monica or West Hollywood for equivalent quality.
The neighbourhood has changed significantly in the past decade. The LA Live complex around Crypto.com Arena has a concentration of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment within walking distance. The broader DTLA still has pockets that feel less developed, so choose your specific hotel location carefully.
West Hollywood (WeHo) is one of LA's most vibrant and distinctive neighbourhoods. The Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Blvd are lined with iconic restaurants, bars, and hotels. It's known for being one of the most LGBTQ+-welcoming cities in the US and has an excellent nightlife scene. As an Olympic base, however, it has one significant weakness: limited Metro access compared to DTLA or Santa Monica.
Getting to Olympic venues from WeHo typically requires rideshare or a combination of bus and Metro. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it does mean more variable costs and travel times than the other two options.
| Factor | Santa Monica | Downtown LA | West Hollywood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro access to venues | Good (E Line) | Excellent (all lines) | Limited (bus only) |
| Hotel value | Mid-high | Best value | Mid-high |
| Walkability | Excellent | Good (near LA Live) | Good within WeHo |
| Beach access | Yes (5 min walk) | No (30+ min) | No (25+ min) |
| Food scene | Excellent | Very good | Outstanding |
| Nightlife | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Family-friendly | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| International vibe | Very high | High | High |
For most Olympic visitors: stay in Downtown LA for the best transport logistics or Santa Monica for the best overall experience. West Hollywood is excellent for visitors who want a vibrant nightlife base and don't mind paying for rideshare to every Olympic event.
Detailed breakdowns of every major area with hotel recommendations and Metro access maps.
Explore neighborhoodsWhich area is closest to SoFi Stadium for the Opening Ceremony?
Downtown LA is the most Metro-accessible base for SoFi Stadium (the E Line connects toward Inglewood). However, staying directly in Inglewood or near the LAX corridor puts you physically closest to SoFi.
Is West Hollywood worth it for the Olympics if I don't drive?
West Hollywood is manageable without a car but requires more planning. You'll rely heavily on rideshare (budget $30–60 per venue trip) since Metro rail doesn't reach WeHo directly. Factor this into your accommodation budget.
Which area has the most affordable hotels for the Olympics?
Downtown LA generally has the best value for money, with more hotels competing in the same area. Santa Monica commands a beach premium. West Hollywood Sunset Strip hotels are typically the most expensive.
Related: Santa Monica Guide | Downtown LA Guide | West Hollywood Guide