The best hostels in Los Angeles

Los Angeles may be known for its celebrity-filled allure, but budget travelers will find that the city’s best hostels offer style, comfort, and a touch of California cool—while keeping costs in check. Whether you’re looking for a boutique stay in West Hollywood, a retreat steps from Santa Monica Beach, or a social hub in the center of downtown, LA’s hostels go beyond just a place to crash. With sleek interiors, buzzing communal spaces, and amenities like rooftop lounges and yoga classes, these stays cater to digital nomads, solo adventurers, and friend groups alike. From sunny patios to vibrant co-working spots, here’s where to check in for an affordable yet unforgettable stay in Los Angeles.

Banana Bungalow Hollywood

Located in the centre of Hollywood, Banana Bungalow Hollywood is a vibrant, international hub that blends budget-friendly accommodation with a fun social scene. Situated right on Hollywood Boulevard, just steps from the iconic Walk of Fame, this energetic hostel offers a good base for exploring Los Angeles.

The atmosphere is quite laid-back, with a tiki-style courtyard that serves as a morning gathering place for travelers enjoying a complimentary breakfast of cereal, toast, Nutella, and bananas. By day, guests can take advantage of organized activities, from shuttles to Griffith Observatory to daytime excursions around the city. By night, the hostel transforms into a buzzing social scene with themed events like karaoke, BBQ nights, and California wine tastings—perfect for mingling with fellow travelers before taking in LA’s dynamic nightlife.

Rooms, whether private or dorm-style, are comfortable and secure, featuring safes and regularly updated access codes. Communal spaces offer unlimited tea and coffee, creating a relaxed setting for those looking to unwind after exploring nearby landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theatre, and Universal Studios. For those with a car, the hostel’s affordable, secure parking is a rare find in a city where parking rates are so expensive.

But perhaps the biggest draw is the location itself. Guests can see the famous Hollywood Sign from the courtyard, walk 15 minutes to the Chinese Theatre, or hop on the metro at Hollywood/Vine for easy access to the rest of the city. Whether you’re here for the sights, the nightlife, or the chance to connect with fellow travelers, The Banana Bungalow delivers an authentic Hollywood experience—at a great value.

Banana Bungalow West Hollywood

Located in West Hollywood, on the iconic Melrose strip, Banana Bungalow West Hollywood offers a good mix of laid-back charm and vibrant social energy. This retro-inspired hostel, with its Tiki courtyard and colorful atmosphere, is a perfect spot for budget-conscious travelers looking to experience the highlights of Los Angeles.

Just minutes away from Beverly Hills and within walking distance of Hollywood’s famous attractions, the location is hard to beat. Stroll down Melrose Avenue to explore eclectic boutiques, trendy cafés, and vintage shops, or venture a little further to experience the electric nightlife of WeHo and the Sunset Strip. If you’re eager to dive into Hollywood’s legendary entertainment scene, the hostel’s curated tours—from limo club nights to comedy shows—make for an easy and exciting way to explore.

The accommodations are simple yet comfortable, with dorms and private rooms that are kept very clean. Some rooms even come with balconies, offering a relaxing break after a day of sightseeing. The communal spaces are the heart of the action—whether you’re sipping a beer in the garden, challenging fellow travelers to a game of ping pong, or joining one of the nightly events, from karaoke to BBQ parties with a DJ.

Breakfast is a simple spread of toast, cereal, and waffles, but the real perk is the free-flowing coffee and tea. The Banana Bungalow ethos is all about community, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect—over happy hour drinks, pool table matches, or late-night chats in the Tiki courtyard. For an affordable, high-energy base in LA, this hostel delivers in every way.

HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica

Just two blocks from the beach, HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica is a stylish retreat for travelers seeking the best of LA. Tucked between Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier, this modern hostel blends affordability with an enviable location, making it one of the best stays on the West Coast.

Beyond its prime address, HI Santa Monica offers a relaxed and welcoming environment where travelers can unwind and meet others. The hostel’s common areas—a lounge with plush sofas, a game room with a pool table, and a courtyard perfect for enjoying the California sun—create a gathering place for travelers. Whether you’re swapping travel stories over the complimentary breakfast or catching a film in the on-site theater room, it’s easy to connect with other guests.

Accommodations cater to a range of travelers, with functional dorms featuring bunk beds, lockers, and shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms for those who want more privacy. Free Wi-Fi keeps you connected, while a fully equipped communal kitchen allows for home-cooked meals after a day of exploring.

Guests can take advantage of hikes in the Santa Monica Hills, stand-up comedy nights, and a lively bar crawl that guarantees a good time. For those looking to venture beyond the beach, the nearby light rail offers easy access to Downtown LA and beyond.

Samesun Venice Beach

Checking into Samesun Venice Beach means stepping into the centre of LA’s most eccentric beachfront enclave. Just steps from the sand, this hostel offers front-row access to the boardwalk populated by creatives, spiritual seekers and drifters. The rooms in the hostel, a mix of private and dorm-style accommodations, range from cozy to ocean-view standouts. The dorms are simple but tidy, and the lounge is always humming—someone strumming a guitar, a group mapping out their next adventure, a solo traveler writing in a journal. The crowd is a mix of backpackers, surfers, and digital nomads—a dynamic mix that makes solo travelers feel right at home.

Walk down Venice Beach and immerse yourself in the ecclectic atmosphere. Stroll the boardwalk and take in the spectacle of street performers, tattoo artists, tarot card readers, breakdancers and living statues. Have a look at the vibrant murals while hearing the clang of weights at Muscle Beach from bodybuilders working on their physiques.

At the Venice Skate Park you can watch a rotating cast of skaters carve through a sculpted landscape of bowls and ramps. In the mid-1970s, a crew of teenage misfits from Venice turned skateboarding into an art form, carving up empty swimming pools with the same aggressive style they honed while surfing the Pacific. When the waves went flat, restless surfers—like the legendary Z-Boys—turned to the streets. They skated low, fast, and fearlessly, borrowing from surf culture to create a fluid, rebellious approach that would define modern skateboarding.