Hollywood is the entertainment capital of the United States, known for its film history, landmarks, and culture. It is known as the birthplace of American cinema, which attracts people worldwide to see the glamour of the movies and celebrity. Historical attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Hills views all blend with the modern entertainment. Hollywood is a place of food lovers, culture lovers, and adventure seekers with trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, and vibrant nightlife keeping the place alive.
What Are the Best Places to Stay in Hollywood?
The following are the nine best places to stay in Hollywood:
The Hollywood Roosevelt
The Hollywood Roosevelt is a blend of the past and modern luxury, where legends like Marilyn Monroe used to live. The average cost of a room is $188 to $317 USD per night. A check-in time of 3:00 PM and a check-out time of 12:00 PM are required for all guests. The hotel has elegant rooms, a popular Tropicana Pool, bars, and rooftop views. There is valet parking with in/out access at approximately $75 per night, and it is close to the Walk of Fame.
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Loews Hollywood Hotel is directly linked to the Hollywood and Highland Centre, and this provides convenience to the leisure and business traveller. These prices begin at an average of $240 a night. Visitors have access to a rooftop pool, a luxury spa, a fitness facility and pets. Attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Madame Tussauds and TCL Chinese Theatre are within walking distance. On-site parking is available at an additional cost, making this hotel ideal for those seeking luxury in the heart of Hollywood.
Dream Hollywood Hotel
Dream Hollywood Hotel provides a smooth and modern design in the style of the celebrities. Rooms are available at about $230 per night. It is most popular for its rooftop nightlife, pool that has glass walls and trendy restaurants like TAO Asian Bistro, Beauty and Essex, and The Highlight Room Grill. It is also only 0.5 miles to the Walk of Fame, and it is easy to access the Capitol Records Building and the Hollywood Palladium. Valet parking and a 24-hour fitness centre are added advantages to guests and make it a very cool nighttime and holiday destination.
W Hollywood
W Hollywood offers a style of entertainment with a music theme and good nightlife. The prices start at about $263 per night, and valet parking costs about $72.60 per night. There is a rooftop pool with DJ events, spa and in-house dining. It is ideal for entertainment seekers as it is near the Hollywood Palladium, Pantages Theatre and Capitol Records.
Magic Castle Hotel
Magic Castle Hotel is associated with family-friendly services and secret amenities such as free snacks and magician performances. The cost of rooms starts at approximately $199 per night. It is only 0.3 miles away from TCL Chinese Theatre and has easy access to Hollywood attractions. The amenities offered to guests include a heated outdoor pool, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. The friendly environment makes it one of the most suitable choices for families.
Kimpton Everly Hotel
Kimpton Everly Hotel provides comfort in a boutique style. The starting rates are typically $249 per night. It is 0.6 miles away from the Walk of Fame and offers a view of the Hollywood Hills rooftop pool, evening wine hours, and a stylish restaurant and bar. There are such nearby attractions as Griffith Observatory and the Pantages Theatre. There is valet parking available, and the hotel interiors are modern, which makes the hotel feel like a neighbourhood.
Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk of Fame
Holiday Inn Express has low cost and its rates begin at approximately $189 per night. It is also 0.3 miles away at the Walk of Fame and includes a free Wi-Fi service, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool. There is on-site parking at an additional fee. Its central location enables travellers to visit the majority of attractions in Hollywood, such as TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Museum, at a reasonable rate.
Best Western Hollywood Plaza Inn
Best Western Hollywood Plaza Inn is a low-cost hotel near outdoor entertainment such as the Hollywood Bowl. Rooms start from $179 per night. It has facilities such as free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, a business centre, and paid parking. The Hollywood Bowl is just 0.4 miles from this hotel, making it ideal for budget-friendly travellers who enjoy outdoor entertainment.
Hollywood Celebrity Hotel
Hollywood Celebrity Hotel is a small and inexpensive luxury hotel. The price range is usually between $165 a night. It is within 0.2 miles of TCL Chinese Theatre and offers free breakfast, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi and a parking area. Tourists on a budget can stay here without having to compromise on central access to Hollywood attractions.
How Do You Get Around Hollywood?
Here are the main ways travellers can move around Hollywood with ease and comfort.
Metro Rail & Train Options
Hollywood is served by the Metro B (Red) Line, which connects the city to Downtown Los Angeles, Universal City, and North Hollywood. Trains operate regularly between 4.30 am and midnight with a high frequency of 10-12 minutes during the peak hours. It is among the most affordable and quickest means of travelling around congested zones without delays.
Main Metro Stops
- Hollywood/Vine Station: It is situated on Hollywood Blvd and Vine St, and it is convenient to both W Hollywood and the Kimpton Everly Hotel.
- Hollywood/Highland Station: The stations are directly related to attractions, such as the Dolby Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre.
- Universal/Studio City Station: This is the direct station to have a quick access to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Routes from Hollywood Hotels
- Loews Hollywood Hotel is just a 2-minute walk to Hollywood/Highland Station.
- Dream Hollywood Hotel is within a short distance and a 15-minute walk to Hollywood/Vine Station.
- The Magic Castle Hotel is approximately a 6-minute walk from Hollywood/Highland Station.
Popular Metro Routes
- Approximately 20 minutes from Hollywood to Downtown Los Angeles.
- Hollywood to Universal Studios can be reached in 5 minutes via Hollywood/Highland.
- FlyAway Bus, Amtrak, and Greyhound to Hollywood in 25 minutes to Union Station.
Cab & Ride-Share
Cabs, Uber, and Lyft are quite common in Hollywood and have flexible door-to-door services. They are cheap compared to public transportation, particularly in the late evening, yet the charges increase during the peak of the traffic and during events.
Uber/Lyft & Taxis
- Uber and Lyft are bookable instantly in a few minutes on their apps.
- Cabs can be found along Hollywood & Highland and outside major hotels such as Loews Hollywood.
Pick-Up/Drop-Off Zones
- Hollywood/Highland Centre also has the rideshare area on Orange Drive.
- Universal Hollywood has designated rideshare pickup on the Universal Hollywood drive.
- TCL Chinese Theatre has some taxi stands within its reach.
Hotel Cab Proximity
- Hollywood Roosevelt and Loews Hollywood also offer taxis and rideshares outside the building.
- Curbside pick-up is used on Franklin Avenue in smaller hotels such as the Magic Castle and the Hollywood Celebrity Hotel.
Limousine/Car Service
Red carpet and luxury travel use private cars and limos that are provided by companies such as EmpireCLS and Area Limo Service. They have hourly bookings or transfers to LAX, Beverly Hills, or Downtown Los Angeles.
Walkable Core
- Hollywood Boulevard is very walkable, and particularly the Walk of Fame area.
- Highland Avenue and Vine Street are surrounded by landmarks, restaurants, and shopping.
- It is best to walk during the day because the streets are active and secure.
Photo Stops & Views
- Hollywood Sign Viewpoints: The Hollywood Sign is located on Highland Avenue, and the viewing deck is situated at the Hollywood and Highland Centre.
- Capitol Records Building: Famous photo location in front of Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard.
- Dolby Theatre Steps: A traditional red-carpet photo spot that is open to the public.
What to See & Do in Hollywood?
Here are the most popular attractions, landmarks, and experiences that bring visitors from around the world to Hollywood:
Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood’s Universal Studios is both a theme park and a film studio. Tourists can ride Jurassic World, visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and ride the world-famous Studio Tour. Reservations begin as low as $109, and the park is open most days between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on extended days on weekends.
Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre
The Hollywood Walk of Fame runs along Hollywood Boulevard with more than 2700 brass stars of celebrities. TCL Chinese Theatre is a nearby theatre which has been there since 1927 and is known to have handprints and footprints of the stars. Tour costs are approximately $25, and movies are between $20-$30.
El Capitan Theatre
El Capitan Theatre is a Disney-owned restored 1926 movie palace that screens Disney movies with live organ sounds. Tickets generally cost $15 to $25. Special shows and movie premieres are also held in the theatre, providing a retro Hollywood movie experience.
Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre
The Egyptian Theatre of Grauman is one of the oldest movie palaces in Hollywood, constructed in 1922. It features film history events and restorations, and is now operated by Netflix and the American Cinematheque. The prices of tickets depend on the screening, ranging between $10 and $20.
Hollywood Museum
The Hollywood Museum within the old Max Factor Building features over 10,000 pieces, such as the dresses of Marilyn Monroe and props of cult films. Admission is $15 per person, and the museum is open on Wednesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Hollywood Sculpture Garden
The Hollywood Sculpture Garden is a private museum of more than 100 contemporary sculptures on a hillside. Visits are usually on a reservation basis, so visiting the art gallery is a secret among art lovers. The cost of entry is different when taking a private tour.
World of Illusions/Museum of Illusions
This is an interactive museum with thematic rooms full of optical illusions and 3D art that is ideal for taking photos in, and it is located on Hollywood Boulevard. The tickets are about $30, and it is open every day between 11 am and 10 pm.
Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House
Barnsdall Art Park has art galleries, a theatre and Hollyhock House, which is designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is a world heritage site. Admission is $7 and the venue is open on a Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park has 160 acres of trails that have views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles. There is no entry fee, and it is open all day long and all year round, from sunrise to sunset. It attracts dog walkers and hikers.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the last resting place of such stars as Judy Garland and hosts outdoor movies and cultural events. Guided tours cost around $25. The cemetery is open all days between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in neighbouring Burbank provides a backstage view of sets, soundstages, and props of such shows as Friends and The Big Bang Theory. Tours charge approximately $70 and occur every day from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Capitol Records Building
The Capitol Records Building, which was launched in 1956, is a famous tower that is round and looks like a tower of records. Although it does not offer guided tours, it still serves as one of the major photo stops on Vine Street and is a historic music site.
Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is an outdoor theatre that hosts concerts under the stars, such as the LA Philharmonic of big artists. Depending on the event, the ticket prices range between $20 and more than $100. The seasonal shows operate between June and October.
Where Are the Best Places to Eat in Hollywood?
Here are the top dining spots in Hollywood that mix history, flavour, and culture:
Miceli’s (Italian)
Miceli is the oldest Italian restaurant in Hollywood that serves great pasta and pizza with singing waiters. They have spaghetti with meatballs as their best meal.
- Location: 1646 N Las Palmas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
- Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Fri–Sat 11:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.–10 p.m.
Pink’s Hot Dogs (Casual)
Pink is an iconic hot dog shop that has gained fame due to innovative toppings and celebrity clientele. The most popular meal is the Chilli Cheese Dog.
- Location: 709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
- Hours: Sun–Thu 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Fri–Sat 9:30 a.m.–2 a.m.
Osteria Mozza (Italian Fine Dining)
Osteria Mozza is a Michelin-starred establishment by Nancy Silverton, famous due to its mozzarella bar and homemade pasta. The ricotta and egg ravioli is a dish that cannot be missed.
- Location: 6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
- Hours: Daily 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Mother Wolf (Italian, Stylish)
Mother Wolf is a restaurant that serves Roman dishes in a smooth environment. Its cacio e pepe pasta has fast become a signature dish.
- Location: 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
- Hours: Mon–Thu 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Sun 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Musso & Frank Grill (Classic Steakhouse)
Musso and Frank’s Grill is one of the oldest restaurants in Hollywood, and it offers the best steak and martini. Their filet mignon is legendary.
- Location: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
- Hours: Tue–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun 4 p.m.–9 p.m., Closed Monday
Thai Town Eateries (Casual/Authentic)
Thai Town is also a place where you can find authentic dishes in several restaurants. Jitlada is renowned for its spicy Thai southern curries.
- Location: Along Hollywood Blvd between Western Ave and Normandie Ave
- Hours: Vary by restaurant, typically 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Vinyl District Hotspots
The Vinyl district has turned into a food centre featuring trendy restaurants. Ka’teen is renowned due to its grilled meats of the Yucatan style.
- Location: Around Selma Ave and Wilcox Ave, Hollywood
- Hours: Most restaurants open 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
Vine Street Choices
There are casual and upscale restaurants on Vine Street. The Katsuya is most popular for its crispy rice filled with spicy tuna.
- Location: Vine St between Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd
- Hours: Most open 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Yamashiro Hollywood
Yamashiro combines scenic views of the city with sushi and Asian-fusion dishes. Their dragon roll is very popular among the crowds.
- Location: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
- Hours: Daily 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
This Naples import has become famous because of its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Their signature dish is the Margherita pizza.
- Location: 1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028 United States
- Hours: Mon–Thu 12 p.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 12 p.m.–11 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.–10 p.m.
Little Armenia
Little Armenia is full of family-owned restaurants and bakeries. The highlights are Armenian kebabs and lavash bread.
- Location: Near Hollywood Blvd and Vermont Ave, Los Angeles
- Hours: Vary by restaurant, typically 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Melrose Avenue Cafes
The cafes on Melrose Avenue are trendy and brunch-friendly. Blu Jam Cafe is famous because of its crunchy French toast.
- Location: Along Melrose Ave, Hollywood
- Hours: Most open 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
What Essential Tips Should Tourists Know Before Visiting Hollywood?
Here are the most practical tips that every visitor needs to know before visiting Hollywood:
- Wear Comfortable: Hollywood is a place where there is a lot of walking up and down boulevards and hills, hence comfortable shoes and light attire are essential for long days.
- Best Times for Landmarks: Visit landmarks such as the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre in the morning or evening when few people are around.
- Metro & Ride-Share Hours: Metro B Line operates between 4:30 a.m. and midnight, and 24/7 ride-shares such as Uber and Lyft are also available to travel at any time.
- Be Street-Smart: Hollywood is also a busy place with a lot of tourists. Lock up, do not walk alone at night, and rely on familiar means of transportation.
- Traffic Realities: Traffic is quite high in Los Angeles and particularly during the weekdays between 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. Schedule trips around these times.
- Drone Restrictions: Without a permit, it is not allowed to fly drones throughout the Hollywood Sign, studios, and busy locations because of safety issues.
- Permits for Filming: FilmLA needs permits for most of the public areas in case you intend to shoot professional videos or photos. There is nothing wrong with casual tourist photos.
- Tipping is Standard: The culture of service in restaurants, bars, and ride-shares requires tipping 15-20% of the bill.
- Parking Fees: In Hollywood, the price of hotel and public parking is only between $15-$30 per day. Check signs to avoid fines.
- Attraction Bundles: The Go City Los Angeles Card helps save some money as it allows one to include attractions like Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds, and studio tours in one pass.
- Celebrity Sightings: Celebrities are frequently spotted at such locations as Sunset Strip restaurants, Runyon Canyon hikes, and premieres around TCL Chinese Theatre.
- Best Views of the Hollywood Sign: The best viewing places are the Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood Park and the Mount Lee hiking trail.
