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Best Areas to Stay in LA for the 2028 Olympics (by Budget & Vibe)

Finding an Olympic basecamp in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming—prices spike, freeways jam, and the city sprawls far wider than most first-time visitors expect. This guide narrows the list to neighborhoods that give you a realistic commute to competition venues, a vibe that matches your travel crew, and a nightly rate that fits your budget.

How to use this guide#

• Start by matching your crew’s vibe: nightlife, family-friendly calm, or beach downtime between sessions.
• Cross-check venue clusters to avoid crisscrossing the basin; read our Car-Free Olympic guide if you’re ditching the rental car.
• Use the estimated nightly rate band to filter your lodging search—rates climb 30–60% as we get closer to LA28.
• Layer in Olympic 2028 tools for booking reminders and official transportation updates via the main site.

DTLA & South Park — central, connected, mid-tier prices#

Why stay: Downtown places you within 20 minutes of Crypto.com Arena, the Convention Center, and opening/closing ceremonies. South Park’s condo hotels and business-class properties (think JW Marriott, Hotel Indigo) hit the sweet spot between location and price.

What it costs: Expect $280–$400 per night mid-week during the Games.

Transit tips:

• Metro A (Blue) and E (Expo) lines get you to Long Beach or Santa Monica without touching the freeway.
• Rideshare staging around LA Live will be busy; Metro is usually faster after primetime events.

Vibe: Lively after dark with rooftop bars and plenty of late-night eats. Pair your stay with our DTLA dining playbook to navigate the post-event rush.

Westside (Santa Monica & Venice) — beach downtime, higher budget#

Why stay: Ideal if you prefer sand between sessions or want family-friendly bike paths and farmers’ markets between events. You’ll still have direct access to the Santa Monica pier competitions and can ride the E Line inland.

What it costs: $420–$600 per night, with premium for beachfront or suite-style stays. Consider apartment hotels in Marina del Rey for longer trips.

Transit tips:

• The Metro E Line now runs every 7–10 minutes during LA28; budget an hour to reach DTLA venues.
• For SoFi Stadium, plan on the free Olympic shuttle from Aviation/Century (connect via rideshare or E Line + shuttle).

Vibe: Relaxed, wellness-focused, and easy to layer with beach-town dining. Ideal for visitors who want to split time between competition and coastal downtime.

Inglewood & South Bay — fastest SoFi access, mixed price points#

Why stay: You're minutes from SoFi Stadium, the Intuit Dome, and the Forum. This zone also gives quick freeway or rideshare access to LAX and venue clusters in Carson and Long Beach.

What it costs: Midscale hotels average $260–$340; upscale options at Hollywood Park will climb toward $500+.

Transit tips:

• Metro K Line connects Westchester, Leimert Park, and SoFi with a transfer to the C Line for LAX and Long Beach.
• Dedicated SoFi shuttle routes will keep Olympic lanes clear—monitor updates for booking windows.

Vibe: Game-day energy with sports bars, late-night taco spots, and live music. Pair this stay with our Inglewood essentials guide for safety tips and local eats.

Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley — heritage venues, quieter nights#

Why stay: Perfect for track & field fans attending the Rose Bowl or families wanting tree-lined streets, bookstores, and quieter evenings.

What it costs: $240–$320 per night, with boutique inns and historic hotels around Old Pasadena.

Transit tips:

• Metro A Line runs directly into DTLA; give yourself 40 minutes door-to-door.
• Dedicated Olympic shuttles will link the Rose Bowl to transit hubs—reserve early.

Vibe: Historic architecture, craft coffee, and independent dining. Plan rest days for Huntington Gardens or kid-friendly museums.

Budget strategies if your top pick is sold out#

• Consider split stays: a week inland for stadium events, then move Westside for the beach-heavy days.
• Look at Glendale, Culver City, or Koreatown for better nightly rates while keeping transit options.
• Book cancellable rates now, then watch for official Olympic lodging releases via the main site’s alerts.

FAQs#

Q: How early should I lock in an Olympic hotel?
A: Book refundable reservations 9–12 months out. Major chains will release additional inventory after the LA28 ticketing windows firm up, so set alerts and be ready to rebook if prices drop.

Q: Is it worth renting a car in Los Angeles during the Games?
A: Only if you’re visiting outlying venues like Lake Perris or Chula Vista. Traffic lanes around Olympic clusters will be restricted; the Metro expansion plus official shuttles cover most spectator trips.

Q: Are short-term rentals capped during LA28?
A: The city is tightening regulations, but licensed hosts can still operate. Verify registration numbers and proximity to transit so you’re not relying on surge-priced rideshares every day.