Where to Stay for the LA 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles is massive, and choosing the right area to stay can make or break your Olympic experience. This guide breaks down the best neighborhoods by Olympic zone, budget tier, and event access.
Booking Timeline & Strategy
When to Book Your Accommodation
Don't wait—LA hotels will fill up fast
The LA 2028 Olympics will strain the city's hotel capacity like never before. With over 10 million visitors expected, accommodation prices will skyrocket and availability will vanish. Here's your strategic booking timeline:
Book Now - 2026
Best rates and widest selection. Early bird rates 30-40% below peak pricing.
2027
Prices rising. Downtown and Inglewood nearly sold out. Limited options remain.
2028 (Late)
Extreme prices, minimal availability. Only last-minute cancellations available.
Smart Booking Tips:
- Book refundable rates: Gives flexibility if your event schedule changes
- Consider package deals: LA28 will offer hotel + ticket packages (watch for announcements)
- Set price alerts: Use Hopper, Google Hotels alerts for your target areas
- Join hotel loyalty programs: Members get early access to Olympic inventory
- Book longer stays: 5-7 night minimums often have better nightly rates
Expected Pricing (July-August 2028)
Expect prices 3-5x normal summer rates. Here's what to budget:
Budget
$150-250/night
Hostels, motels, outer suburbs, shared Airbnb rooms
Mid-Range
$300-500/night
3-star hotels, full Airbnb apartments, good locations
Luxury
$600-1500+/night
4-5 star hotels, DTLA high-rises, beachfront properties
Stay by Olympic Zone
Downtown LA (DTLA)
The Olympic hub with best Metro access
Why Stay Here:
DTLA is the beating heart of LA 2028. Every Metro line passes through downtown, giving you direct access to the Coliseum, SoFi Stadium, Long Beach, and more. You'll be 15-30 minutes from most major venues without dealing with traffic.
Nearby Venues:
- LA Convention Center (2 min walk)
- LA Coliseum (15 min Metro E Line)
- BMO Stadium (20 min Metro)
- Crypto.com Arena (10 min walk)
Neighborhood Vibes:
- Arts District: Trendy, coffee shops, galleries
- Little Tokyo: Japanese food, culture
- Grand Central Market: Food hall icon
- LA Live: Entertainment complex, restaurants
Budget ($150-250/night)
- Freehand Los Angeles: Upscale hostel in historic building. Shared/private rooms. Great social vibe. Near Little Tokyo.
- citizenM DTLA: Modern micro-hotel. Small but smart rooms. Near Convention Center.
- Airbnb: Arts District lofts or South Park apartments. Book 12+ months ahead for best prices.
Mid-Range ($300-500/night)
- Ace Hotel Downtown LA: Hip boutique hotel. Rooftop pool, theater. Near Pershing Square Metro.
- The Hoxton, Downtown LA: Trendy, Instagram-worthy. Excellent restaurant. Arts District location.
- Courtyard by Marriott LA L.A. LIVE: Right next to Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena. Perfect for basketball fans.
- Little Tokyo hotels: Miyako Hotel or DoubleTree—walkable to Metro, authentic Japanese breakfast.
Luxury ($600-1500+/night)
- InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown: 70-story tower, rooftop bar, stunning views. Top-tier service.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles: Next to LA Live. Presidential suite views. Michelin-star dining.
- Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown: Boutique luxury, rooftop pool. Near Grand Central Market.
- JW Marriott Los Angeles LA LIVE: Connected to Convention Center. Premium Olympic package deals expected.
Pro tip: Stay near 7th St/Metro Center or Union Station for easiest access to all Metro lines. You can reach any venue in 30-45 minutes without traffic stress.
Inglewood
Near SoFi Stadium for Opening/Closing Ceremonies
Why Stay Here:
SoFi Stadium hosts the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, plus swimming finals. If you have tickets to these marquee events, staying nearby means you can walk home instead of fighting post-ceremony Metro crowds. However, accommodation options are limited.
Nearby Venues:
- SoFi Stadium (walking distance)
- Intuit Dome (next door)
- The Forum (1 mile)
- LA Coliseum (20 min Metro)
Area Notes:
- Primarily residential neighborhood
- Limited hotels compared to DTLA
- K Line Metro connects to DTLA
- Book very early—will sell out
Budget ($180-280/night)
- Airbnb/Vrbo: Best budget option. Entire homes in residential Inglewood. Book 18+ months ahead.
- LAX area motels: 10-15 min drive to SoFi. Budget chains along Century Blvd.
Mid-Range ($350-550/night)
- Residence Inn by Marriott LAX: 15 min to SoFi. Full kitchens, good for families.
- Four Points by Sheraton LAX: Shuttle to SoFi expected during Games. Pool, restaurant.
- Local Airbnbs: Newer developments near SoFi. 2-3 bedroom homes popular for groups.
Luxury ($700-2000+/night)
- New hotels coming: LA28 is working with developers to build 2-3 new hotels adjacent to SoFi. Details TBA 2026.
- Luxury Airbnb homes: High-end homes near SoFi with pools, 5+ bedrooms for groups.
- Manhattan Beach luxury rentals: 15 min drive, beachfront homes, premium experience.
Warning: Inglewood hotels will sell out first. If you want to stay near SoFi, book the moment accommodations open (likely early 2026). Consider DTLA as backup with easy K Line access.
Long Beach
Beach vibes and water sports venues
Why Stay Here:
Long Beach offers the most relaxed Olympic experience. Beach volleyball, sailing, and canoe/kayak events create a resort-style atmosphere. Prices are generally lower than DTLA, and the waterfront setting is unbeatable. Plus, Metro A Line connects directly to downtown LA.
Nearby Venues:
- Long Beach Arena (walkable)
- Marine Stadium (waterfront)
- Beach volleyball courts
- Marathon finish line
Area Highlights:
- Beach town atmosphere
- Lower prices than DTLA/Westside
- 50 min to DTLA via Metro
- Great food scene, less touristy
Budget ($140-230/night)
- Hotel Maya - DoubleTree by Hilton: On the water, tropical vibe. Good value for location.
- Airbnb near 2nd Street: Walkable downtown area. Apartments with beach access.
- Motel 6 Long Beach: Basic but clean. 15 min walk to Metro A Line.
Mid-Range ($280-450/night)
- The Queen Mary Hotel: Historic ship hotel. Iconic experience. 10 min drive to venues.
- Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach: Modern, walkable to everything. Rooftop bar.
- Hotel Current: Boutique hotel near waterfront. Bike rentals, beach gear.
- Renaissance Long Beach Hotel: Connected to Convention Center. Pool, restaurant.
Luxury ($550-1000+/night)
- The Varden Hotel: Boutique luxury in Belmont Shore. Beach views, upscale dining.
- Luxury beach rentals: Beachfront homes on Ocean Blvd. 3-5 bedrooms, private patios.
- Naples Island homes: Upscale neighborhood. Waterfront properties with docks.
Pro tip: Stay near the Metro A Line (Blue) for easy access to DTLA events. Belmont Shore and 2nd Street areas are walkable and have the best restaurants and nightlife.
Westside (Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey)
Beach culture with Olympic action
Why Stay Here:
The Westside combines LA's famous beach culture with proximity to several Olympic venues. Expect higher prices than other areas, but you get the classic LA beach experience plus Metro E Line access to downtown events.
Nearby Venues:
- Santa Monica beach volleyball
- Venice Beach events (TBA)
- 55 min to Coliseum via Metro
- Beach atmosphere for Marathon
Area Vibes:
- Classic LA beach lifestyle
- Santa Monica Pier, Venice Boardwalk
- Excellent restaurants, shopping
- Premium pricing
Budget ($180-300/night)
- HI Los Angeles - Santa Monica Hostel: Steps from beach. Shared/private rooms. Social scene.
- Venice Beach Suites & Hotel: Budget-friendly near boardwalk. Basic but clean.
- Airbnb Venice/Mar Vista: Neighborhoods 10-15 min inland. Better prices.
Mid-Range ($350-600/night)
- The Kinney Venice Beach: Boutique hotel, rooftop bar. Walking distance to beach.
- Hotel Erwin: Venice Beach boardwalk. Rooftop lounge, sunset views.
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows: Santa Monica. Iconic property, ocean views.
- Shore Hotel: Santa Monica beachfront. Solar-powered, modern, sustainable.
Luxury ($700-2500+/night)
- Shutters on the Beach: Santa Monica icon. Beachfront luxury, world-class service.
- Hotel Casa del Mar: 1920s elegance, direct beach access. Michelin dining.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey: Waterfront luxury, yachts, harbor views.
- Venice beach houses: Luxury rentals on boardwalk. Private beach access, modern design.
Insider tip: Santa Monica is pricier but more family-friendly. Venice is edgier and more artistic. Marina del Rey is quieter with waterfront dining. All have Metro E Line access.
Pasadena
Rose Bowl area with suburban charm
Why Stay Here:
Pasadena offers a more relaxed Olympic experience away from downtown crowds. Perfect if you're attending soccer at the Rose Bowl or prefer a quieter, more suburban base. Metro L Line (Gold) connects to DTLA.
Mid-Range ($250-400/night)
- The Westin Pasadena: Near Old Town. Rooftop pool, walking to restaurants.
- Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena: Old Town location. Metro access.
- Airbnb Craftsman homes: Historic Pasadena neighborhoods. Charming, spacious.
Luxury ($500-900/night)
- The Langham Huntington: Historic luxury resort. Beautiful grounds, spa, fine dining.
- Luxury home rentals: San Marino, South Pasadena. Pools, gardens, classic California style.
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Which Is Better?
Hotels
Pros:
- Can't be cancelled last minute
- Loyalty points and Olympic packages
- Daily housekeeping
- On-site restaurants and amenities
- Concierge for tickets/transport help
Cons:
- Higher nightly rates
- Resort fees ($30-50/day)
- Less space for groups
- No kitchen (dining out adds up)
Airbnb/Vrbo
Pros:
- Better value for groups (4+ people)
- Full kitchens (save on dining)
- More space and privacy
- Residential neighborhoods
- Local experiences
Cons:
- Risk of host cancellation
- No daily cleaning
- Cleaning fees ($100-300)
- Minimum night requirements (5-7 nights)
- Less predictable quality
Our recommendation: Book both if possible. Reserve a hotel with free cancellation as backup, then search for Airbnb deals. Hotels are safer for short stays (1-3 nights), while Airbnbs offer better value for longer stays (7+ nights) or groups.
Alternative Options
University Housing
UCLA, USC, and other universities may offer dorm-style housing during summer break. Expect basic accommodations at budget prices ($80-150/night).
- USC: Near Coliseum, Metro access
- UCLA: Westwood location, new Purple Line
- Book through: University websites (opens spring 2026)
Cruise Ships as Hotels
LA/Long Beach ports may dock cruise ships as floating hotels during the Games. Unique experience with all-inclusive dining.
- Expected: 2-3 ships in Long Beach/San Pedro
- Pricing: $200-400/night all-inclusive
- Shuttle: To Long Beach Metro and venues
- Announcements: Expected late 2025/early 2026
Suburbs & Outlying Areas
Save money by staying 30-45 minutes outside central LA. You'll need a car or budget extra time for Metro connections.
- Orange County: Anaheim, Irvine (45+ min to DTLA)
- San Gabriel Valley: Alhambra, Monterey Park (Metro L Line)
- South Bay: Redondo, Torrance (less crowded)
Home Exchanges
Swap homes with LA residents traveling abroad during the Games. Platforms like HomeExchange offer this option.
- Cost: Annual membership fee ($10-15/month)
- Best for: Families wanting local experience
- Planning: Start searching 12-18 months ahead
Essential Booking Tips
Do:
- Book refundable rates when possible
- Join hotel loyalty programs before booking
- Set price alerts on Google Hotels and Hopper
- Consider 7+ night stays for better rates
- Read cancellation policies carefully
- Screenshot confirmation emails
- Book early (2026) for best selection
- Check Metro distance, not just driving distance
Don't:
- Don't wait until 2027—prices will skyrocket
- Don't book non-refundable without travel insurance
- Don't assume you can find last-minute deals
- Don't choose hotels solely by price (check location)
- Don't forget to factor in resort fees
- Don't book Airbnb from hosts with few reviews
- Don't ignore minimum night requirements
- Don't assume parking is included at hotels
Disclaimer: Accommodation prices and availability are estimates based on previous Olympics and current LA hotel market. Actual pricing will be announced by hotels and platforms starting in 2026. Book early and monitor for official LA28 hotel packages.