Los Angeles is famous all over the world for being the centre of Hollywood. Imagine staying in the city where so many film stars have been before and all of the glamour and fun of Hollywood is on your doorstep!
The thing with visiting Los Angeles is there is a lot to see, so knowing what part of the city you want to experience is best. Do you want to spend days lounging with the beautiful people on the beach, or star-spotting outside the Chinese Theatre, or posing under the Hollywood sign?
We’ve got your accommodation sorted though -welcome to the best hostels in Los Angeles.
We’ve organized the coolest hostels in Los Angeles so you can quickly find one that suits your style (and save some money in the process!)
Editor’s note – Check out our 13 best day trips from Los Angeles and the 11 best hostels near Yosemite and see what else California has to offer!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Los Angeles
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Los Angeles – USA Hostels Hollywood
#2 Best Party Hostel in Los Angeles – Banana Bungalow Hollywood
#3 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Los Angeles – The Venice Beach Hostel
#4 Best Hostel near Hollywood Walk of Fame – Walk of Fame Hostel
#5 Best Hostel near Sunset Blvd – Orange Drive Hostel
#6 Best Hostel near Venice Beach – SameSun Venice Beach
#7 Best Hostel near LAX Airport – Time Zone Hostel
#8 Best Hostel near Public Transport in LA – Surf City Hostel
#9 Best High-end Hostel in Los Angeles – Freehand Hostel
#10 Best Hostel for Couples in Los Angeles – Sea Rock Inn Hostel
#11 Best Budget Hostel in Los Angeles – Melrose Hostel
#12 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Los Angeles – HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
#1 – USA Hostels Hollywood
Best Overall Hostel in Los Angeles
USA Hostels Hollywood is the best overall hostel in Los Angeles
USA Hostels Hollywood is the best overall hostel in Los Angeles
USA Hostels Hollywood is the best overall hostel in Los Angeles- Cost – $$
- Location – 1624 Schrader Blvd, Hollywood
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like USA Hostels Hollywood…
Right in the middle of central Hollywood, this hostel has got a lot going for it. With consistently excellent reviews and many happy customers, it’s located between the famous Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Strip. Easily the best overall hostel in Los Angeles for its high standards of comfort, style, location and of course, all importantly, value for money.
USA Hostels Hollywood is perfect for…
Design-lovers rejoice – this has to be one of the coolest hostels in Los Angeles! Check out their super chilled roof terrace for the perfect place to chill out, stay in one of their clean, brightly coloured dorm rooms, or for a little pricey and homely, comforts stay in a private room with your own en-suite bathroom.
Looking for a deal? Our recommended budget hostels in Los Angeles won’t break the bank!
#2 – Banana Bungalow Hollywood
Best Party Hostel in Los Angeles
Banana Bungalow Hollywood is the best party hostel in Los Angeles
Banana Bungalow Hollywood is the best party hostel in Los Angeles
Banana Bungalow Hollywood is the best party hostel in Los Angeles- Cost – $$$
- Location – 5920 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Banana Bungalow Hollywood…
We like this Los Angeles backpackers hostel for its funky decoration which definitely adds to the overall party vibe. The owners have created a place which is perfect for partying as well as soaking up the iconic Los Angeles sunshine. One of the best things about this hostel is that they arrange lots of fun activities to get all of the guests mingling, meaning you’ll never be stuck for things to do.
Banana Bungalow Hollywood is perfect for…
LA is well known for its nightlife and this hostel is well known for its parties. If that’s what you want then look no further: this is the best party hostel in Los Angeles. Housed in a classically cool old American motel, but decorated in a modern style, there is plenty of outdoor space to meet new friends and the staff who work here are all about helping you have the best time.
Don’t worry! We have more hostels in our article on the best party hostels in Los Angeles!
#3 – The Venice Beach Hostel
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Los Angeles
The Venice Beach Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Los Angeles
The Venice Beach Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Los Angeles
The Venice Beach Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Los Angeles- Cost – $$
- Location – 716 Washington Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Venice Beach Hostel …
Travelling solo and looking for somewhere sociable to stay isn’t always easy, so we love that this youth hostel in Los Angeles is the best place to meet other people. Located near the beach, its surrounded by all of the mad quirkiness of Los Angeles including markets, crazy stores and street performers. Staying in the coolest hostel near Muscle Beach means you will never be stuck for things to do.
The Venice Beach Hostel is perfect for…
Solo travellers! Yes, this is the best hostel for solo travellers in Los Angeles, helped by the staff here who make sure everyone is having a good time. Its small, homely beach house atmosphere means it’s easy to get chatting with the many international travellers that stay here. Enjoy dinner around the kitchen table together or drinks over a game of table football.
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#4 – Walk of Fame Hostel
Best Hostel near Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Cost – $$
- Location – 6820 Hollywood Blvd, Los angeles
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Walk of Fame Hostel …
We like this place because of its vibrant modern design. Its big social spaces are great for kicking back and playing a game of pool or chilling out on your laptop for an hour or two. This hostel even claim they even have a view of the Oscar’s red carpet from their window!
Walk of Fame Hostel is perfect for…
This is the best overall hostel near the Walk of Fame simply because of its unbeatable location. The staff are really helpful and will make sure that your stay in the city runs smoothly and will give you city tips and restaurant recommendations. The staff are also at the front desk 24-hours a day, which means you always feel safe and secure.
Heading to USA? Save some money with our guide to the coolest hostels in USA!
#5 – Orange Drive Hostel
Best Hostel near Sunset Blvd
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1764 North Orange Drive, Hollywood
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Orange Drive Hostel…
Clean, comfortable and with a blissful backyard to take some time out in, this is the best hostel near Sunset Blvd for that home-from-home feeling. Staying here feels like staying in a slice of American culture, where you can spend the night sleeping in a big classic white picket fence house and while away some hours sitting on the front porch. Dreamy!
Orange Drive is perfect for…
Chilled-out sightseers. The best hostel in Los Angeles for taking in the sights, but still having time and space to chill out, Orange Drive Hostel is situated in an ideal location. The staff will make sure you make the most out of your stay by taking you on tours of the area and you get access to the fully stocked kitchen so you can always make yourself midnight snacks.
#6 – SameSun Venice Beach
Best Hostel near Venice Beach
- Cost – $$
- Location – 25 Windward Ave, Venice Beach
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like SameSun Hostel…
The coolest hostel near Sunset Beach, SameSun offers guests that stay the chance to sleep in a super cool modern environment. This place is full of fun and energy – we love that it’s a great place for anyone to get stuck into all of the action of Venice Beach and have the best time in LA mixing with people and making new friends.
SameSun Hostel is perfect for…
Anyone who’s all about the beach life! Sat right on Venice Beach boardwalk, this is quite easily the best hostel near Venice Beach. Staying here is always a memorable experience and there is always something going on or something to do. The beach is right on the doorstep, but the hostel can also arrange for you to check out the big sites around the city, too.
#7 – Time Zone Hostel
Best Hostel near LAX Airport
Why we like Time Zone Hostel…
It’s called Time Zone which is not the only reason it’s the best hostel near LAX airport. The hostel isn’t your usual quick place to stop off before an early morning flight, you could easily spend your holiday in Los Angeles staying here. The staff are really helpful, and there is lots of space in the common room for everyone.
Time Zone Hostel is perfect for…
The closest youth hostel to LAX airport, Time Zone is perfect for travellers who need to catch an early flight but also want to stay somewhere with a bit of style and atmosphere. There’s breakfast included in the price too, which means you can fill yourself on tasty toast and eggs before heading off to airport and jetting off on a plane.
#8 – Surf City Hostel
Best Hostel near Public Transport in LA
- Cost – $$
- Location – 26 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Surf City Hotel…
A chilled place to have a good night’s sleep, this Los Angeles backpackers hostel features simple and clean design, meaning a relaxed environment. Surf City is close to the beach which is ideal if you are a keen surfer and, there are lots of fun places to hangout and lots of cafes and bars in walking distance.
Surf City is perfect for…
Situated near Hermosa Beach, this is the best hostel near public transport in LA; it’s so easy to travel around Los Angeles from here by the excellent public transport links just a few steps away. Plus if you want a well priced, clean place to stay near to public transport, here’s the hostel for you.
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#9 – Freehand Hostel
Best High-end Hostel in Los Angeles
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 416 West 8th Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Freehand Hostel…
When it comes to high-end, style and design are pretty important. This place manages to effortlessly combine chic decor with practical hostel environment for the perfect outcome. Think bold blocks of colours and strong texture choices as well as top-class amenities and you get the best high-end hostel in Los Angeles.
Freehand Hostel is perfect for…
Located in an Commercial Exchange building in L.A.’s vibrant Downtown this place isn’t just all about trendy style. This hostel is great for its unbeatable rooftop pool and terrace – if you want to treat yourself to a little down-time poolside, then this hostel is a great place for that; it’s also easy to get chatting to other guests over drinks at sunset.
#10 – Sea Rock Inn Hostel
Best Hostel for Couples in Los Angeles
- Cost – $$
- Location – 14032 S. Vermont Ave
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Sea Rock Inn Hostel…
You’re travelling with your partner, and even though you like a little of the hostel vibe, you would really like some time and space to yourself and this hostel really gets that. Easily the best hostel for couples in Los Angeles, we like this place simply for its hotel-style rooms with their own private bathrooms.
Sea Rock Inn Hostel is perfect for…
A recommended hostel in Los Angeles that’s perfect for couples, Sea Rock is also great if you want to do some relaxing. Their outdoor pool is a brilliant spot to catch some rays, and the people who work here will help you out with sightseeing for when you’ve had enough of lounging by the pool.
#11 – Melrose Hostel
Best Budget Hostel in Los Angeles
- Cost – $$
- Location – 646 N Western Ave
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Melrose Hostel…
By putting a focus on style and comfort and creating a homely atmosphere, Melrose is the best budget hostel in Los Angeles. We can’t help but like this hostel with its friendly staff, and of course they serve up a big free American-style breakfast which has more than won us over.
Melrose Hostel is perfect for…
Solo travellers on a budget. Even though this hostel is cheap, it doesn’t mean the facilities have to be and, with fantastic showers and dorms as well as a garden area, this is the best budget hostel in Los Angeles. The kind of hostel experience you won’t forget quickly, the staff can’t do enough to make guests feel welcome.
#12 – HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
Best Hostel with Private Room in Los Angeles
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1436 2nd Street, CA 90401
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like HI Los Angeles Santa Monica…
Sometimes you just want a space of your own to unwind in and this cool LA hostel provides just that. Private rooms have fun touches of colour and decor that make it feel like you’re staying in your own room at home – except you’re in LA and right near the beach with all of the beautiful people, which we can appreciate.
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica is perfect for…
If you’re looking for the best hostel with a private room in Los Angeles, the location of this place smack on the beach makes it extra amazing. There’s enough space to sprawl out your belongings around the private rooms, and you won’t have to worry about the safety of your stuff. The chilled common room area where you can catch a movie is a great place to meet other travellers.
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More Best Hostels in Los Angeles
#13 – Pod Share Arts District
- Cost – $$
- Location – 900 E 1st Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Pod Share Arts District…
Simple pod beds are not enough for this funky little hostel. Located in the Arts District, this cool downtown LA hostel is super stylish with chunky wooden bunks that each come with their own TV! The people who run this place clearly know what people look for in a dorm: everything is spotlessly clean, compact and well designed.
Pod Share Arts District is perfect for…
Digital nomads! Yes, Pod Share allows you enough space to work at their workstations. but also has lots of social space to mingle with other guests. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, you won’t be stuck for delicious things to eat if you venture outside of this top hostel in Los Angeles.
#14 – Pod Share Venice Beach
- Cost – $$
- Location – 522 S Venice Blvd
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Pod Share Venice Beach…
Another branch of the popular Pod Share brand, this place is the best hostel for design near to Venice Beach. We like the way the bunk beds at this recommended hostel in Los Angeles have their owns stairs instead of having to clamber up a ladder and, of course, there are lots of added extras like TVs and co-working spaces for everyone to have enough room for themselves
Pod Share Venice Beach is perfect for…
If you want to stay somewhere where you can get some rest and work done during your visit but, be able to walk out of the front door and on to the beach then you should stay here. The coolest little pod hostel next to the beach give guests just the right balance between work and play.
#15 – DormShare
- Cost – $$
- Location – 10794 Le Conte Avenue
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like DormShare…
A cool Los Angeles hostel that we like for many reasons. Located across two floors of a big building, the hostel has big windows that let in lots of light. There’s a lot of space so you can easily find a corner for yourself – plus an excellent communal kitchen where you can keep to your travel budget and make yourself meals.
DormShare is perfect for…
If you are looking for a good, all round youth hostel in Los Angeles, DormShare fits the bill. The minimal design is clean and the shared bathrooms are kept well maintained. Guests can enjoy socialising in the lovely terrace area or take a walk to the many restaurants in the area.
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Los Angeles?
A dormitory room is usually $25 to $45 per night, and privates are $80 to $150. Los Angeles is definitley not cheap, but you can still save money at hostels versus expensive hotels!
What are Hostels in Los Angeles Like?
Cool, hip, and full of energy! Los Angeles is one of the most popular tourist cities in the United States, so you can find a nice variety of hostels whether you like partying or you prefer a quiet stay. Most hostels will also help arrange tours and activities around the city during your stay!
How Safe are Hostels in Los Angeles?
Hostels themselves are normally quite safe, though around the city some crime does occur. You can ask about which areas are better to avoid, and it's a good idea to go out in pairs or groups and not alone.
How to Find Hostels in Los Angeles?
Start by searching on HostelWorld to see the options and compare prices. You can also read reviews from past travelers to see which spot seems like the right fit for you!
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Best Overall Hostel in Los Angeles
USA Hostels Hollywood
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Check Best Price |
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Best Party Hostel in Los Angeles
Banana Bungalow Hollywood
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Los Angeles
The Venice Beach Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel near Hollywood Walk of Fame
Walk of Fame Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel near Sunset Blvd
Orange Drive Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel near Venice Beach
SameSun Hostel
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Best Hostel near LAX Airport
Time Zone Hostel
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Best Hostel near Public Transport in LA
Surf City Hotel
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Best High-end Hostel in Los Angeles
Freehand Hostel
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Best Hostel for Couples in Los Angeles
Sea Rock Inn Hostel
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Best Budget Hostel in Los Angeles
Melrose Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Hostel with Private Room in Los Angeles
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
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Conclusion to the coolest backpacker hostels in Los Angeles
There’s not much more to it, with our selection of the coolest hostels in Los Angeles you are going to have the best time.
You’ll be able to explore the best bits of the city and maybe get a few days on the beach too!
The hostels are all really friendly places with owners that will help you with seeing the city sights with tips and hints, so that you will make the most of your time in the glamorous Californian city.
We know that it can be hard to choose sometimes, especially when all of the best hostels in Los Angeles are so good, so to make the choice a little easier, our best all round hostel in Los Angeles, USA Hostels Hollywood is the perfect all round choice. See you on the beach!
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