The 12 best budget hotels in Los Angeles, for cheap and cheerful bliss

"Just like how mama used to make it" is the sentiment behind the restaurant at this Hollywood hotel's restaurant, and it's a theme that runs throughout the building. Mama Shelter is centrally located without being caught in the Walk of Fame's overwhelming mess. If you're going to stay in Hollywood, stay here – the fact it's budget-friendly is an added bonus. One thing it has that Mama's place doesn't, though, is a short walk to Dolby theatre, a great bar, and the Hollywood Bowl just a mile away. 

Where is it? Nestled in the heart of Hollywood.

Which room? The XXL Mama Suite Hollywood comes with stunning hill views and eclectic interiors only a designer can dream of.

Time Out tip: Head up to the award-winning rooftop – it's as dreamy as it sounds.

Just a 19-minute stroll from Hollywood Bowl, Orange Drive Hostel is a homey and affordable alternative to forking out a fortune on a poolside hotel. Instead, this hostel has a charming front porch and a lawn where you can sprawl out and soak up the sun. Inside you'll find well-maintained rooms with bright interiors, a separate washroom, and laundry facilities in case you're packing light.

Where is it? North Orange Drive, Hollywood.

Which room? If you like your privacy we recommend the twin room for a little extra. And don't worry, it comes complete with a bathroom so need to go wandering down the hall in the middle of the night.

Time Out tip: Keep your valuables safe and make use of the nifty on-site lockers. 

With floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an expansive view of the city, food and drink by L.A.'s Roy Choi and a lounge by natives Mark and Jonnie Houston, The Line lives and breathes Los Angeles. With modern furnishings, numerous restaurants (including one in a greenhouse), a lifestyle boutique and free yoga on Saturdays, we don't blame you for never leaving the lovely space. If you want to, though, there's plenty to do nearby. Whether it's a late-night restaurant a mere stroll from the hotel or Universal Studios, both of which are just a short drive away. 

Where is it? On Wilshire Boulevard, less than four miles from Hollywood and a 15-minute drive from Beverly Hills.

Which room? The King Room with Mountain Views has – you guessed it – exceptional mountain views and is a personal fave.

Time Out tip: Keen for a night on the town? Head to one of the many late-night restaurants or bars nearby. 

This modernist four-star hotel is an absolute beauty. From the moment you enter The Garland, you're met with de rigueur wood panelling, grasscloth wallpaper and a huge stone fireplace (there's another by the pool, FYI). This design runs throughout; even the massive gym is swathed in retro orange. Rooms come with all the usual amenities and private balconies, plus dogs are welcome! So if you're travelling with your furry mate, they'll be treated to a dog toy on arrival, with a bowl and mat for them in your room. Strolls around LA with the pooch are a breeze here too...

Where is it? You're a good walk from the Hollywood Sign, or a brief one from Universal Studios, and Universal City which is shopping and dining galore. 

Which room? The Portola Suite is majestic – complete with a private balcony and a full-size bed (yes, larger than a king). 

Time Out tip: Taste the hotel's coffee served at The Front Yard – it's apparently "Seattle's Best Coffee".

This unpretentious hotel is modestly furnished and offers something most other Santa Monica hotels don't – free parking. Rates are reasonable, and advance reservations will secure a clean, comfortable room with an ocean view. One appealing feature is the retro blade sign on the corner, which harks back to the days when Santa Monica truly was a laid-back beach town at the end of Route 66. There's a 24-hour desk, meaning late-night spins are all good; Venice Beach and Penmar golf courses are also a quick spin away. 

Where is it? Santa Monica bay-by!

Which room? The King Room with ocean views is stunning. Who doesn't love waking up to the sea? 

Time Out tip: Looking to explore on foot? You have the seaside and the Santa Monica Pier basically on your doorstep.

Hilton's Universal City branch (so-called because it's opposite the entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood) is a towering glass monolith. You can't miss it. And you'll be pleased to know that the inside is just as flashy as the outside – with custom serenity beds, an in-house convenience store, a pool and a compact gym. Family packages are offered as well, along with cribs, a children's menu and weekly kids' activities. Nice!

Where is it? Universal Hollywood Drive, a five-minute walk to Universal Studios and a brief metro ride away from Downtown LA.

Which room? The Diplomat Suite – it comes with a standalone tub, super comfy beds and sweeping city views.

Time Out tip: Check out the on-site Café Sierra, located in a glass-enclosed atrium. Dreamy indeed.

Unostentatious yet fully modern, this affordable beachfront property functions more like an extended-stay boutique hotel. The handsome interiors, with exposed brick and plenty of natural light, perfectly complement the kind of lazy-day-at-the-beach agenda that most travelers are here for (the hotel even supplies beach towels at no extra cost). And since every unit comes with a full kitchen not to mention on-site washer/dryers – you’ll have the freedom to plan meals on your own schedule. The rooftop terrace with grills available for guests is another major perk.

Where is it? Right on Venice Beach.

Which room? The First Floor Junior Suite is Oceanfront, with sweeping sea views and an open-plan style.

Time Out tip: If you fancy venturing out, Santa Monica is just.a short drive away, as is 3rd Street Promenade, for all your shopping needs. 

The Adler is much more than its – admittedly exceptionally cool – retro building. In a prime Hollywood location, this place is just a short walk from the likes of the Dolby Theatre and the Walk of Fame. And the hotel itself doesn’t rest on the laurels of simply being so stunning. The lobby and rooms are packed with references to Old Hollywood, while the on-site Clark Street Diner dishes up some of the finest waffles around.

Where is it? On Franklin Ave, nestled in Hollywood.

Which room? Need your Hollywood sign selfie? Book the King Hollywood Sign View.

Time Out tip: Head to the sun deck for a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.

The rooms at the Beverly Terrace are smaller and less luxurious than other Beverly Hills hotels, but this mid-century spot does offer one of the best deals to be found in the area. Teak furniture and planted palms hint playfully towards a tropical getaway, while the decor in the rooms themselves (which aren't huge) is retro and minimal. Cafe Amici, the hotel's restaurant, offers Cal-Italian cooking and there's also a small garden and a sweet, little pool.

Where is it? Beverly Hills, gimme gimme!

Which room? The King Suite – complete with boho design and space for four.

Time Out tip: If you don't fancy spending evenings wining and dining on the patio garden, you're right in the heart of Beverly Hills, so there's plenty to do.

Glendale may not be known for its scenic vistas, but the mountain view from this hotel's top-floor lounge is remarkable. The hotel is definitely geared more toward business travelers, but the golden-hued rooms are still inviting. Unfortunately, you'll have to pay extra for breakfast, as well as parking. However, the view is pretty priceless, and you're just a short walk from Griffith Park, Universal Studios, and more.

Where is it? Glenoaks Boulevard in Glendale.

Which room? The Executive King Room – comes with a comfy king-size bed and free breakfast for two.

Time Out tip: Fancy a drive? Pasadena is a short car journey away. 

You know you're getting as much bang for your buck at the Hampton Inn when a guest says it 'felt like I had booked a suite by mistake'. The rooms are clean and well made up too with comfy linens which is a real added bonus for when you're ready to hit the sack after a full day of exploring Venice beach boardwalk, LACMA, and the aquarium, all a stone's throw from the hotel. Its proximity to LAX also makes it a great stopover for the night. Not to mention the indoor pool, gym, and a decent supply of snacks thanks to the vending machines. And if that doesn't sway you enough, the free hot breakfast will. 

When you think about the kind of establishments near Venice Beach, you – quite rightly, we should add – probably have some of LA’s most deluxe hotels in mind. But not everything in the area is actually uber-expensive. Take Venice on the Beach, for instance, a modest and affordable boutique spot with spectacular ocean views. With all rooms boasting fridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs, it’s proof that budget hotels exist even in top-tier locations, without having to scrimp on quality and comfort.

Where is it? Slight giveaway, but... Venice Beach! 

Which room? Go for the Room with Ocean View – it's quaint but blissful.

Time Out tip: Be sure to reserve your parking spot in advance as there are limited spaces available.