Where to Stay in Long Beach → 5 Best Areas with Hotels
Long Beach overlooks the scenic Pacific coastline and offers a mix of urban and beach vibes, making it an ideal spot for all visitors. But where to stay in Long Beach?
I did my fair share of (extensive!) research and can say that the best area, especially if you’re a first-timer, is Downtown. Prioritized for its marina views and situated near the city’s historic landscape, it is ideal for couples, families, and large groups.
However, I included 4 more areas to suit different travel preferences, so you’ll see which spots are best for budget-conscious travelers, families with kids, and more. I also share a bonus where I discuss the very best VRBOs if this is what you’re into!
Before we dive in, I want to remind you to book your stay in Long Beach as soon as possible to make sure you grab the best deal.
If you are in a hurry
Here are the best hotels to stay in Long Beach to experience the best of your vacation while at Long Beach’s palpitating heart – the Downtown.
Here’s a map to help you visualize the best areas where to stay in Long Beach:
1. Downtown Long Beach – where to stay for the first time
Situated to the west of the city, Downtown Long Beach is the best neighbourhood to stay in if you’re visiting for the first time. It’s entirely walkable and has tons of trendy boutiques and cafés.
The Downtown Long Beach area is just a short walk from the beach and provides easy transportation options to other neighborhoods. Downtown is also close to the Aquarium of the Pacific (buy your tickets here) and similar family-friendly attractions.
For the best experience, stay in the waterfront area, which has easy access to lush green parks and natural beauty. It’s also near the historic Queen Mary and other top attractions.
If you wish to be surrounded by vibrant nightlife spots, worry not, as you’ll be steps away from Pine Avenue with all the best late-night bars and dining options. Many bars and restaurants like BO-Beau Kitchen and Observation Bar provide rooftop lounging experiences with great food, making them ideal for romantic dinners.
There are many things to do in Long Beach, from boarding Queen Mary to whale watching to practicing water sports. You can read the complete list in our article, written by a California local.
Luxury hotel
The most authentic and romantic Long Beach hotel must be the one on the water! Sleep on the Pacific Ocean in the dockside boat with comfy rooms (up to 2 bedrooms), complimentary breakfast, and room service! The boats are equipped with a kitchen, living room, flat-screen TV, and outdoor space for soaking in the views of the bustling harbor.
Other accommodation options in Downtown Long Beach
Mid-Range
Fabulous modernly furnished rooms, outdoor pool, and sea and harbor views. As an added plus, it’s a pet-friendly hotel
Budget
Spacious 2-bedroom apartment with sea view, self-check-in, and modern design and appliances
Airbnb
Good location, within walking distance from the beach. This condo has a queen bed with extra sleeping space (pull-out sofa)
Luxury: Hyatt Regency – possibly the best luxury hotel in Long Beach, Hyatt Regency has tons of fancy amenities like a hot tub, an outdoor pool, modern furnishings, and easy access to top attractions in town.
Things to do in Downtown Long Beach
2. East Village – where to stay in Long Beach for culture
Stay in the East Village if you want to be near the eclectic Art District with street art and murals. The area also offers proximity to annual and monthly festivals and events.
Long Beach Art Walk takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month, and it’s a great time to shop for local artwork or just stroll past the market and admire the local art scene.
Don’t get tricked just yet, as East Village has more to offer than just artsy stuff. The area is one of the best ones in town for nightlife! East Broadway Street is just the place for live DJ music and bars. Take a short ride to the nearby Retro Row along 4th Street for great restaurants and late-night dining!
Plus, East Village is a great place to kick in some workouts at the beach for fitness and water sports enthusiasts. Just head over to the spacious Alamitos Beach and do your exercises! Plus, you’ll be steps from beachfront biking trails.
If you’re into shopping, you won’t be disappointed either. Dozens of local artists have shops here selling authentic clothes, jewelry, and fine art.
Luxury hotel
One of the best hotels in Long Beach, The Westin is your go-to destination for the ultimate relaxation in the area. The location is convenient for exploring the local East Village galleries, and the amenities are top-notch.
Other accommodation options in East Village
Mid-Range
Featuring an on-site indoor pool, flat-screen TVs in compact and modern rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi
Budget
The most popular room here is the Cozy Full, which has a comfy bed, in-room amenities, and free Wi-Fi
Airbnb
Within walking distance from the restaurants and beach, this fully-equipped Airbnb is suitable both for short and extended stays
Finding a hotel in Long Beach is easy when you check all the options in the East Village. Although the best luxury hotel may be elsewhere, there are some cute mid-range and budget options I’d like to recommend.
- Luxury: Long Beach House – perfect location, suitable for families, within walking distance from Junipero Beach. You get a whole house with free parking and Wi-Fi, as well as all the amenities you could need for an extended stay with a family
- Budget: Inn at 50 – this conveniently located budget-friendly hotel has excellent service and is a better value for money than many hotels in its price range.
Things to do in East Village
- Attend your first Long Beach Art Walk
- Visit the unique-of-its-nature Latin American Art Museum
- Try the best Mexican food in town at Panxa Cocina
- Visit the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
3. Belmont Shore – where to stay in Long Beach for families
I know how traveling with the little ones can get stressful. Luckily, Long Beach is a family-friendly town, with the best neighborhood for staying with kids being Belmont Shore. Get the whole family relaxing on the beach, and even bring your pet for a swim.
Belmont Shore is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, too! You can spend days at Long Beach City Beach or at Mothers Beach (this one is on the island of Naples nearby) enjoying your time under the Californian sun, but also kitesurfing, kiteboarding, or biking. Seal Beach, rated as one of the cleanest beaches in the area, is also a short ride away.
In terms of accommodation, in Belmont Shore, you can find cozy beach houses or hotels with your own balcony with a sea view, complimentary breakfast, and tons of perks suitable for families.
Head to Second Street to explore the best restaurants and bars in the neighborhood. Plus, seeing how easily accessible Belmont Shore is to the rest of Long Beach and Orange County, I’m certain this location is a win-win for everyone who wants a relaxed stay close to where the action is.
Luxury hotel
This stunning house has 4 bedrooms and can sleep 8 people. It has a superb location, modern furnishings, and a rooftop patio! The property is also pet friendly, fitting perfectly into the family + pet vacation equation Belmont Shore is all about!
Other accommodation options in Belmont Shore
Mid-Range
Convenient location near the shore, this studio is pet friendly, has air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, and can sleep 3 people
Budget
Within walking distance from Junipero Beach, has cozy bedroom, stylish living room and a perfect rating
Airbnb
Spacious, fabulously decorated apartment for up to 5 people, has high-speed Wi-Fi suitable for remote work and extended stays
Belmont Shore has so much to offer, and I wanted to make sure you can choose from its best hotels and apartments. That’s why I’m including a few more options in this area:
- Mid-range: Belmont Shore Beach House – this spacious home has a balcony, a garden, 2 bedrooms, and is just a short ride from the local city beach. It’s freshly renovated, offers family rooms, and is pet-friendly.
- Airbnb: Bungalow in Belmont Shore – this fully equipped bungalow has some unique features, like free yoga classes on the beach and a fabulous tropical exterior.
Things to do in Belmont Shore
- Visit the Belmont Veteran Memorial Pier
- Spend a day at the Rosie’s Dog Beach with your furry friend
- Admire the Belmont Shore and LA coastline on a helicopter tour
- Rent a boat for a quick sail on the Pacific Ocean
4. Lakewood – where to stay in Long Beach on a budget
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly area in Southern California or Long Beach, Lakewood is a great match. The area is located just north of the Long Beach Airport and is suitable if you’re coming with a car. This neighborhood is close to urban parks and green spaces and is an excellent base for hiking.
You can also try golfing at a local Heartwell Golf Course or The House Bar & Grill at Lakewood Gold Course.
Overall, Lakewood is perfect if you want to be located in serene residential neighborhoods close to nature trails. While you’re here, don’t miss the iconic Cafe Rio Mexican Grill for delicious Mexican food.
Luxury hotel
Hampton Inn is located just next to the Long Beach airport. It offers a free airport shuttle and has an outdoor swimming pool. All rooms have modern furniture and look exquisite. The rooms are spacious and can fit up to 4 people.
Other accommodation options in Lakewood
Mid-Range
Aspire Inn offers excellent value for money. It has free parking and Wi-Fi and features neatly decorated rooms
Budget
A 20-minute ride from Disneyland, perfect budget stay for families. Lower rating due to limited amenities (coffee maker, microwave, etc.)
Airbnb
Comfortable 1-bedroom guest suite in a home, has a separate entrance, patio, and with hot tub
Things to do in Lakewood
- Have a fun day out at the Lakewood Golf Course
- Have a custom burger at In-n-Out Burger
- Explore the Turnbull Canyon Hiking Trail in the north
- Head to the nearby Paramount Drive-In Theatre for a movie night
5. Bixby Knolls – where to stay in Long Beach to relax
Bixby Knolls is another great Long Beach neighborhood to relax near the Downtown and Pacific Ocean beaches. But if you’re looking for a luxury hotel with an outdoor pool and all these fancy amenities, there are better options than Bixby Knolls.
Basically, this neighborhood offers a combination of budget and tranquility with a local atmosphere that’s equally inviting to couples and families with children. This area is also considered the safest, so consider this when booking your stay in Long Beach.
Bixby Knolls is super close to Long Beach’s airport, making it a great base if you wish to take helicopter tours or if you’re arriving there.
History buffs can have their fair share of fun by visiting Rancho Los Cerritos to explore Latin American art, culture, and history.
The neighborhood is also accessible to the local farmer’s market, meaning you can shop for fresh produce like a local. I highly recommend the Uptown Certified Farmers Market next to Scherer Park!
Luxury hotel
The Cove Hotel is the only luxury hotel in the area, and it offers smoking and non-smoking rooms, some of which include their own balcony. The rooms are spacious, and all have modern furnishings. The slightly lower rating is due to the hotel’s distance from the city center, but this won’t be an issue if you’re coming in a car.
Other accommodation options in Bixby Knolls
Mid-Range
This bright bungalow is ideal for couples, and it’s only a short ride away from the farmer’s market
Budget
Elegant apartment with 2 bedrooms, perfect for extended stays; has a fully-equipped kitchen and a dedicated work area
Airbnb
Modern home ideal for large families with a spacious yard, stylish interior, and just 20 mins from Disneyland
Things to do in Bixby Knolls
- Take a helicopter tour from the nearby airport
- Shop like a local at the farmer’s market
- Stroll past many of the neighborhood’s parks
- Spend the afternoon at Rancho Los Cerritos
- Head to Hilltop Park, known for sunset-watching spots
BONUS: Best VRBOs in Long Beach
Long Beach has some excellent vacation rentals, and I wanted to share them with you before ending the article! So, in case you prefer this type of accommodation, here are my top 4 VRBOs in Long Beach.
They are ordered from the most to the least expensive, and the price for the options below ranges from US$200 to US$600 per night for 2 people:
1. 2nd Street Studio
You can walk to the beach from this centrally located studio! It features a kitchen, 1 bedroom, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, making it ideal for short, cozy stays. Plus, you’re only 15 minutes away from Naples Island!
2. Sea Cottage Near Beach
This beautiful cottage with plenty of natural light features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and sleeps 4 people. It has free Wi-Fi and plenty of outdoor space, making it suitable for families with children. The 4th Street Retro Row is right outside the door, meaning delicious seafood dining spots are steps away.
3. Private Bedroom
Conveniently located near Rosie’s Dog Beach, this property is ideal for couples looking for cozy accommodation by the sea. Do note that smoking (both indoors and outdoors), as well as pets, are forbidden at this property.
4. Lux Apt in Downtown
This compact apartment is minutes from the Convention and Entertainment Center. It offers everything you need for a cozy stay, including parking and air conditioning. There is free Wi-Fi in the lobby of the building. This property can sleep up to 6 people.
FAQs about hotels in Long Beach
🏖️ Is Long Beach a good area to stay in?
Yes! As you explore Long Beach and its top attractions, you’ll experience the best of Southern California. This is also a perfect destination for world nomads, water sports enthusiasts, and foodies.
🛌🏻 Where to sleep in Long Beach?
It depends. I recommend Dockside Boat & Bed if you want to stay near the center, have easy access to seafood dining spots, and enjoy the views of passing sailboats. On the other hand, Belmont Shore and Lakewood (notably Superb Beach House) are ideal for families.
💲 What are the best cheap hotels in Long Beach?
You can find cheap Long Beach hotels on Belmont Shore. I recommend Hampton Inn because it’s close to the airport and is one of the rare hotels in the area that meet my strict rating standards! Also, Value Inn Bellflower is ideal for families!
❓ What is the best part of Long Beach?
Downtown, notably the waterfront. You’ll be within walking distance from the top attractions like the Shoreline Aquatic Park and Shoreline Village and be close to island ferry departures. The Long Beach hotel I recommend here is Renaissance Long Beach.
🏝️ Is it worth visiting Catalina Island near Long Beach?
Yes! Catalina Island has to be Long Beach’s most unique place to stay away from the mainland. You can visit Catalina Island on a ferry or even book accommodation there. You can find all the things to do in Santa Catalina in our article.
🐕 What are some pet-friendly places to stay in Long Beach, CA?
Belmont Shore is the perfect place to stay with your pet! There’s a dog-friendly beach as well as hotels and apartments where your furry friend is welcome. My recommendations are Stunning Long Beach House and Tropical Beach Studio!
☑️ Is it safe to stay in Long Beach, CA?
Yes. Long Beach is generally safe for visitors. Although some areas (around 7th Street) may witness an elevated crime rate compared to past years, the touristy spots near the sea are safe. Bixby Knolls, where The Cove Hotel is, is the safest neighborhood overall.
Conclusion
There you go, my dear explorer. You’ve reached the end of the article! I tried my best to give you enough options for where to stay in Long Beach. Hopefully, you were able to find a suitable one for you so you can explore Long Beach and this part of the Pacific Ocean the way you wanted.
I understand how overwhelming it can be to go over multiple hotel and apartment descriptions across town, so I’ll share two of my favorite ones:
- The Westin Long Beach – the best luxury hotel in town suitable for all visitors: families, couples, and world nomads.
- Best Western Plus Hotel – the location, amenities, and accessibility to water sports make this a great hotel for everyone seeking an active vacation.
With the perfect Long Beach weather, easy access to ferry rides (don’t miss the Catalina Island ride!), and water sports activities, there’s no better place to spend your summer vacation than here!
Remember to book your stay in advance to secure the best deal! And leave a message in the comments below if you’d like to add, recommend, or ask anything about any hotel in Long Beach. I’ll gladly answer!
Safe travels,
Darija
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