StayAreasSanta Monica or Hollywood: where should you stay in Los Angeles?
- Hollywood is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $250 a night, against $400 in Santa Monica.
- Hollywood is closer to 5 of the 9 big sights we timed; Santa Monica wins on 4.
- Santa Monica has an easier time with kids.
- From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Santa Monica is quicker: 30 min against 50 min.
Santa MonicaBeach, pier & walkable streetsPick Santa Monica if
- First-time visitors
- Families
- Beach lovers
HollywoodWalk of Fame, studios & the Hollywood SignPick Hollywood if
- First-time visitors
- Film fans
- Budget travellers
Santa Monica vs Hollywood, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Santa Monica | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $230 | $150 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $400 | $250 (better) |
| Luxury double | $850 | $450 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Downtown LA | 50 min | 25 min (better) |
| Third Street Promenade | 8 min walk (better) | 84 min |
| Santa Monica Pier | 14 min walk (better) | 86 min |
| TCL Chinese Theatre | 81 min | 16 min walk (better) |
| Venice Boardwalk | 23 min (better) | 86 min |
| Hollywood Bowl | 104 min | 28 min walk (better) |
| Sunset Strip | 62 min | 29 min (better) |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 30 min (better) | 50 min |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Good | Very good (better) |
| Nightlife | Good | Very good (better) |
| Quiet at night | Good (better) | Limited |
| Food | Very good (better) | Good |
| Families | Excellent (better) | Good |
| Transport | Good | Very good (better) |
Hotels in Santa Monica and Hollywood
Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Santa Monica or Hollywood: questions
Is Santa Monica or Hollywood better to stay in?
Hollywood is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $250 a night, against $400 in Santa Monica. Hollywood is closer to 5 of the 9 big sights we timed; Santa Monica wins on 4. Santa Monica has an easier time with kids. From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Santa Monica is quicker: 30 min against 50 min. Santa Monica suits first-time visitors and families; Hollywood suits first-time visitors and film fans.
Which is cheaper, Santa Monica or Hollywood?
Typical doubles in Santa Monica: $230 budget, $400 mid-range, $850 luxury. In Hollywood: $150, $250 and $450. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Santa Monica or Hollywood?
Door to door: Third Street Promenade is 8 min walk from Santa Monica and 84 min from Hollywood; Santa Monica Pier is 14 min walk from Santa Monica and 86 min from Hollywood; TCL Chinese Theatre is 81 min from Santa Monica and 16 min walk from Hollywood; Venice Boardwalk is 23 min from Santa Monica and 86 min from Hollywood.
How far is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Santa Monica and Hollywood?
30 min to Santa Monica and 50 min to Hollywood, door to door by public transport.