Hotel in safe location?

Question

Looking for a place to stay that is in a safe area? I have college boys who like to go out at night and I don't want to be sick with worry that they are walking around going to bars in a sketchy area. We live in the suburbs so they are not city experienced. Are there any areas you recommend or areas to steer clear of? We are coming to LA/Hollywood to see the tourist sights after visiting Disneyland. Thank you

Answer

Los Angeles is a huge, spread-out city with neighborhoods that vary widely in atmosphere, safety, and walkability. Since you’re traveling with college-age boys who will likely want to walk around at night near bars and restaurants, choosing a safe, lively, and well-lit area is important. You can absolutely find comfortable neighborhoods that are considered safe for tourists and young adults, especially if you avoid certain pockets.

For visiting Hollywood and the major sights while also staying in a walkable, safe-feeling area, the neighborhoods below are generally the best choices for visitors who want peace of mind.

Santa Monica – One of the safest and most walkable areas for visitors, with plenty of nightlife, restaurants, and people out late. The Promenade and beachfront areas are busy and well-patrolled. It’s farther from Hollywood but offers the most suburban-feeling environment in LA.
Beverly Grove / West Hollywood (WeHo) – West Hollywood is one of the most popular areas for going out, with excellent nightlife, well-lit streets, and a younger crowd. It’s lively but generally safe and very LGBTQ+ friendly. Beverly Grove is quieter but still walkable and safe.
Burbank – A favorite for families because it’s extremely safe, clean, and quiet at night. Not a nightlife hub, but if the boys are driving or Ubering to bars, Burbank is a comfortable home base and close to Hollywood attractions.

A few additional areas also work well for families looking for calmer, safer-feeling environments.

Century City – A business district with upscale hotels and a modern, safe atmosphere. Walkable to restaurants and the mall, though nightlife is quieter.
Pasadena – Old Town Pasadena has a suburban feel with lots of restaurants, shops, and bars in a safe, well-maintained area. It’s further from Hollywood but great for night walking.
El Segundo – Very safe and close to LAX if you’re arriving or leaving from the airport. More suburban, not a nightlife center, but comfortable and clean.

Areas that are famous but not always the best for walking around at night include some parts of Hollywood. While the main tourist stretch around Hollywood Boulevard is fine during the day, it becomes less comfortable at night due to crowds, street activity, and inconsistent cleanliness. Staying a few blocks off the main strip can feel isolated or sketchy after dark.

Other areas that visitors often prefer to avoid, especially with young adults walking around late, include Downtown LA (DTLA) near Skid Row, Koreatown at night if unfamiliar with large-city dynamics, and East Hollywood. These areas have good attractions but are not ideal bases for nighttime wandering if you want a more suburban sense of safety.

Overall, if you want the safest-feeling experience with easy nightlife access for your boys, West Hollywood or Santa Monica are the top choices. If you prefer quieter, more suburban-style comfort, Burbank, Pasadena, or Century City are excellent alternatives while still giving you straightforward access to Hollywood’s main sights.