You’ve seen the city a hundred times over on your favorite TV show, and you’re planning a vacation to the City of Angels.
Home to America’s most diverse city population, Los Angeles is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, cuisines, and languages. From Sunset Boulevard to the tip of the Santa Monica pier, this city is packed with things to do, whether you’re a culture buff, people-watcher, outdoor enthusiast, or celebrity chaser on Hollywood star walk.
But while there are many attractions in LA, there is also an enormous amount of accommodation options to choose from.
If you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, nestled below the famous Hollywood sign, in the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills neighborhoods, you’ll find countless homes and villas to rent as you touch shoulders with some of Hollywood’s most famous stars.
Santa Monica is dotted with quaint wooden beach houses in a variety of bright colors, whereas in Downtown and Mid-City LA, you’ll find tons of high-rise condos and apartments with city views. The outlying Calabasas, Topanga, and Malibu neighborhoods are ideal for those who want a break from the traffic and high city energy.
Because there is so much choice, we have narrowed down a list of our top 20 vacation rentals in Los Angeles to help you decide on the ideal place to stay for your LA trip.
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Vacation Rentals in Los Angeles
4 Bed Villa with Pool and Garden
- > $$$$
- > 10 Guests
- > Stylish home with large garden with a BBQ gazebo
- > Centrally located in Maryland Drive in Beverly Hills, close to tons of great eateries and bars
Bright and Spacious Studio with Full Kitchen
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Newly remodeled studio with high ceilings and a brand-new kitchen and bathroom
- > Centrally located in Mid-City, near all major transport lines
French Inspired Studio with Patio
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Homey and welcoming space with large shaded patio surrounded by plants
- > A block away from Sunset Boulevard, close to all major Hollywood attractions
Mediterranean 3 Bed Villa with City Views
- > $$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Spanish inspired villa with a private cinema and beautiful garden
- > Hidden in the Hollywood Hills, secluded from the traffic yet close to the city
Extravagant 5 Bed Villa with Pool
- > $$$$
- > 14 Guests
- > Ultra-modern home with a wine-cooler room, filled with natural light
- > In the heart of the Hollywood Hills overlooking city views
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Los Angeles!
Types of Accommodation in Los Angeles
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Family Houses
The most common type of self-catering vacation rental in Los Angeles is a typical residential family home. Found in every part of the city, these homes are usually modest in size and are located in residential and suburban areas, making them ideal for families, couples, and even small groups of friends.
Choose from a guest house studio in Culver City to a four-bedroom home with tons of charm in Santa Monica. Family homes are typically well priced and more authentic than an equivalent hotel room. The best part of renting out someone’s family home? Friendly locals will be more than happy to share some insider advice with you.
Studios, Apartments, and Penthouses
If the downtown buzz is what you’re after, Los Angeles has a large city center dotted with high-rise condos and apartment blocks. You’ll even find smaller condos and semi-detached townhouses for rent in the surrounding suburban neighborhoods.
This type of rental is ideal for couples and small groups, and generally, anyone who likes a good city view and enjoys being in the ‘belly of the beast’. This being said, make sure you factor in the heavy LA traffic before deciding to stay in this busy area. Many large apartment buildings even offer guests access to shared amenities including pools, Jacuzzis, and rooftop decks.
Villas and Mansions
What would Hollywood be without a few extravagant villas and themed mansions? You’ll be blown away by the opulent rental options high up in the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills neighborhoods.
Many of these homes, which can accommodate big groups of guests, are designed following a unique theme. Choose from Tuscan-inspired villas, Spanish-style homes, and even classic Medieval castles. These large homes typically have private gardens with swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and BBQ facilities.
Best suited to big families and groups of friends with a high budget, some high-end villas and mansions even include private cinemas, games rooms, and wine cellars.
Top 20 Vacation Rentals in Los Angeles
As the largest city in California, known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population, and entertainment industry, it’s no wonder you’ll find some of the best vacation rentals in Los Angeles.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ones…
Best Overall Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | 4 BR Villa with Pool
Located in the prestigious Beverly Hills neighborhood, this house is the perfect spot for a large family to enjoy some time in the big city. The luxurious home has been kitted out with modern fixtures and fittings, including clean white walls, glass doors and railings, and porcelain flooring.
When it gets warm, you’ll likely spend most of your time in the yard. A huge balcony hovers over the crystal clear swimming pool and Jacuzzi. At the end of the garden, there is even a contemporary gazebo that houses a BBQ grill and a super comfortable lounge and dining area.
Best Budget Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | Private Studio
Being such a sprawling city, it’s not too difficult to rent a cheap room in LA. And for backpackers visiting Los Angeles, we chose this one because of its central location and upscale interiors.
The studio is full of contemporary and stylish furniture and kitchen appliances. It has a spacious living area with a fully-equipped kitchen, making it one of the top self-catering vacation rentals in Los Angeles for those who plan to save on eating out. The bedroom comes with a queen-sized bed, ideal for couples.
This spot has a uniquely high ceiling for budget accommodation. With a private entrance and a secluded patio, you won’t even notice being on private residential property.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Los Angeles start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Most Beautiful Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | 3 BR Home W/ Pool
This home is so gorgeous, it has the power to lift your spirits as soon as you walk through the doors. The interiors have been carefully chosen to curate a homey, contemporary, and stylish environment. Picture gold lighting features, mid-century inspired furniture, and high-quality marble countertops.
The 2000 square foot property comes with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and can comfortably sleep eight guests. The property also provides complimentary snacks, a fridge filled with drinks and chocolate plus a bottle of wine or iced champagne – you had me at snacks.
From the yard, you’ll hardly notice you have neighbors in this lush green Beverly Hills area. You can spend the day lazing by the pool or bubbling jacuzzi, or step into the well-lit yard for an evening BBQ under the stars – the opportunities are endless in this beautiful space.
Most Luxurious Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | 5 BR Villa W/ Pool
This impressive home resembles an art gallery. The large grey structure may not look too inviting from the outside, however, step inside to experience the full glory of this modern luxury vacation rental in Los Angeles.
A combination of high and low ceilings, dropped rooms, and stairs bring a level of unexpected texture into the space, which is sparsely filled with modern, yet comfortable furniture. Each of the five bedrooms has a king or queen-sized bed and there is a comfortable futon that sleeps a further two guests, allowing this property to sleep fourteen guests in total.
The winning feature of the home is the yard, which boasts a gorgeous decked swimming pool and Jacuzzi, as well as an outdoor bar, lounge, and BBQ dining area.
Best Vacation Rental in Los Angeles for Families | 3 BR Villa W/ City Views
With Disneyland around the corner, LA is a great spot for a family holiday. This Spanish-style home is located just above major entertainment industry attractions in the Hollywood Hills. The triple-story home pays homage to Spanish architecture, with high vaulted ceilings and round-arched doorways.
With nothing obstructing its view, the home overlooks beautiful city vistas and has an abundance of natural light flowing throughout every inch of the space. Spend a day outside by the pool and Jacuzzi as you prepare a family-style BBQ meal in the yard.
Best Vacation Rental in Los Angeles for a Weekend | 3 BR Home
With so much traffic across the city, the best advice we could give you for a weekend spent in Los Angeles is to be centrally located.
As one of the top holiday rentals in Los Angeles for a weekend visit, not only is this spot located in the middle of the city, but it also has a bunch of sleeping space, a beautiful yard, and can be rented for an affordable price.
The family home overflows with bright natural light and is filled with contemporary furniture. It even includes two separate gorgeous outdoor lounges, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Los Angeles.
Best Vacation Rental in Los Angeles with a Pool and Jacuzzi | 2 BR Home
With a Mediterranean climate, renting a home with a pool and Jacuzzi is always a good idea in Los Angeles. This chic home has both a pool and Jacuzzi, surrounded by a relaxing courtyard area filled with potted plants, waterfall features, and moody string lighting.
With two bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, a huge open-plan kitchen and living area, this is the ideal place for up to six guests to enjoy a sociable vacation in LA.
From this property, you can enjoy a BBQ by the pool or jacuzzi as you laze around under the umbrellas. There is even a propane fire pit surrounded by comfortable outdoor furniture, great for an evening drink as you watch the sunset.
Super Accessible Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | 4 BR Family Home
This four-bedroom family home has been kitted out with clean white wooden flooring, marble countertops, and top-of-the-range appliances.
The single-story home has a grand open-concept living space with tons of floor space, making it one of the top luxury vacation rentals in Los Angeles for wheelchair users.
Venture into the yard and you’ll be greeted with an emerald green lawn surrounded by tall manicured hedges. With a swimming pool and Jacuzzi surrounded by a covered outdoor lounge area, your biggest problem will be leaving this suburban paradise.
Located just 1.4 miles from the Petersen Automotive Museum, this luxurious home is nestled in a quiet suburban neighborhood that’s still close to all the best things to do in Los Angeles.
Most Central Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | 3 BR City Condo
This downtown condo is located in a high-rise building, boasting sprawling views of the surrounding city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It even has a rooftop deck with tons of dining and lounge space with 360-degree views of the city – if you’re ever struggling to decide on where to stay in Los Angeles, this is an ideal choice.
The interiors are equally as impressive. The home has been renovated with top-of-the-range flooring, cabinetry, and contemporary fittings. Each of the three bedrooms comes with a king or queen-sized beds, plus an additional single bed in the second bedroom.
Another plus? Feel free to make use of the shared swimming pool on the roof.
Best Vacation Rental for a Big Family in Los Angeles | 4 BR Villa
This city can be overwhelming (and expensive), so your best bet for a self-catering vacation rental in Los Angeles for a large family is to head to the hills and base yourselves in a more secluded and private spot.
You’ll find this stunning Mediterranean home in the Topanga hills, surrounded by tons of hiking trails, yet near enough to the city to enjoy the best attractions of Los Angeles.
This home perfectly blends contemporary with rustic luxury. It has a yoga deck, a swimming pool, an entire outdoor BBQ kitchen, a yurt bedroom and a lounge area – all with mountain views.
Best Vacation Rental in Los Angeles for Friends | 4 BR Tuscan Villa
As you walk through the arched doorways of this Tuscan-style villa, you might think you’ve stepped into a theme park. Picture dramatic arched doorways, high vaulted wooden ceilings, and marble pillars. There are even painted indoor windows with decorative shutters, made to look like you’re strolling the streets of Italy.
The huge home has plenty of space for activities, including a dedicated games room with a bar as well as an outdoor lounge by a private pool and Jacuzzi.
Complete with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, this is the perfect place to call a base if you’re traveling with a large group of friends.
Unique Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | 3BR Haunted Castle Inspired
This unique home doubles as one of the best vacation rentals in Los Angeles for the Halloween season. From the outside, this house looks like a spooky old medieval castle.
Appropriately, even the inside of this unusual spot looks like the set of a Hollywood movie and has an eclectic musical legacy with legendary rock stars from the 1960s and 1970s living here.
However, the property has been renovated since the 70s and bought into the 21st century with modern fittings and stylish interiors, but still keeping its medieval style with high pitched ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers and railings, and a stone tower and fireplace.
As soon as you enter the front doors, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into your favorite fairytale.
Top Vacation Rental in Los Angeles for Honeymooners | 1 BR Tuscan Villa
If you’re after a luxurious holiday rental for a romantic honeymoon, but feel you deserve more than a classic hotel room, you’re in luck. This gorgeous home has tons of indoor and outdoor space and a comfortable bedroom for two.
Inspired by both Tuscan and Spanish elements, this home is designed to calm and relax its guests. It has arched doorways, terracotta tiles, and a fire pit lounge area under a bamboo shade cover. The entire downstairs section is a large open-plan living space.
It’s also conveniently located just around the corner from Hollywood Blvd, sunset blvd, and the famous Runyon Hiking Trail, so you can enjoy some bonding time out on the trail and head to one of the top restaurants in town for dinner. That sounds like the ideal date to me.
Best Vacation Rental in Los Angeles for Nightlife | 2 BR Corner Condo
Nightlife in LA is rife. From legendary LGBTQIA+ discos to beach bars to underground clubs, this city has it all. Downtown LA is a great spot to base yourself in if you’re after a wild night out, and this hotel residence is basically surrounded by party options.
Located on a high floor of a high-rise condo, this corner condo has excellent views of the entire city. Enjoy a drink on the balcony at sunset as you watch the city turn into an ocean of multi-colored flickering lights.
When it’s time to relax and nurse your hangover, you get to enjoy two bedrooms with king or queen-sized beds, a spacious living area with a sofa bed, which no one will argue over because you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of the whole of Hollywood, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Santa Monica, all of West LA, Marina Del Rey, and the Downtown Los Angeles. Wow.
Best Vacation Rental in Los Angeles with a View | 4 BR Villa
LA is generally a pretty flat city, aside from the hilly neighborhoods that surround it. Naturally, the best views in Los Angeles can be experienced from these hilly areas, known as ‘The Hills’ to the locals. They are also the most expensive and luxurious parts of town.
This home is one of those million-dollar homes that immediately takes your breath away. From the outside deck, it feels as if it is floating above the city, as it boasts a completely unobstructed view of the city and its surroundings.
This luxury vacation rental in Los Angeles has ultra-modern interiors including hovering glass table tops, gas fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and windows. The view is best enjoyed on the infinity pool deck, which overlooks the entire city.
Romantic Vacation Rental in LA for Couples | French Inspired Studio
If you’re after a romantic vacation with your loved one, yet don’t have the spare cash to splurge, this holiday home VRBO in Los Angeles might be the perfect spot for you. This cozy and inviting space has been designed with luxurious linens and classy touches.
Guests staying at this property will enjoy a king-sized bed and ensuite bathroom, plus a small kitchenette with your basic appliances.
The studio opens up onto a beautiful private yard shaded by creeping vine plants. Here, you’ll be able to catch a tan on the loungers, or cook up a BBQ while dining outside under the huge palm tree – all for an affordable price!
Best Beach Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | Upscale 3 BR Beach House
Calming modern interiors, incredible ocean views, and two balconies. What more could you possibly ask for from a beach vacation rental in Los Angeles?
This Malibu gem is located below the main road, meaning you’ll have nothing obstructing your view of the ocean, as well as your private beach access.
The home has been styled with lots of white and grey tones, marble countertops, quality linen, and top-of-the-range kitchen appliances. These pale hues will immediately make you feel like you’re on vacation.
Best Secluded Vacation Rental in Los Angeles | Garden Studio W/ Pool
When the dynamic city life (not to mention the exhausting traffic) gets too much to handle, renting out a more secluded oasis can be the best idea. Hidden between trees by a crystal clear pool and Jacuzzi, this gorgeous studio will bring you peace as soon as you arrive.
The studio room has been fitted with all modern furniture and a well-equipped self-catering kitchen. While you’ll be sharing it with the main house, the pool deck is easily the most relaxing part of the property. It is surrounded by comfortable garden furniture and offers a private and secluded feel from the rest of the city.
Vacation Rental in Los Angeles for Digital Nomads | 1 BR Condo W/ Pool
We all love a good people-watching session, and this up-scale lift in Los Angeles is the perfect spot to do so. It’s also one of the top spots for digital nomads.
First, because it’s relatively affordable for its prime location. Second, it has a fully-equipped kitchen, perfect for preparing home-cooked meals as you work. And third, it includes tons of options of spaces to work, including a private office desk nook, with a computer screen and light.
Mix up your workspace and set up at the large dining room table, where you can people-watch through the windows, or catch some rays as you work on the balcony.
Best Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental in LA | 3 BR Garden Cottage
This charming cottage looks like something out of a movie. Designed to resemble a traditional Cape Cod beach cottage, with an updated red and brown color scheme, this home looks rather unsuspecting from the outside.
However, entering through the classic picket fence and red door reveals a contemporary-inspired home with three spacious bedrooms.
Ideal for vacationers bringing their pets along, this home has a spacious yard and lawn, which is fenced off from the road so your fur babies can run around without giving you the fright of your life.
Los Angeles Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts
Whatever your reason is for visiting, you’re sure to find some of the best vacation rentals in Los Angeles. This huge sprawling city offers miles worth of beaches, a bustling city center overflowing with new-age culture and entertainment, and a diverse population influencing world-class cuisine from every corner of the world.
Choosing a favorite place to stay is hard, but if we had to choose one, it would certainly be a luxury villa in Hollywood Hills with an expansive view of the city below. What is your favorite from our list? Let us know in the comments.
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