Reserve a Los Angeles Hotel - Fast

The steps below are designed to help you choose and reserve a Los Angeles hotel in 15 minutes or less. Getting a really good hotel and/or a very low rate requires a lot of time, but our step-by-step guide will help you get your reservations done - fast.

In August, 2004, Consumer Reports magazine reported that they got the best prices three-fourths of the time by going directly to the hotel website. Because you're in a hurry, we're assuming you'll get the best rate most of the time this way, and we are not suggesting checking booking sites such as Expedia, Orbitz or Hotels.com.

1. Set a budget for your hotel rate per night. Remember to include hotel tax. A word of caution: "budget" hotels are rarely a bargain, and they generate the most customer complaints. If you can spend a little more time, you can reserve a nicer hotel for the same price.

2. Choose the area(s) you want to stay in.

3. Go to our hotel profiles for your area and budget:
   • Beverly Hills
   • Downtown Los Angeles
   • Disneyland
   • Hollywood
   • LAX Airport
   • Long Beach
   • Magic Mountain
   • Marina Del Rey
   • Orange County
   • Pasadena
   • Santa Monica and Malibu
   • South Bay Beach Towns: El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, , Redondo Beach
   • Sunset Strip
   • Universal Studios
   • Venice Beach
   • Westside

4. Choose one or two hotels that meet your needs. Note the cost/value of their extra fees and freebies.

5. Go to the hotel websites by clicking on the reservations link from our profile pages.
   • Check for their lowest rates.
   • Check for special rates for any organizations you belong to such as AAA and AARP
   • If you are eligible, check for government, military or corporate rates.
   • If you are a member of the hotel chain's rewards program, enter your membership number to check for special rates and extras.

6. Choose the best overall price and reserve. Don't forget to factor in extras such as parking fees and resort fees, and things that might save you money such as free breakfasts or free Internet access.

7. Make your reservation. Print the confirmation page and confirmation e-mail and set them aside to take along with you in case of any questions. Grab your calendar and make a note of the last day you can cancel your reservation without a penalty, just in case things change and you forget.

Want to save a little more money? Call the hotel again on the day you'll arrive and see if they've lowered their rates. It happens more often than you might think, and they'll often be willing to give you the lower rate if you ask.