Where to Stay in Long Beach, California: Best Hotels & Areas

Last Updated on July 30, 2026 by Daniel Globe

Choosing where to stay in Long Beach is mostly about deciding what you want outside your hotel door. Downtown and the waterfront put major attractions, restaurants, nightlife, and the convention center close together. Belmont Shore and Naples feel more residential and beach-focused, while the airport area works well for early flights, business trips, and travelers who value easier parking.

Best Long Beach Areas at a Glance

Downtown Long Beach: Heart of the Action

Downtown has Long Beach’s largest concentration of full-service hotels. It is the easiest area for the Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, Pine Avenue, waterfront paths, restaurants, and nightlife.

This is also one of the strongest choices for a car-free weekend. Many attractions are walkable, and local buses, the Metro A Line, rideshare services, bicycles, and complimentary LB Circuit microtransit can cover longer trips.

The main drawbacks are cost and activity. Parking and destination fees can raise the total nightly price, while conventions, concerts, races, and waterfront festivals may bring crowds, road closures, and late-night noise.

Downtown and Waterfront Hotel Picks

• Fairmont Breakers Long Beach: A historic luxury hotel with a rooftop pool, spa, restaurants, bars, and approximately 10,000 square feet of event space. It reopened as a Fairmont property in November 2024.
• Hyatt Regency Long Beach: A practical waterfront choice for the convention center, harbor views, and family attractions.
• Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach: A smaller lifestyle-style hotel near The Pike with a rooftop pool and bar.
• Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown: A useful option for suites, kitchens, families, and longer waterfront stays.

Shoreline Village and The Pike: Waterfront Charm

Shoreline Village combines harbor-facing restaurants, specialty shops, bike rentals, cruises, an arcade, and an antique carousel. It is within walking distance of the Aquarium of the Pacific and many Downtown hotels.

Nearby, The Pike Outlets offers national retailers, restaurants, a cinema, and a Ferris wheel. The Aquarium is a separate attraction west of The Pike rather than part of the shopping complex.

Waterfront Shops and Dining

Shoreline Village works well for a relaxed afternoon or evening. You can walk beside Rainbow Harbor, browse independent shops, rent a bicycle, take a harbor cruise, or reserve a table overlooking the water.

The Pike adds familiar stores and casual restaurants within the same general waterfront district. Together, the two areas give families and first-time visitors plenty to do without driving between every stop.

Historic Pike Entertainment

The modern Pike takes its name from Long Beach’s former seaside amusement zone. Today, its Ferris wheel supplies the nostalgic element, while the cinema, stores, dining, and public spaces serve current visitors.

Stay near The Pike when you want the Aquarium, Convention Center, harbor, Pine Avenue, and Downtown restaurants within a compact area. Choose a room away from major entertainment spaces when quiet nights matter.

Belmont Shore and Naples: Laid-Back Coastal Living

Belmont Shore and Naples suit travelers who prefer a residential beach neighborhood to a Downtown hotel district. Belmont Shore centers on a 15-block stretch of Second Street filled with restaurants, cafés, services, specialty shops, and nightlife.

Naples is quieter and is known for its canals, bridges, waterfront homes, paddling, and gondola excursions. Both areas are farther from the Convention Center and Aquarium than Downtown, so consider your daily transportation before booking.

Beachfront Promenades and Parks

Belmont Shore provides access to sandy beaches, coastal paths, volleyball, cycling, paddling, and parks. Bay Shore Beach, on Alamitos Bay, is protected from the open ocean by the peninsula and is known for calmer water recreation.

Parks and grassy spaces offer room for picnics and family breaks. Seasonal festivals and neighborhood events can add energy, but they may also affect traffic and parking.

Boutique Shops and Dining

Second Street feels like a walkable town center. You can move between coffee shops, casual restaurants, bars, boutiques, and services without returning to the car after every stop.

• Browse independent fashion, home, gift, and specialty stores.
• Choose a café patio for breakfast or people-watching.
• Reserve dinner in advance on busy Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Check the neighborhood calendar for street closures, festivals, and markets.
• Use rideshare or local transit when you plan to drink or expect limited parking.

Naples Canals and Gondolas

The Naples canals offer a calm setting for walking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sightseeing. Gondola Getaway, established in 1982, describes its operation as the oldest and largest fleet of gondolas in America.

Belmont Shore’s shops and restaurants are nearby, while beaches and coastal paths provide more active options. This area is best for travelers who value neighborhood atmosphere more than immediate access to Downtown attractions.

Near Long Beach Airport: Convenience for Travelers

The Long Beach Airport area is useful for early departures, short business trips, extended stays, and travelers who prefer simpler parking. Some hotels offer airport shuttles, but schedules, operating hours, and reservation requirements vary.

This area is not a substitute for staying Downtown. Most waterfront attractions are several miles away, and visitors usually need a rental car, rideshare, taxi, shuttle, or bus. Long Beach Transit routes serve the airport, while taxis and app-based rides use designated airport pickup areas.

• Choose an airport hotel when flight convenience matters more than nightlife or waterfront views.
• Confirm whether the shuttle is complimentary and whether it runs during your arrival or departure time.
• Compare parking packages with the normal nightly parking rate.
• Choose a suite or kitchenette property for longer stays.
• Do not assume airport hotels are within walking distance of Downtown attractions.

Long Beach Airport Hotel Picks

• Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport: A renovated full-service hotel with a pool, fitness center, meeting facilities, airport access, and a current listed parking charge.
• Long Beach Marriott: A full-service airport-area hotel with complimentary self-parking listed on its official page.
• Residence Inn Long Beach: A practical longer-stay option with suites and in-room kitchens.
• Homewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, and Extended Stay America: Additional suite and extended-stay choices listed in the official Visit Long Beach hotel directory.

Fairmont Breakers is not an airport hotel. It is in Downtown Long Beach, approximately 6.5 miles from LGB, making it a luxury alternative for travelers willing to use a taxi or rideshare between the airport and waterfront.

East Village Arts District: Culture and Local Dining

The East Village Arts District brings together murals, galleries, restaurants, shops, cafés, and restored historic buildings. It is a good base for travelers who prefer independent businesses and local nightlife to a resort atmosphere.

Hotel inventory inside the district is more limited than the original article suggests. Many visitors stay at a Downtown hotel near Ocean Boulevard or Atlantic Avenue and walk or take a short ride into East Village.

The waterfront and Alamitos Beach are nearby, allowing visitors to combine galleries and dining with coastal walks. Street activity can vary block by block, so check the hotel’s exact address and recent guest feedback rather than relying only on the neighborhood name.

Who Should Stay in East Village?

Choose East Village when your priorities are coffee shops, public art, independent restaurants, LGBTQ+ nightlife, galleries, and access to both Downtown and Alamitos Beach. Choose the central waterfront instead when you want the shortest walk to the Aquarium, Convention Center, or harbor attractions.

Alamitos Beach: Sun, Sand, and Nightlife

Alamitos Beach has a broad sandy shoreline, paved paths, volleyball courts, bicycle rentals, and access to nearby restaurants and bars. It works well for travelers who want beach walks and local nightlife without staying in the busiest part of Downtown.

The neighborhood stretches east of Downtown, so walking time depends heavily on the hotel’s exact location. Bicycles, rideshare, buses, and LB Circuit can be more practical than walking for some trips.

Beachfront Strolls and Sunbathing

The beach offers room for sunbathing, walking, cycling, volleyball, and family play. Long Beach’s offshore breakwater often keeps surf gentler than at many open-ocean beaches, but waves, currents, weather, and water quality still change.

• Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat.
• Use designated paths and follow posted beach rules.
• Visit in the morning or near sunset for cooler temperatures.
• Secure valuables and avoid leaving belongings unattended.
• Check current water-quality postings before swimming.

Nearby Dining and Nightlife

Alamitos Beach places casual cafés, restaurants, bars, and lounges within a short ride or walk of the shoreline. Fuego, across the bay at Hotel Maya, provides Latin-influenced waterfront dining, while East Village and Downtown expand the range of restaurants and nightlife.

Retro and Boutique Stays: Hotels With Character

Long Beach has several hotels that offer more character than a standard business property. Choices range from restored historic buildings to modern lifestyle hotels with rooftop pools, bold interiors, local art, bars, and social spaces.

Fairmont Breakers is the strongest historic-luxury example, with Italian-inspired dining at Nettuno, the restored Sky Room, a rooftop bar, spa, and rooftop pool. Hyatt Centric The Pike offers a more casual lifestyle feel with a rooftop pool and panoramic views.

A hotel described as “boutique” may still be several blocks from the arts district or waterfront. Compare the exact map location, room size, noise exposure, parking, and total price—not just the design photos.

• Book Nettuno or the Sky Room for dining within Fairmont Breakers.
• Visit Fuego at Hotel Maya for Latin-influenced food and waterfront views.
• Choose a suite when living space matters more than a dramatic lobby.
• Check whether rooftop pools and bars are reserved for hotel guests or open to visitors.
• Ask whether the quoted room category guarantees a harbor view or only allows a view request.

These properties are best for couples, celebrations, design-focused travelers, and visitors who plan to spend meaningful time at the hotel.

Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts

Families should focus on room layout, pool access, breakfast, refrigerator or kitchen facilities, parking, and the distance to daily attractions. Downtown and the waterfront are convenient for the aquarium and harbor, while the airport area may provide easier parking and larger suite-style properties.

Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport lists family-oriented brand benefits, a pool, and on-site amenities. Residence Inn properties are useful for kitchens and longer stays. Waterfront hotels can reduce transportation time, but parking and destination fees may make the total price higher.

What to Check Before Booking

• Confirm the room’s legal occupancy and bed arrangement.
• Request cribs or rollaway beds before arrival because availability may be limited.
• Check whether breakfast is included for every guest.
• Review pool hours, supervision rules, and seasonal closures.
• Compare daily parking with the cost of using rideshare and transit.
• Ask about connecting rooms when grandparents or older children are traveling.
• Choose a refundable rate when family plans may change.

Waterfront Resorts and Island Escapes

Hotel Maya offers a resort-style waterfront setting across Queensway Bay. Its Playa at the Maya is a 6,500-square-foot lounge area made with real sand, while Fuego provides outdoor Latin-influenced dining with views of the skyline, water, and Queen Mary.

Fairmont Breakers provides a more urban luxury stay in Downtown, with a rooftop pool, spa, restaurants, bars, and access to waterfront attractions. The Queen Mary offers a different experience: an overnight stay aboard a historic ocean liner rather than a conventional beach resort.

For a day away from the city, Catalina Express operates daily Long Beach–Avalon service. The crossing takes approximately one hour, and advance reservations are recommended, especially during summer and holiday weekends.

• Request a waterfront-facing room, but verify whether the view is guaranteed.
• Use Hotel Maya for a resort atmosphere and outdoor waterfront spaces.
• Choose Fairmont Breakers for luxury within Downtown.
• Consider the Queen Mary for maritime history and a distinctive setting.
• Reserve Catalina transportation before committing to a day-trip itinerary.
• Allow time for check-in, parking, baggage, and boarding at the ferry terminal.

Meeting and Event Venues: Business Trips and Weddings

Downtown is the most practical base for events at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. Its major hotels can handle guest blocks, breakout meetings, catered events, and quick movement between guestrooms and convention venues.

Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport Hotel and Conference Center suits airport-area meetings and training sessions. Fairmont Breakers offers approximately 10,000 square feet of flexible event space for corporate functions, weddings, and celebrations.

Hotel Maya provides tropical landscaping, waterfront views, Playa at the Maya, and indoor-outdoor event spaces. Smaller lifestyle hotels may work for intimate gatherings, but room blocks, parking, sound limits, and vendor rules should be confirmed before signing a contract.

Best Area by Traveler Type

Getting Around Long Beach

Downtown is the easiest area to explore without a car. The Aquarium, The Pike, Shoreline Village, Pine Avenue, the Convention Center, and many hotels sit within a relatively compact district.

Long Beach Transit operates city bus routes, including service near the airport. The Metro A Line connects Long Beach with Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Pomona, while LB Circuit provides complimentary app-based microtransit within its designated Long Beach service area.

A car becomes more useful for repeated trips between the airport, Belmont Shore, Naples, attractions outside central Long Beach, and other Southern California destinations. Parking, however, can cost more than expected at Downtown hotels.

Parking Fees and Booking Tips

Parking varies sharply by property. As listed on official hotel pages on July 30, 2026, Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport charged $15 per day, Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown charged $42, Hyatt Regency Long Beach listed $49 self-parking and $55 valet parking, and Fairmont Breakers listed $59 overnight valet parking. Long Beach Marriott listed complimentary self-parking.

These prices can change without notice. Special events may increase rates, and some hotels add destination fees, pet fees, or parking taxes. Always compare the final checkout total rather than the room rate alone.

• Book early for major conventions, the Grand Prix, summer weekends, festivals, and cruise dates.
• Use a refundable reservation when your schedule is uncertain.
• Check whether parking includes in-and-out privileges.
• Confirm oversized-vehicle, motorcycle, and electric-vehicle policies.
• Review destination or resort fees before payment.
• Ask whether an advertised harbor view is guaranteed for the selected room category.
• Check road closures when staying near the waterfront during a major event.

Accessibility and Mobility

Do not rely only on a generic “accessible” filter. Call the hotel to confirm the exact room feature you need, such as a roll-in shower, transfer space, visual alarms, lowered controls, accessible parking, or a connecting caregiver room.

Long Beach Airport advises travelers to arrange wheelchair-accessible taxis and shuttles in advance. Its accessibility page also explains accessible rideshare options and airport assistance.

For beach access, waterfront paths, or event venues, check the current facility map and contact the operator before arrival. Construction, temporary closures, and event barriers can affect otherwise accessible routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area for a first visit to Long Beach?

Downtown or the central waterfront is the easiest choice. You can walk to the Aquarium of the Pacific, Convention Center, The Pike, Shoreline Village, restaurants, and harbor paths while keeping transit and rideshare options close.

Do I need a car in Long Beach?

Not for a short Downtown or waterfront visit. Walking, Long Beach Transit, Metro, bicycles, rideshare, and LB Circuit can cover many trips. A car is more useful for the airport area, repeated Belmont Shore visits, or wider Southern California sightseeing.

Are there pet-friendly hotels with nearby dog parks?

Yes. Several Long Beach hotels accept pets, but fees, size limits, and unattended-pet rules vary. The City maintains multiple off-leash areas, including Rosie’s Dog Beach, Seaside Dog Zone, and several neighborhood dog parks. Confirm both the hotel policy and current park rules before arrival.

What parking options and fees should I expect?

Hotels may offer self-parking, valet parking, nearby public garages, or included parking. Current published rates range from included parking at some airport properties to more than $50 per night at luxury and Downtown hotels. Check the hotel’s official page for the dates of your stay because prices and event surcharges change.

Which hotels offer long-term or extended-stay rates?

Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, and Extended Stay America have Long Beach properties designed for longer stays. Compare kitchen facilities, laundry, breakfast, housekeeping frequency, parking, pet fees, and weekly or monthly rate rules.

Are there rooftop bars or poolside dining options?

Yes. Fairmont Breakers has a rooftop pool and rooftop bar, while Hyatt Centric The Pike advertises a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views. Hotel Maya offers poolside and waterfront resort spaces with dining at Fuego. Access rules and hours can change, so verify them before visiting.

Do Long Beach hotels still have special COVID-19 rules?

Universal proof-of-vaccination, testing, masking, or distancing rules are not standard hotel entry requirements. A hotel, conference, private event, or public-health situation may still create specific rules. Check the property and event organizer directly, and follow current CDC guidance when sick.

Is Long Beach safe for hotel guests?

No urban neighborhood is risk-free, and conditions can vary by block and time of day. Choose a well-reviewed property, use main well-lit routes, secure valuables, avoid leaving luggage visible in a vehicle, and ask hotel staff about current walking and transportation conditions.

Sources

1. Visit Long Beach Neighborhoods — official neighborhood descriptions and visitor-planning information
2. Visit Long Beach Hotels — official lodging directory and extended-stay listings
3. City of Long Beach Recreational Water Monitoring — beach advisories, closures, and post-rain guidance
4. Long Beach Airport Ground Transportation — airport taxis, rideshare, transit, and accessibility information
5. Long Beach Transit Routes and Services — current local bus information
6. Catalina Express Long Beach Port — ferry location, trip duration, and reservation information

Conclusion

Downtown and the central waterfront are the best all-around choices for most first-time visitors because they provide the widest hotel selection and the easiest access to attractions. Belmont Shore and Naples are better for a residential beach atmosphere, while East Village and Alamitos Beach offer art, nightlife, cafés, and coastal paths.

Choose the airport area when flight access, parking, business facilities, or an extended stay matters more than walkability. Before booking any Long Beach hotel, compare its exact location, parking, mandatory fees, room type, cancellation terms, and transportation options so the final choice fits both your itinerary and your total budget.