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Best Affordable L.A. Hotels for Visiting Guests

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(credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Summer isn't over yet! The following hotels are also a great excuse for a staycation. From the East to the West, we've got you covered – hotels in Silverlake, the hills of Hollywood, Westwood and Mar Vista. Any of these choices make a great home away from home. Or, when having guests stay with you is too close for comfort, find a reasonable alternative instead.

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The Orlando on Third ($219)

8384 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(800) 62-HOTEL
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The Orlando on Third, a European style boutique hotel, recently completed a $6 million dollar renovation, making it modern, high-tech and stylish. Rooms are beautifully decorated with clean lines and warm, natural colors. The staff at The Orlando on Third is wonderfully attentive.

The hotel is perfectly situated on trendy West Third Street (between the Beverly Center and The Grove) and an ideal spot for exploring the West Hollywood area. You'll find plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants in walking distance. Across the street is NY's Magnolia Bakery (try their famous banana pudding) and a visit to Joan's on Third is a must (gourmet foods/great gifts). You can also make your own perfume at Le Labo Perfumery nearby.

One of the best reasons to stay at The Orlando is to get priority seating at the ever-popular restaurant downstairs, The Churchill. This trendy gastropub, with a rustic industrial vibe, serves seasonal American cuisine, handmade cocktails and craft beers. Also, one of the best brunches in town! Grab a seat outside on the garden patio with fireplace and relax. If you're in a hurry, you can order from the takeaway window serving Lamill coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, artisanal pizza, homemade ice cream and more. Summer promotion: Rates starting at $219.00, any day of the week.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Magic Castle Suites ($174)

7025 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 851-0800
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Magic Castle Suites is a great choice for families, with spacious 1-2 bedroom apartment style suites that include a full kitchen, dining area, living room with pull-out sofa and private bedroom(s). The staff is extremely helpful and friendly, offering you a cold drink on your arrival.

Kids will love the free snacks, which include candy, chips, drinks, and even popsicles by the pool. Parents will appreciate the Wolfgang Puck coffee and complimentary continental breakfast with fresh fruit and yogurt served by the pool each morning. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the Walk of Fame and other Hollywood attractions. In case you need to wash clothes, there's also a launderette available.

As a guest of the hotel, you are granted access to The Magic Castle, a private dinner club and Hollywood landmark, with professional magic acts. Reservations must be made through the hotel (cover charge is $25, plus cost of dinner, which is always required). Note you must be 21 and there is a fairly strict dress code. Family brunch is offered on weekends.

Another option is their sister property next-door, Hollywood Hills Hotel ($134/night), for a cozy room with kitchenette and the renowned Yamashiro Restaurant on property (guests of the Magic Castle will receive VIP treatment).

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

El Tres Inn Silver Lake ($195)

4439 West Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-6351
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Hip apartment suites with a modern Mexican décor in Los Feliz/Silverlake neighborhood. Feels more like a home than a hotel, with a den, living room, bedroom, kitchen (stocked), breakfast nook, foyer and bathroom.

You'll find three beautifully designed and spacious suites to choose from (Uno, Dos and Tres), with modern amenities, designer robes, huge HD TVs, a DVD player, SPROUT eco bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi, and even a vinyl record player with eclectic LPs.

Great location in hipster neighborhood – El Tres Inn is walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, bars, movie theatres and grocery stores.

Hungry for Mexican food? Just trek upstairs to El Chavo, a cool Mexican restaurant that makes great tamales. Don't forget your free margarita (that comes with the room) at the bar, Chavito.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Azul Inn West LA ($129)

10740 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 474-4576
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This West L.A. inn is a great value and is conveniently located to Westwood, Century City and the 405 freeway. The old adage, "never judge a book by its cover" applies here. The outside of the Azul Inn looks like a rather ordinary motel, but the interior has been remodeled with bright, modern design elements – turquoise walls, bold graphic bedspreads and striped carpet.

Fluffy beds with pillow top mattresses, luxury bath products, HD flat-screen TV with 25 DirecTV channels and complimentary Wi-Fi make for a comfortable stay.

The staff is friendly and professional and parking is free (though space is limited). Complimentary extended continental breakfast includes coffee/tea, juices, cereal choices, bagels, cinnamon rolls, muffins and fruit.

Note, rooms facing Santa Monica Blvd can be a bit noisy, so ask for a second floor room away from the street.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Villa Brasil Motel ($76)

11740 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 636-0141
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The price on this motel can't be beat. Located in Mar Vista/Culver City, the rooms at the Villa Brasil Motel are cute and cozy with a bright and cheerful Brazilian vibe. Bistro tables and chairs with pillows are located outside each room for guests to relax with a glass of wine or their morning coffee. The biggest plus is the Brazilian restaurant, Café Brazil, located on the premises (same owner).

Each room is individual painted with colorful flowers and are very clean. They come with the basic amenities and a few extras – a flat screen TV with satellite channels (including HBO), complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioned rooms, kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, breakfast bar and complimentary fruit basket.

You'll feel like you're on vacation in Brazil with the vibrant Brazilian décor, Brazilian music and Brazilian food. You can order from the restaurant and get your meal delivered to your room, though the restaurant has a great atmosphere.

Overall, this is a very affordable choice and the perfect location for Venice Beach and Santa Monica neighborhoods.

Liz Laing is a writer, web designer and photographer who lives in Los Angeles. Her latest projects may be followed on Liz Laing.

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