Los Angeles Lakers

Admin

Jun 17

4 min read

Los Angeles Lakers Travel Guide: Crypto.com Arena

How to Get There

Flying In: You have two main options. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a massive global hub and offers direct flights from virtually everywhere. Alternatively, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is much smaller, significantly easier to navigate, and highly recommended for domestic travel if you want to avoid LAX crowds.
Airport Transit: From LAX, you can take the FlyAway Bus directly to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles for a very low cost, then easily hop on the Metro or take a quick rideshare to your hotel. If you fly into Burbank, taking an Uber or Lyft down to DTLA is typically a straightforward, 30-to-40-minute drive depending on traffic.

Where to Stay

Crypto.com Arena (formerly the Staples Center) is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). Staying in the immediate vicinity, particularly within or adjacent to the L.A. LIVE entertainment complex, gives you unmatched walking access to the arena and surrounding restaurants.

Budget/Mid-Range Options

Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. LIVE: You cannot get much closer than this. Located practically across the street from the arena plaza, this highly reliable option puts you right in the center of the pregame energy. You can typically book this for 35,000 to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Hotel Figueroa: Situated just a block from the arena, this stunning historic property is part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. It features gorgeous Spanish Colonial architecture, a fantastic iconic pool, and offers an upscale boutique feel. It usually runs between 15,000 to 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Higher-End Options

JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE: This towering glass hotel serves as the anchor of the L.A. LIVE complex. It is a massive, highly energized luxury property featuring a fantastic rooftop pool deck and upscale dining. Expect redemptions around 50,000 to 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles: For the ultimate premium weekend, this 5-star hotel occupies the upper floors of the JW Marriott tower. It offers legendary service, sweeping panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, and an exclusive rooftop pool. Redemptions generally require 70,000 to 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Nearby Activities

The Grammy Museum: Located literally right on the L.A. LIVE campus, this highly interactive museum features four floors of music history, iconic wardrobes, and legendary instruments.
Grand Central Market: Take a short walk or Metro ride to this historic, massive open-air food hall. It has been operating since 1917 and features dozens of incredible vendors selling everything from artisan tacos to craft coffee.
The Broad: Located nearby in downtown, this stunning contemporary art museum offers free general admission and houses incredible exhibits, including the famous Infinity Mirrored Rooms.

Pregame Food and Drink

Tom's Watch Bar: Located directly in the L.A. LIVE plaza, this massive sports bar is packed with oversized screens and features a centralized 360-degree viewing area. It is the undisputed epicenter for fans grabbing a drink before heading through the security gates.
Yard House: Also located right in L.A. LIVE, this massive restaurant offers one of the largest draft beer selections in the city and an extensive menu, making it incredibly easy for a large group to grab a meal right next to the arena.
El Cholo (Downtown): Situated directly adjacent to L.A. LIVE, this location of the legendary Los Angeles Mexican restaurant is perfect for grabbing iconic green corn tamales and a margarita before tip-off.

Getting to the Event

Walking: If you book a hotel within DTLA, particularly near L.A. LIVE, walking is absolutely the best way to get to the game. You completely bypass the notoriously frustrating Los Angeles street traffic.
Metro: The Pico Station sits less than one block from Crypto.com Arena. It is serviced by the A Line and E Line, making it incredibly easy to commute to the game if you are staying in other parts of the city (such as Santa Monica or Pasadena).
Driving: Driving to Crypto.com Arena is heavily discouraged due to intense gridlock. If you must drive, pre-purchasing a parking pass for the West Garage (Lot W) or East Garage (Lot E) is essential to secure a spot and avoid predatory cash-lot pricing.

Where to Sit at Crypto.com Arena

The Lakers Bench: The home team sits in front of Section 119.
Away Fans: If you are traveling to support the visiting team, you want to target Section 102, which sits directly behind the visitor's bench.
The Premium Club Experience: The Premier Level (Sections PR1 - PR18) offers a fantastic VIP experience. These tickets grant access to an exclusive, less-crowded concourse, elevated mid-level sightlines, and in-seat food and beverage service so you never miss a play. Note that Marriott Bonvoy Experiences often offer suite tickets that can be purchased with Marriott points.
The Sweet Spot: To get the energy of the lower bowl without paying massive courtside prices, look at the corner sections, specifically Sections 105, 108, 115, or 116.
The Budget Seats: The 300-level provides the most affordable tickets. For the best balance of price and a full-court view, target the lower rows of center-court Sections 301, 302, 317, or 318.