Hotels Close to SoFi Stadium: What Most People Get Wrong

Hotels Close to SoFi Stadium: What Most People Get Wrong

So, you’re heading to Inglewood. Maybe it's for a massive Taylor Swift-level tour stop, or perhaps you’re just trying to watch the Rams or Chargers without spending three hours in a parking lot that costs more than your mortgage. Finding hotels close to SoFi Stadium sounds easy on paper, but L.A. geography is a fickle beast. If you book a place that looks "close" on a map but sits on the wrong side of the 405, you're basically signing up for a very expensive view of brake lights.

Honestly, the "best" hotel isn't always the one with the highest star rating. It’s the one that lets you walk to the gates or offers a shuttle that actually shows up. Traffic around Hollywood Park is legendary for all the wrong reasons. You’ve probably heard horror stories about $100 Ubers for a two-mile trip. They’re true.

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The Reality of Being Within Walking Distance

Most people think they want to be "near" the stadium, but what they actually want is to be within striking distance of the entry gates. Inglewood is changing fast. A few years ago, options were slim. Now? You've got some heavy hitters.

The Lum Hotel is effectively the reigning champ of proximity. It’s located right across the street in the Stadium District. You can literally see the canopy of SoFi from the pool deck. It’s a 3.5-star spot that leans into the boutique vibe, and while it’s not the Ritz, the ability to walk 0.6 miles to the game while everyone else is fighting for their lives in the parking garage is worth every penny.

Then there’s the Hollywood Park Motel. It’s a classic, no-frills motel that’s about a 10-minute walk away. Don't expect a spa. Expect a clean bed and a location that makes you feel like a genius when you’re back in your room 15 minutes after the final whistle.

Upcoming Heavy Hitters

Keep your eyes on the Kali Hotel and Rooftop. Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this place is slated to be the first and only hotel actually inside the Hollywood Park complex. If you’re visiting in late 2026, this is going to be the absolute "it" spot. It’ll have a rooftop bar where you can probably hear the crowd roar without even buying a ticket.

Why the LAX Corridor is the Secret MVP

If you can't get into the few hotels within a half-mile radius, your next best bet isn't central L.A.—it's the Century Boulevard corridor. This is where most of the big-box hotels live. It’s roughly 2 to 3 miles away, which is too far to walk for most but perfect for a quick shuttle or a short ride.

  • Residence Inn by Marriott LAX/Century Blvd: These guys are smart. They offer a specific "Gameday Package" that includes round-trip transportation to SoFi for about $30 per extra person if you aren't on the package. Shuttles run hourly before kickoff and continuously after.
  • Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles: It’s a beast of a hotel, but it’s reliable. People love the shower pressure here, and the restaurant/bar area usually turns into a mini fan zone during NFL Sundays.
  • Hilton Los Angeles Airport: Huge, bustling, and roughly 2.4 miles from the action. It’s a safe bet if you have points to burn.

Budget Wins and Hidden Gems

Not everyone wants to drop $400 a night just to sleep off a concert high. Inglewood has a lot of "old school" motels that are surprisingly decent if you just need a place to crash.

Trend Hotel at LAX is a solid value choice. It’s about 1.2 miles out. It’s small, modern-ish, and usually way cheaper than the name brands. Another one that pops up a lot is the Crystal Inn Suites & Spas. It’s a bit further at nearly 4km away, but it has an outdoor pool and tends to stay under the radar when the big hotels are sold out.

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If you’re traveling with a crew, look at The Shay in Culver City. It’s not "close" in the traditional sense, but it’s a favorite for families. You get a rooftop pool and a game room, and it's right by the Metro E Line. You can take the train or a short rideshare into Inglewood, then retreat back to a neighborhood with way better food options than the stadium's immediate surroundings.

Avoiding the "Near SoFi" Trap

Here is what most people get wrong: they see a hotel in El Segundo or Hawthorne and think, "Oh, it's only 4 miles away!" In most cities, 4 miles is 8 minutes. In Los Angeles on a Sunday afternoon? That's a 45-minute trek.

If you stay at a place like the Hampton Inn Hawthorne, you’re only 1.7 miles away. That’s a "sweet spot" distance. But if you start looking at places in Torrance or Redondo Beach (which often pop up in "hotels close to SoFi stadium" searches), you're looking at a serious commute. The Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina is beautiful, sure, but it’s 8 miles away. On event days, that might as well be on the moon.

Parking: The Silent Budget Killer

Always, and I mean always, check the parking fee. Some hotels near LAX charge $50+ per night just to let your car sit there. If you’re flying in, you might be better off using the hotel shuttle from the airport and then ridesharing to the stadium rather than renting a car and paying for parking at both the hotel and SoFi.

How to Actually Get to the Game

Staying at hotels close to SoFi Stadium is only half the battle. You still have to get inside.

  1. The Walking Strategy: If you're at The Lum or Hollywood Park Motel, just walk. Seriously. It’s faster than any car.
  2. The Shuttle Strategy: If you're on Century Blvd, ask the front desk about the "Gameday Shuttle." Don't assume every hotel has one. The Residence Inn is the most famous for it, but others sometimes partner up.
  3. The iLine: Check if the city is running the "SoFi Stadium Express" bus from the Hawthorne/Lennox Metro station. It’s usually a few bucks and saves you a fortune in parking.
  4. Rideshare Drop-off: The designated rideshare zone is at Kareem Court. Be prepared for a massive crowd and "surge pricing" that will make your eyes water when the event ends.

When choosing where to stay, prioritize your exit strategy. Getting to the stadium is always easier than getting out of it. If you're staying north of the stadium, you'll be fighting traffic heading toward the 405. If you're staying south in Hawthorne, you might have a slightly easier time navigating the side streets.

Actionable Next Steps

  • Check the Event Calendar: If you're booking for a 2026 World Cup match or a major concert, prices will triple. Book at least 6 months out.
  • Map the "Walking" Distance: Don't trust the hotel's "miles to stadium" claim. Plug the address into Google Maps and set the destination to "SoFi Stadium Entry 7" to see the real walking path.
  • Call About Shuttles: Before you book a Marriott or Hilton on Century Blvd, call the front desk directly. Ask: "Do you have a dedicated SoFi shuttle for [Your Event Date] and is there a fee?"
  • Look at Culver City: If everything in Inglewood is sold out, check The Culver Hotel. It’s historic, luxury-leaning, and just a 15-minute drive away if you time it right.