Booking a hotel in Los Angeles means choosing between the historic, iconic buildings of the Eastside (Hollywood) and the Westside (Santa Monica), not to mention the rising stars scattered throughout the city, including the classic Beverly Hills and the ever-evolving Downtown. We understand that it’s a tough choice. Our suggestion? Split your stay and settle in multiple neighborhoods—each corner of Los Angeles is so different that it feels like multiple destinations within one city. Our selection covers locations, experiences, and price ranges; in other words, there’s something for everyone when it comes to places to stay in this city. Here are the best hotels in Los Angeles.
1. Pendry West Hollywood
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Pendry Hotel is opposite the Comedy Store, premier shopping spots, and world-class restaurants. The hotel boasts 149 rooms, 40 residences, a rooftop pool, a chic private social club (comparable to SoHo), a spa, a bowling alley, and multiple Wolfgang Puck dining venues. If possible, choose one of the 37 suites, which feature curated art collections and luxurious, playful Hollywood Regency-style furniture in vibrant electric blue and gold tones.
2. Proper Hotel Santa Monica
Downtown LA and Hollywood saw more new hotels open last year than some cities see in a decade. However, the city’s Westside had long been underdeveloped. Surprisingly, with the rise of Silicon Beach (home to large offices of Google, Facebook, and YouTube) and the influx of tech millennials and creatives, the area has transformed dramatically. Suddenly, with the opening of this hotel, the Westside got the dream hotel it needed to survive and thrive, epitomizing the coastal chic brand it is known for. People queuing at Gjusta now have a place to rest. This vibe is thanks to renowned LA designer Kelly Wearstler, who combines her vibrant aesthetic with beachy elements to create a striking, textured, and cohesive space: almost everything—from floral wallpaper to sheepskin rugs, marble bathtubs, and chunky low sofas—exists in the same earthy Pantone palette.
3. The Hotel Bel-Air (Dorchester Collection)
Some hotels are landmarks, while others are hidden retreats. As you walk across the long pedestrian bridge over the swan lake at Bel-Air (yes, there are actual swans gliding on the lake) and listen to the larks chirping among palm trees and bougainvillea, you’ll feel the entire metropolis melt into the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Long a sanctuary for the likes of Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, Bel-Air is a pastel-hued, Mediterranean-style refuge. Despite its old Hollywood backdrop and tinkling fountains, Bel-Air is not a relic. In 2012, New York designer Alexandra Champalimaud revamped the hotel, giving it a distinctly mid-century bright vibe. Rooms are now cream, peach, and ochre, with heated bathroom floors and private terraces with hot tubs and fire pits. Wolfgang Puck, who has worked at the hotel for over 30 years, continuously refines the menu. The alcove overlooking the lake is the perfect spot for a 34-ounce prime steak and a glass of Henriot Brut Champagne.
4. The Beverly Hills Hotel (Dorchester Collection)
Even if you don’t realize it, you’ve seen this hotel before. The Beverly Hills Hotel’s palm trees, pink walls, and lush gardens are as iconic as Hollywood itself. This place is the birthplace of legends: British royalty, members of the Beatles, and Oscar winners have slept here; Elizabeth Taylor spent six of her eight honeymoons here. The 2015 renovation brought all this history to life, so it remains as much a playground as ever. Tip: When booking your room, also reserve a table at the Polo Lounge.
5. The West Hollywood EDITION
Though LA is a city full of stars, its Hollywood hotel scene had dimmed until recently. Among the few new arrivals, like 1 Hotel and Kimpton, one stands out above the rest. The EDITION, a collaboration between Marriott and hotel alchemist Ian Schrager (the man behind Studio 54 and New Wave scene setters Paramount and Royalton), has opened hotels worldwide, from London to Shanghai and early last year in Times Square. However, this latest hotel (the first on the West Coast) is special, marking Schrager’s return to LA since opening the Mondrian in the mid-1990s. Hidden behind a purpose-planted tree screen on the boulevard, it brings a refreshing East Coast energy to the city with minimalist interiors designed by John Pawson. Everything feels ultra-modern yet cozy, with colorful touches like painted larch wood and banana yellow pool tables, and all-white bedrooms that feel cool rather than cold. The massive lobby, resembling an Italian piazza, is lined with canvases and features a moving oil drum artwork by LA artist Sterling Ruby overhead. Meanwhile, the rooftop bar and plant-shaded pool draw locals with its raw bar menu and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Hollywood Hills. The ground-floor restaurant Ardor, with a spice-infused, plant-forward menu (cauliflower cacio e pepe, whipped sheep’s milk cheese and beets), celebrates creative Californian veganism. This hotel is helping to revive the Los Angeles scene, from a brand that truly understands the city.
6. Beverly Wilshire (A Four Seasons Hotel)
The Beverly Wilshire is as close to a European grande dame as you’ll find in Los Angeles—service is impeccable. It has hosted Elvis and British royalty and stands in stark contrast to the casual, minimalist lobbies popping up around the city. Regulars love the views of Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Hills, and the pool modeled after Sophia Loren’s Tuscan villa. And because this is LA, the scenery wouldn’t be complete without dining options: The Blvd Restaurant serves all day, and the Michelin-starred CUT by Wolfgang Puck, a modern steakhouse designed by architect Richard Meier, is a highlight. If you’re seeking classic luxury, look no further.
7. Casa del Mar Hotel
Casa del Mar is another iconic beachfront hotel on California’s coast, offering an ambiance reminiscent of an Italian palace, standing alongside its sister property, Shutters on the Beach. The rooms exude a romantic and cozy atmosphere, complete with Italian linens and private terraces overlooking a serene interior courtyard. You’ll find the most exquisite bath products in the spacious marble bathrooms, and in the evenings, as you prepare to unwind, live entertainment fills the lounge nightly. This spot is always worth a visit, offering stunning views, fairy-tale four-poster beds, and warm lighting that make the transition from beach to room as smooth as possible.
8. The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Formerly known as the Montage, this hotel is nestled in Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle. It now embodies the light, airy feel of modern California while still maintaining the luxurious experience expected from five-star service, making it one of the most distinctive neighborhoods and hotel brands in the world. Spotting a celebrity at The Terrace is not uncommon, as real estate agents from nearby offices mingle with wealthy jet-setters. Savor a perfect gin martini at The Connaught (the sister hotel of its counterpart across the pond) while gazing at the oversized fountain in the square—you’d swear you were in Europe, though Prada’s pups would remind you that you’re in Beverly Hills. When you’re not indulging in your room, take advantage of the 20,000-square-foot spa, which includes an impressive riad-style mineral pool, saunas, Turkish steam rooms, and Bali-inspired relaxation lounges.
9. The Hoxton, Downtown LA
The Hoxton Hotel blends seamlessly into the Broadway District, a newly revived area within the historic theatre district now bustling with design shops, upscale fashion brands, and hotels like the Ace and the soon-to-open Proper across the street. These newly constructed DTLA hotels are part of the Hoxton brand’s ninth property, which first opened in Shoreditch, London, in 2006. Moon Lark’s offers an all-day menu that elevates classic diner staples—think tacos with Spanish chorizo and Chihuahua cheese, roasted Brie with almonds and honey, and grilled salmon with dill yogurt sauce. Or head upstairs to the rooftop, where chef Stephanie Izard serves up Peruvian-inspired dishes (ceviche, empanadas, alfajores) at Cabra. For a design-forward hotel, the price is entirely reasonable.
10. The Surfrider Malibu
If you seek a low-key, private stay in Los Angeles, The Surfrider is your perfect choice. This light-filled, forward-thinking hotel was once a 1950s motel, later transformed by a California architect and his Australian wife. You can relax in the cozy library or chat with staff from Malibu. The hotel features a bar with stools and various seating areas, offering mesmerizing beach and sunset views, including comfortable linen sofas facing a fire pit. The rooftop deck is exclusive to hotel guests, with the ocean just a few yards away, and the Bellino linens on the beds strike a perfect balance between luxury and simplicity. You’ll truly feel like a guest in an extended family home.
11. Palihouse Santa Monica
Once you step through the wrought-iron gates of Palihouse Santa Monica, you’ll feel an irresistible urge to extend your stay before it even begins. The gates transform a 1920s Moorish-style estate into a 38-room hotel. You’ll pass through a tree-lined courtyard with a fountain before reaching the lobby. Most rooms come with fully equipped kitchens. You can request a room facing the front to ensure you have a view of the beautifully manicured gardens. All produce is sourced from the local Santa Monica farmers market, and no West LA experience is complete without a yoga instructor on call for weekend sessions. Just a few blocks from the beach, this hotel perfectly embodies independent California living.
12. The Hollywood Roosevelt
To understand the significance of this place, you only need to know that the Hollywood Roosevelt hosted the first-ever Academy Awards. If you want to experience Hollywood up close, this is the Times Square of LA—offering views of the Hollywood sign from your room (with soundproof walls ensuring the outside hustle doesn’t disturb your peace). The hotel stays lively until the early hours—you can order chicken tenders and fries anytime, then relax in the David Hockney-painted pool in the morning—a pool you’ve probably seen in many fashion shoots over the years. The hotel also features several ultra-chic bars, like The Writer’s Room and The Spare Room.
13. Kimpton La Peer Hotel
This West Hollywood hotspot confirms that the boutique hotel group Kimpton has the design chops to rival industry heavyweights like NoMad and Firmdale. Much of this is thanks to West Hollywood resident Gulla Jónsdóttir’s bold interior design aesthetic, with guest rooms and lobbies featuring cool gray-black tones, leather walls, globe lighting fixtures, and an array of Saba sofas inspired by her native Iceland’s lava fields and waterfalls. The heavy vibe is softened by the vibrant floral arrangements from celebrity florist Eric Buterbaugh. The outdoor scene is lively, with a sun-drenched bar surrounding a small pool that’s already a favorite among West Hollywood’s cool crowd. Behind the front desk, art pieces range from Retna’s graffiti works to urban topographical installations. Even the elevator walls are adorned with floral murals by Japanese graphic artist and Apple collaborator Kahori Maki. The staff might even take you all the way to the top floor for a glimpse of Jónsdóttir’s nature-inspired wood, metal, and stone furniture in the 1,400-square-foot penthouse. As West Hollywood continues to redefine itself as a design district, Kimpton La Peer is undeniably its cornerstone.
