Best hotels in Los Angeles

The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

The Peninsula Beverly Hills is an exclusive, luxury retreat designed to feel like a private Renaissance-style residence rather than a traditional hotel. Opened on August 8, 1991, at the highly auspicious time of 8:08 am, it has long been a fixture of Southern Californian elegance. Its interiors, recently refreshed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, blend French-inspired aesthetics with a breezy, residential California feel.

“If regular old five-star luxury doesn’t cut it, there’s always the Peninsula Beverly Hills. Just don’t expect a raucous party. Discretion is the order of the day here. Quiet elegance abounds, with conveniences including complimentary around-the clock-check in.”

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, which opened in 2017, serves as the brand’s first new-build property on the West Coast. Designed by the renowned interior legend Pierre-Yves Rochon, the hotel seamlessly merges a Streamline Moderne exterior with opulent, light-filled Art Deco interiors. Its aesthetic is defined by Italian marble, French crystal, and massive hand-blown glass chandeliers that capture the timeless glamour of Old Hollywood.

“Every room is strikingly spacious, but don’t let that keep you away from the pool with stunning views (and great lunch). While definitely OTT-Beverly Hills, we appreciate the consistency of the design point of view.”

AKA Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

Aparthotel AKA Beverly Hills is a sophisticated residential retreat located in the heart of the "Golden Triangle." Originally an apartment complex, the property was transformed into a luxury long-stay destination through a collaborative design effort involving firms like Koning Eizenberg and Asfour Guzy Architects. It caters to those looking for a "home away from home," blending upscale hotel services with the comfort of private living.

“A self-described luxury temporary residence, the AKA Beverly Hills offers guests the space and comfort of an apartment, with the service and amenities you’d expect at a five-star hotel.”

The Surfrider Malibu, Los Angeles

The Surfrider Hotel Malibu is a beautiful boutique property perched right on the Pacific Coast Highway. Originally opened in 1953 as the Malibu Shores Motel, it served as a legendary haunt for surfers, musicians, and artists during the golden age of California surf culture. In 2014, the site was acquired by architect Matthew Goodwin and his partners, who meticulously transformed it into the sophisticated "California Beach House" it is today.

“For a low-key, personal stay in Los Angeles you can do no better. This light-filled, design-forward spot was a motel in the 1950s before a California architect and his Australian wife transformed it.”

Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel, Los Angeles

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, is a legendary landmark that has anchored the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive since 1928. Originally built by developer Walter G. McCarty on the site of a former auto racetrack, the hotel has spent nearly a century hosting Hollywood’s elite, politicians, and travelers alike. Its storied past is perhaps most famous for serving as the primary filming location for the 1990 classic Pretty Woman.

“The Beverly Wilshire is as close to a European grand dame as you’ll find in L.A.—with impeccable service to match. It was good enough for Elvis and the British Royal Family, and exists in triumphant opposition to the informal, minimal lobbies sprouting up across the city.”

Downtown Proper Hotel, Los Angeles

The Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, transforming a historic 1926 Renaissance Revival building into a modern design destination. Originally constructed as a private men's club called the Commercial Club of Southern California, the building hosted influential figures like Cecil B. DeMille. Today, the property honors its past by incorporating original features, such as the historic indoor swimming pool and a former racquetball court, into its unique suite layouts.

“A true feast for the senses, this playful, design-driven property calls on the creative energy of DLTA’s past, present, and future with enough visual and cultural interest to make it a self-contained staycation, or a great home base for L.A. exploration.”

Sunset Tower Hotel, Los Angeles

The Sunset Tower Hotel is a legendary Art Deco masterpiece on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Designed by architect Leland A. Bryant and opened in 1931, it was a marvel of its time, notably serving as one of the first high-rise, fully electric apartment buildings in Los Angeles. Its striking exterior is covered in intricate plaster friezes featuring zeppelins, fighter planes, and mythical creatures, reflecting the bold, machine-age optimism of the era.

“Piercing the blue Californian skies on Sunset Boulevard, this elegant Art Deco tower has long been a landmark of the city, home to Hollywood greats since its arrival in 1931, courtesy of architect Leland A. Bryant.”

Terranea Oceanfront Resort, Los Angeles

Terranea Oceanfront Resort, located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, is a stunning 102-acre escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of Los Angeles. Opened in 2009, the property sits on a site with a fascinating past. It was once the home of Marineland of the Pacific, a legendary 1950s oceanarium that was essentially California’s first major theme park.

“Just south of Los Angeles, atop the Palo Verdes Peninsula, Terranea offers ocean view guest rooms decked out with luxurious perks such as deep tubs and rain showers.”

The Rose Hotel Venice, Los Angeles

The Rose Hotel is a low-key, historic gem located just steps from the sand in Venice Beach. Originally designed in 1908 by the town's founder, Abbot Kinney, the building has a colorful past, with local lore suggesting it once served as his private getaway. Over the years, it has hosted legendary figures like Charlie Chaplin, Jim Morrison, and Dennis Hopper.

“Close to Santa Monica but a world apart, the Rose Hotel makes for a perfect hideaway if you are in town for a beach vacation or business meeting. It is a quirky spot full of personality.”

Hotel Petit Ermitage, Los Angeles

Hotel Petit Ermitage is a whimsical, bohemian sanctuary tucked away on a quiet street in West Hollywood. Far from a typical chain, it serves as a love letter to the arts, featuring a massive private collection of 20th-century works by masters like Dalí and Miró. The property feels more like a private residence than a hotel, with eighty unique suites that feel intentionally layered rather than standardized.

“Bohemian-chic environs with Turkish rugs, old-world antiques, rooftop bars and fine booze set apart this intimate, one-of-a-kind hotel. No two of its 79 suites are the same, but all feature Venetian-style plaster walls, fireplaces and fun minibar snacks.”

Kimpton Hotel Wilshire, Los Angeles

The Kimpton Hotel Wilshire is a stylish boutique getaway located on Los Angeles' famous Miracle Mile. Originally constructed in 1951 as a medical office building, the property underwent an extensive transformation, eventually reopening as a hotel in 2011. Killefer Flammang Architects led the adaptive reuse project, which successfully achieved LEED Silver Certification for its eco-friendly design and energy-efficient operations.

“Smack in the middle of a pedestrian strip of Wilshire Boulevard, adjacent to Beverly Hills, sits the newly opened Hotel Wilshire. The block isn’t the sexiest, but the glass facade of this environmentally sustainable boutique property goes a long way toward classing up the area.”

Kimpton La Peer Hotel, Los Angeles

The Kimpton La Peer Hotel is a chic urban sanctuary located right in the heart of West Hollywood’s Design District. Opening its doors in 2018 as the area's first ground-up hotel, it was designed to mirror the artistic energy of its surroundings. Interestingly, the site holds personal significance for its principal designer, Gulla Jónsdóttir, as it previously housed her very first design studio in Los Angeles.

“Bright blooms from star florist Eric Buterbaugh undercut the heaviness of it all. Things perk up outdoors, where a sun-flooded bar that’s already a hit with the cool kids of West Hollywood wraps around the small swimming pool. Artworks from graffiti pieces by Retna to a topographical installation of the city are on display behind the front desk.”

Orange Drive Hostel Hollywood, Los Angeles

Orange Drive Hostel is a real slice of history tucked away in the heart of Hollywood. Built in 1910 as a private manor, the building later became a boarding house that famously hosted legends of the Golden Age of cinema. Iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth, and "Tarzan" actor Johnny Weissmuller once called these walls home, giving the property a unique, vintage Hollywood pedigree.

“A short stroll from Hollywood Boulevard, this remodeled 1920s house offers an all-you-can-make breakfast from 7am to 10am and significant reductions for those who stay for seven days or more.”

Ritz Carlton Hotel, Los Angeles

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is a gleaming urban retreat located in the heart of the L.A. LIVE entertainment district. Opening in 2010, the hotel occupies the upper floors of a stunning 54-story skyscraper designed by the renowned architectural firm Gensler. The building itself is an architectural anchor for the area, featuring a unique facade constructed with 34 different types of blue-tinted glass that create a shimmering, geometric pattern against the city skyline.

“Rising from the L.A. Live wattage is a gleaming new two-hotel complex, at 900 West Olympic Boulevard. Even the most basic rooms deliver a supreme pampering at the Ritz. The 24th floor is also home to WP24, the celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s take on modern Chinese cuisine.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Los Angeles.

Shutters On The Beach Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Shutters on the Beach opened in 1993, founded by brothers Thomas and Edward Slatkin with the vision of revitalizing the Santa Monica waterfront. It holds the distinction of being the first hotel built directly on the sand in the area in decades. Designed to evoke the timeless, relaxed sophistication of a Cape Cod or Hamptons beach house, the property serves as a refined sanctuary against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

“If you ever wondered what an East Hampton mansion would look like if it were conveniently placed on the Santa Monica coastline, this would be it. Shutters is a secretive hideaway, tucked behind the busy streets of Santa Monica.”

Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Los Angeles.

The Viceroy Santa Monica, Los Angeles

The Viceroy Santa Monica has long been a fixture of the Los Angeles beach scene. Originally built in the 1960s as a budget motel, the property underwent a total transformation in 2002 under the creative eye of acclaimed interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Her bold, glamorous vision helped launch the Viceroy brand and turned the hotel into a chic, high-design landmark.

“There’s barely enough time in the day to explain why the Viceroy Santa Monica rocks. It’s a block from the ocean. Its modern, art-deco style channels everything sexy about the 1960s and 1970s with none of the kitsch.”

Freehand, Los Angeles

Freehand Los Angeles is housed in the historic 1924 Commercial Exchange Building, a Renaissance Revival gem designed by architects Walker & Eisen. The building has a wild history; in the 1930s, to accommodate the widening of Olive Street, engineers actually cut a "slice" out of the center and physically moved the two halves together.

“Stylish hostels are nothing new these days—but this Roman & Williams-designed space, which opened in summer 2017, takes the lowly genre to new levels. Worth it for the Downtown location, affordable rates, designer interiors, and rooftop bar/pool.”

Hotel Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles

Perched high above the Sunset Strip, the iconic Chateau Marmont opened in 1929 as an exclusive apartment complex before evolving into a legendary hotel. Architects Arnold A. Weitzman and William Douglas Lee designed the structure, drawing heavy inspiration from the medieval Château d'Amboise in France’s Loire Valley. Its thick, poured-concrete walls and "Châteauesque" design were intentionally built to be earthquake-proof, a feature that has helped it survive nearly a century of major Southern California seismic activity.

“Rumor has it The Eagles Grammy Award-winning ‘Hotel California’ was inspired by this iconic chateau at the eastern edge of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. You’ll feel like a celeb yourself as you ride the elevator straight from the garage to your room, avoiding the front desk staff and the paparazzi.”

Hotel Indigo Downtown, Los Angeles

The Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown is a striking urban retreat designed by the architecture firm Gensler. Located within the modern Metropolis development, it serves as a creative anchor that pays homage to the city’s past. Its design concept is deeply rooted in the "pre-Hollywood" entertainment era of the late 1800s and early 1900s, blending stories of underground speakeasies, the local La Fiesta de las Flores parade, and the birth of the movie industry into its aesthetic.

“This freshly minted, 350-room property celebrates Downtown’s colorful backstory: wagon-shaped lobby lights pay tribute to the Fiesta de Las Flores, blown-up paparazzi shots around the elevators nod to vaudeville and early movie days.”

Mama Shelter Hotel, Los Angeles

Mama Shelter Los Angeles, located in the heart of Hollywood, brought the brand’s signature "urban refuge" concept to the United States for the first time. Founded by the Trigano family—the same duo behind the iconic Club Med—the hotel is designed to be a playful, inclusive sanctuary. The interiors, overseen by the Mama Design Studio, are famous for their quirky, eclectic style, featuring everything from graffiti-laden ceilings and chalkboard art to oversized, comfortable sofas that encourage socializing.

“For a nontraditional Los Angeles hotel, you really can’t go wrong with Mama Shelter. The friendly staff was a huge plus, as its infectious enthusiasm set a welcoming tone throughout the property.”

HI Hostel Santa Monica, Los Angeles

HI Hostel Santa Monica occupies a distinctive place in local history. The building was acquired by American Youth Hostels in 1984, effectively saving the structure from planned demolition when no other viable buyers stepped forward. Today, it stands as a recognized landmark, preserving its character while serving international travelers.

“This great value hostel is adjacent to Venice and the famed Pacific beaches, and has 260 beds spread around colourful dorms, doubles and family rooms, plus kitchen, library and laundry facilities.”

Venice Suites, Los Angeles

Aparthotel Venice Suites offers a quintessential Southern California escape right on the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk. Housed in a historic beachfront building, it provides apartment-style living that is perfect for those who want to feel more like a local resident than a typical tourist. The property is known for its relaxed atmosphere and provides a practical, comfortable "home base" steps from the Pacific Ocean.

“Venice Suites offers 31 affordable suites with full kitchens, free internet and an ocean-view roof deck with a communal barbecue grill.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Los Angeles.

The Line Hotel, Los Angeles

The Line Hotel is a vibrant centerpiece of Los Angeles’ Koreatown, housed in a striking mid-century building originally constructed in 1964. Once known as the Wilshire Plaza Hotel, this architectural gem underwent a brilliant transformation led by designer Sean Knibb, who embraced the building's Brutalist concrete bones while infusing it with a modern, artistic sensibility that reflects the neighborhood's multicultural energy.

“The Line Hotel retains some of the stripped-concrete walls and industrial-chic aesthetic. This new hotel is shaping up to be the “it” location for night owls and adventurous omnivores. Its biggest accomplishment is introducing visitors to the gems of little-known Koreatown.”