Scouting a hotel in L.A. can be daunting. There are so many options: beachy or iconic? Glamorous or eco-friendly? Santa Monica or Bel-Air? Hopefully, we’ve made your choices a little easier by breaking down our favorite hotels in the City of Angels by neighborhood. So pack your bags, and get ready to check in to these gorgeous properties, which have one, very important thing in common: they all offer pure luxury.

BEL-AIR

Hotel Bel-Air

Privacy and exclusivity is the name of the game at Hotel Bel-Air — which makes it an ideal location for social distancing as well. From its signature outdoor eatery — the dreamy, romantic Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air — which has cave-like, hidden booths  — to its lush and secluded pathways to its remote and picturesque suites, this dreamy destination is an ideal place to stay for a true getaway. Even some of the most iconic celebrities in history have come here to escape, including the likes of Gene Kelly, Cary Grant and Richard Nixon, all of whom stayed here (and all of whom booked the Swan Lake Suite for its discreet access to the more exclusive corner of the restaurant and pool without having to pass through the main hotel spaces).

 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077 

 BEVERLY HILLS

THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

The Beverly Hills Hotel, otherwise known as the Pink Palace, is one of the most stories hotels in Los Angeles. The most famous faces in Hollywood have — and continue to — frequent its hallowed halls (including Marilyn Monroe and Howard Hughes, both of who lived here for a time. Bungalow 1A has even been redone with her favorite things as an homage). Its signature colors — green, pink and white — and custom-made Martinique banana leaf wallpaper are world-famous, and its Polo Lounge — is style an icon.

9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

THE BEVERLY WILSHIRE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, is definitely a recognizable landmark thanks to its prominent feature in Pretty Woman, but this upscale hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills is celebrated for so much more. In addition to its prime location, at the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and Rodeo Drive, It’s home to CUT, Wolfgang Puck‘s signature steakhouse, an incredible spa with treatments courtesy of 111Skin and a Les Clefs d’Or concierge team that can arrange everything from private shopping trips on Rodeo Drive to helicopter tours of the city to VIP passes for just about anything your heart desires.

9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

FOUR SEASONS LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS

The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is just one of those hotels that you sigh in relief upon entering. There’s that beautiful, signature scent courtesy of iconic perfumer Krigler, always breathtaking floral arrangements from Artistic Director Jeff Leatham, specialty art-inspired menus by Chef Luca Moriconi in Culina Restaurant, and a spa that prides itself on health, wellness and innovative treatments. It’s no wonder some of the hottest events in L.A. were held here pre-pandemic… and where they’ll no doubt continue to be held post.

300 Doheny Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90048

SOFITEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS

Those who want to be in the thick of it all should stay at the Sofitel Los Angeles, which is perfectly positioned between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, in the heart of the action, close to the Sunset Strip, Melrose Place and the 90210. It has one of the most beautiful outdoor garden eateries in  Cattle & Claw, for those who want to keep their distance (as well as an EDIBLE menu!), its own helipad and its own dedicated art gallery. This French brand certainly brings the je ne sais quoi to Los Angeles!

8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

RITZ-CARLTON LOS ANGELES

Pre-Covid, downtown was thriving… and it will become a hub, no doubt, again. Its anchor: the upscale Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, a sophisticated haven with some sensational dining in Sendero (four independent dining experiences
Sendero is located on the 24th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, an iconic dining space celebrated for its breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles. Sendero, meaning “path” in Spanish, presents four independent dining experiences that reflect a journey down south the Pan-American Highway, a network of roads linking nearly all the Pacific coastal countries of North, Central, and South America, including Corteza, Leña, an Argentine-influenced steakhouse featuring premium cuts of beef from celebrated farms and purveyors, and the Agave Library, lounge dedicated to rare and premium tequila, mezcal, and other agave-based spirits, as well as the best spa treatments in the City of Angels. The hotel underwent a full redesign last year, focusing on its lobby, all 123 guest rooms and suites, corridors, and its marvelous Club Lounge (a beautiful place to watch the city go by in style). The redesign, executed by Rottet Studio, celebrates the renaissance of downtown Los Angeles while paying homage its past with Art Deco styling. Hand-painted, gilded wallpaper from de Gournay showcases a whimsical woodsy scene originally created by artist Armand-Albert Rateau for fashion designer Jeanne Lanvin’s 1920’s Parisian home, while glossy ceiling panels set off striking chandeliers custom-designed with woven rods of warm metal, bringing to mind angular and ornate bird nests. In the rooms and suites, guests will discover an updated, muted color palette of champagne, bronze and gray; new wall coverings; subdued lattice print carpeting; warm metal fixtures; and sleek furnishings with architectural impact. Back-lit, etched mirror headboards emulating artwork from French glassmaker Lalique serve as the rooms’ focal points. The concept here is ‘finding sanctuary,’ which is more important now than ever.

MALIBU

NOBU RYOKAN

Nobu Ryokan is irrefutably one of the most Zen places to stay in L.A. The property, which is co-owned by master chef Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as Oracle founder Larry Ellison, two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and film producer Meir Teper, is modeled after a traditional ryokan, or a Japanese inn, but with a cool, purely SoCal feel, with minimalist materials of teak, bronze and limestone throughout to create the feeling of Omotenashi, the Japanese art of hospitality. The Japanese serenity is strong here. You’ll find tatami mats, shoji screens, hand-crafted teak soaking tubs beneath skylights and even a room with its own Zen garden. It’s hard not to love a spot where you can wake up to the sound of the crashing ocean waves and spot dolphins frolicking from your patio, where you can order room service from Nobu (which, conveniently, is just steps away).

22752 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

SURFRIDER MALIBU

Located on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, The Surfrider, a Casetta hotel, is a 20-room coastal California beach house, built circa 1953, that’s got a beachier feel than just about anywhere else in L.A. It’s no wonder that the hotel — which is located just across from Surfrider Beach — was a hangout for surfers through the 1960s and 1970s, because it still feels that way today (and indeed, there were surfers chilling at the rooftop bar in the sunset hours, happily sipping on tequila cocktails after a day in the ocean, staring out at said ocean as if they couldn’t quite remember being in it). The property is small and cozy, offering guests an array of beach amenities, including surfboards, paddleboards, umbrellas, beachbags, and more. It’s main gathering point, of course, is its rooftop bar and restaurant, a guest-only affair with a bar and firepit, and the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop. The fare, quite simply, is fantastic — which makes it a real shame that hotel guests are the only ones to experience it. The menu focuses on coastal Californian fare, all locally sourced, sustainable, or organic. Bread is sourced from Gjusta, and the quality of the food is just next level — as are the drinks. Try the Apres Surf smoothie, a house-made tonic, or a “healthy” night cap (in the chillier months, sip on a chamomile and Manuka honey infused Hot Toddy by the firepit); there are also small scale natural and organic vineyards and distilleries, Ayurvedic teas, and local coffee roasts on offer.
23033 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

PASADENA

LANGHAM HUNTINGTON, PASADENA

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, is one of those hotels that we escape to when the going gets tough — which means, quite literally, we’d like to live there now.  The property, which is now well over 100 years old, is located on 23 perfectly manicured acres at the base of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Its 380 guest rooms, suites, cottages and grand ballrooms recall an era past, while the grounds — which include Japanese gardens — are a wonderful place to zone and Zen out. We could never reference this glorious property without noting its unparalleled Chuan Spa, which focuses on treatments utilizing Chinese medicine, as well as brands like the excellent Kerstin Florian and HydraFacial, or its plethora of high-end restaurants: standouts include some of the best Wagyu you’ll have outside of Japan at its The Royce | Wood-Fired Steakhouse, abundance of whiskies at the Tap Room, or its signature afternoon tea with Wedgwood. We highly recommend booking the Langham Club Lounge as well. With its mountain views, quiet elegance and complimentary privileges (including a never-ending supply of homemade cookies), it’s a necessity.

1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

SANTA MONICA

OCEANA SANTA MONICA, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS

Photo Credit: LXR Hotel & Resorts

Oceana Santa Monica is tucked away into the chic, almost residential part of Santa Monica — in close proximity to the boujee shops and restaurants that dot Montana Avenue. This 70-room boutique hotel is a beautiful, calm oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the beachside city, with big, breathtaking suites ranging from 500 to 1,750 square feet. Each has an expansive living area with separate dining enclaves, private lanai entrances, furnished balconies and stunning views of the Pacific. Private experiences are par for the course as well, from personalized in-room spa treatments, outsourced by an agency that caters to the celebrity elite, as well as complimentary oceanfront yoga, nail and salon services, and personal training. There are two-full service restaurants, inclusive of Sandpiper, which offers exquisite, fresh, and seafood fare, and Veranda, a pool bar and restaurant. The Sunset Terrace overlooking the Pacific is a sublime place to do just that.

849 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH

Shutters on the Beach is famous as being the go-to spot by the beach for locals and travelers alike. Its location — on Santa Monica Beach, walking distance to the historic Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place, and Venice Beach — certainly helps, but Shutters has a charm that’s all its own. It’s 198 guestrooms and 12 suites are elegant and quietly luxurious, with hardwood floors, handcrafted beds, outdoor balconies, and whirlpool bathtubs, and it’s dining options are plentiful — there’s the coastal California meets Mediterranean 1 Pico Restaurant, Coast Beach Café and Bar, The Living Room – open all day for coffee, drinks, and small plates with both indoor and outdoor seating and fireplaces and the Seasonal Beach Side Bar — which certainly helps for those who don’t feel comfortable leaving the hotel at this time. Oh, and did we mention its house car is a Tesla S?

1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

WEST HOLLYWOOD

1HOTEL WEST HOLLYWOOD

1Hotel West Hollywood is one of the most buzzed about new properties to come to California in many years. The Sunset Strip property features 286 rooms, the eatery 1 Kitchen and Juniper Tree lounge, as well as rooftop bar Harriet’s in partnership with h.wood group. We love the wellness offerings on hand, including The Field House, a partnership with NYC-based Performix House, and FaceGym, a facial workout designed to tighten and tone the facial muscles. Drawing inspiration from the land, sea and abundant sunshine of Southern California, this LEED certified silver hotel’s eco-conscious design features floor-to-ceiling windows, native greenery, earthy color palettes, reclaimed materials and more – all signatures of 1 Hotels’ commitment to environmentally responsible hospitality. It’s Energy Star score of 95 makes it one the most energy-efficient properties in Los Angeles.

8490 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

THE LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD

Ideally located at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and central LA, The London West Hollywood is a tranquil urban oasis with British flair. The best part: each and every guest will receive a suite, as designed by David Collins Studio and Richard Design with oversized spa-like luxury baths by Waterworks, so there are no cramped accommodations for anyone! Other distinctions here include a complimentary buffet breakfast (a rarity these days), complimentary calls to London, a rooftop pool, 24-hour gym, and it’s even dog-friendly! There’s an exquisite afternoon tea as per its British roots, and some of the genuinely best fare (hotel or otherwise) we’ve had in Los Angeles, courtesy of Executive Chef Anthony Keene, who brings an ambitious cooking style to the property’s signature restaurant, Boxwood at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. And last but not least, this gorgeous hotel also offers the largest penthouse in Los Angeles — a two-story suite with custom interiors personally appointed by trailblazing British designer Vivienne Westwood that features a Grand Salon, a dining room that overlooks beautiful Beverly Hills, a modern kitchen with private service entrance, atriums and a waterfall that flood the suite with light,  a fully outfitted media room, two spacious bedrooms with spa-like bathrooms by Waterworks, a private rooftop deck offering outdoor living space-including an outdoor kitchen, rooftop shower, dining area, fire place, and lounge living room-with 360-degree views of the city of angels. The suite includes in-suite check in experience, VIP personal services throughout the stay, and a private shopping experience in the Vivienne Westwood boutique on Melrose Avenue.

1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, 90069

KIMPTON LA PEER HOTEL

Kimpton La Peer is youthful, edgy, and community-driven, which makes this five-star hotel a hub for young and affluent Angelenos, Covid or no Covid. The 105-room, design-forward hotel truly embodies the neighborhood’s emphasis on design, art, and style with its urban retreat feel, a secluded pool accented by thoughtful landscaping and custom-made lanterns, a 4,000-square-foot private rooftop event terrace and handcrafted art pieces. A modern aesthetic is found throughout in the hotel’s concrete and leather walls, white oak wood flooring, plaster walls, liquid surfaces, and bronze columns. Guests will also discover bespoke designs in the curved brass ceiling details, a leather cocoon wall, and six-foot round light sconces that emit an ambient glow in the lobby lounge. There is also nitro coffee and kombucha on tap, free of charge.

627 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069

HOLLYWOOD

THE HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT HOTEL

A stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is like stepping back in time. It’s very name is synonymous with Hollywood history and, to this day, it stands as a landmark attraction and popular destination for locals and tourists from around the world. Seriously, stay here and you’ll be taking a part of Hollywood history with you, as this is the spot (though now renovated) that hosted the very first Academy Awards in 1929, and where storied stars from vintage era Hollywood like Clark Gable, Shirley Temple, Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe (who resided there) passed through.A $25 million room renovation in 2015 didn’t touch the hotel’s highlight: a heated outdoor swimming pool where guests can swim in a million-dollar work of art painted by acclaimed artist David Hockney. Both the hotel and the pool have been designated Historic-Cultural Monuments by the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission. 

7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

THE DREAM HOTEL

Photo Credit: Dream Hotel

Designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, Dream Hollywood boasts a hyper-chic framework buzzing with glamour and style. The design pays homage to the mid-century modern architecture unique to Los Angeles, balanced by garden-inspired elements and plush upholstery. The lobby shines with an airy, indoor-outdoor vibe, featuring edgy artwork curated by French-born, Los Angeles-based street artist Thierry Guetta, known as “Mr. Brainwash,” most famous for his pop-graffiti take on historical and cultural imagery. This 178 guest rooms and suite property is literally the place to see and be seen thanks to buzzy dining and drinking concepts like Tao, Beauty & Essex and the Highlight Grill. Plus, its suites are pretty dope thanks to the inclusion of vintage record players with a variety of records for guests to enjoy during their stay, in-room massages and the use of a Lincoln house car for rides within a three-mile radius.

6417 Selma Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028