From humble origins to a glittering metropolis with almost as many stars on the ground as there are in the sky, Los Angeles is a city where dreams are made and celebrities reign supreme.
As you can imagine, its hotel scene is pretty stellar too. And they’re not all centered around the lustrous Hollywood Hills. In fact, that prestigious address is just one in a kaleidoscope of colorful neighborhoods that deserve your attention.
Pull up a chair at InterContinental Los Angeles’ La Boucherie
More than just a destination for fun in the sun, LA is a center for business travelers too, with top tier properties located close to the action, as well as near the international hub of LAX.
From a suite escape alongside the lapping waves of Santa Monica to a global icon in the revitalized heart of Downtown, these are some of the best hotels in Los Angeles, the City of Angels.
1. Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Four Seasons hotels epitomize luxury, renowned for beautifully-styled rooms, exceptional service, and a fantastic location. the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills ticks all those boxes – and its recent $33 million renovation has made it better than ever.
A Deluxe Balcony Room at the Four Seasons, with a view of the city beyond
Close to the fashion-forward boutiques of Rodeo Drive and within easy reach of the Santa Monica Boulevard, Four Seasons LA is well placed for exploration, yet there’s plenty to enjoy onsite too, including a resort pool with cabanas and an inviting day spa.
Pop a bottle and relax poolside at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Guests staying in top tier suites also receive the exclusive ‘Doheny Experience’, which includes Plane to Suite meet and greet, curbside or underground VIP arrival, and butler service on request. And, some suites even come with a Range Rover to use during your stay. Almost enough to put the paparazzi on your tail.
2. Fairmont Century Plaza
First opened back in 1966, CenturyPlaza is a landmark in the LA hotel scene. If its walls could talk, they would utter the names of past guests like Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Sonny and Cher, not to mention the Grammy and Emmy Awards once hosted there.
Following an ambitious redevelopment, Century Plaza is ready to see in another century
As the centerpiece of a USD$2.5 billion (yes, billion) redevelopment of the site – which has seen the addition of two 44-storey towers and 268 privately owned residences – Fairmont Century Plaza is primed to continue its leading role in the LA legacy for decades to come.
Lumière, a French-inspired brasserie bringing haute cuisine to the Hills
Originally designed by Minoru Yamasaki as ‘the hotel of the future’, the crescent-shaped icon has been reimagined and now features 400 elegant rooms, 80 luxurious residences along with a vast wellness spa and rooftop pool.
3. Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles
Ritz Carlton stands proud amid the hotels of Downtown Los Angeles and not just for its imposing size. Opened in 2010 as part of the pulsating LA Live entertainment and dining precinct, it was unlike any hotel nearby at the time – and its lustrous shine has not diminished.
Ritz Carlton shares a building with its sister hotel, JW Marriott Los Angeles
Guests have their pick of 123 light and bright rooms and suites, an exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club level and lounge, day spa, and gorgeous rooftop pool with views over the Hollywood Hills. There’s really no reason to leave the hotel’s plush confines, but if you do, you’ll find plenty to see and do nearby.
This rooftop pool is tailor-made for golden hour
Conveniently positioned between the Staples Centre, Microsoft Theater and Grammy Museum, and just down the road from Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Centre, there’s never a shortage of stage shows and events to capture your attention.
4. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Old Hollywood glamor with a modern edge. That’s it Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills to a tea. And it makes sense, considering its French designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, is also responsible for the iconic Shangri-La Paris and The Savoy London.
French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon brought his A-game to the Waldorf Astoria’s interiors
The hotel has picked up a slew of awards since opening in 2017, with each of its 170 pastel and cream rooms and suites exuding classic French elegance. Its location at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevard makes it a handy base to discover the city.
There’s a pool lounge at the Waldorf Astoria with your name on it
Guests with a taste for the gourmet are in luck too, with Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten bringing his trademark New York pizazz to SoCal. Be sure to try the six-course seasonal tasting, rounded out with a drink at the Rooftop by JG.
5. Hotel Figeuróa
Just down the road from the Ritz Carlton, Hotel Figeuroa is another property breathing life into the once-neglected Downtown area. However, this is a very different beast.
The Fig is an historic address given a new lease on life
First opened as a female-only boarding house in 1926, this boutique Hyatt Unbound Collection property is brimming with character, personality and style. A 2018 revamp gave the inn a hit of energy, elevating its eccentric decor with the sheen of refinement.
This Junior Suite offers a perfect combination of comfort and quirkiness
Many of the 268 guest rooms and suites showcase this elegant history and charm with classic exposed beams and liberal artworks, creating an inviting sanctuary. Onsite dining venues including Sparrow Italian and La Casita pool bar are sure to satisfy any hunger pangs that arise.
6.Oceana Santa Monica
‘Suite Dreams’ are made by Oceana Santa Monica. Rising from the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean, this sun-kissed LXR Hotels property affords sensational views along the famous beachfront.
Enjoy destination dining without leaving the hotel at Sandpiper
Adorned in uniquely commissioned artworks by Los Angeles creatives, guests will encounter spacious living areas, hand-tufted rugs from Nepal and smart lighting to suit your mood.
Each suite is a haven of tranquility… but the Signature Oceanfront Suite is the one to pick.
The Signature Oceanfront Suite is gorgeous, but you’d struggled to notice it with that view
Facing due west, with the hotel’s best views of the Pacific, it’s beautifully appointed, with a spacious living area, deep soaking tub, and a private terrace that’s hard to pull yourself away from.
When you’re done relaxing poolside or exploring Santa Monica, Oceana has multiple bar and dining options too, including Sandpiper restaurant and the Sunset Terrace rooftop lounge.
7. Hilton Los Angeles Airport
You just can’t beat a hotel that overlooks the runway. Sitting in the upper mid-range, Hilton Los Angeles Airport Boasts 1,234 neutral-toned guest rooms and the Runway View rooms are definitely the ones to pick to watch the world arrive and leave from LAX.
Hilton Los Angeles Airport is a classic hotel with a one-of-a-kind view
Together with extensive meeting and conference facilities, a restaurant, and swimming pool for when you need a break from business, everything you need for a quick stopover is on hand.
Convenience with a sprinkling of Hilton’s signature style
While it may lack the flash and pizazz of some of the other hotels listed, the property makes more than up for that with convenience, especially if you’re in town for a quick meeting or overnight stay. Bonus points for the free shuttle service between the hotel and terminals.
8.Pendry West Hollywood
Lights, cameras, action. Perched above the legendary Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood is a regular haunt of the Hollywood A-list, so don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity or two hanging out at its ultra-glam bars and restaurants.
Wake up in a Sunset King at the Pendry West Hollywood
Decor is dialed up to 11 in Bar Pendry (think gold lounges and a reflective ceiling), although sister-venue Merois – an Asian fusion restaurant from esteemed chef Wolfgang Puck does give it a run for his money. The pool is also a spot to be seen enjoying an evening cocktail.
No design idea was off-limits at Bar Pendry
The over-the-top styling of the dining venues has thankfully been pared back in the guest rooms, many of which offer views of Sunset Boulevard or the Los Angeles skyline.
9. InterContinental Los Angeles
When it comes to 5 star Los Angeles hotels, it’s ‘go big or go home’ and a case in point is the InterContinental Los Angeles. Not only is it home to the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere – Spire 73 – but also La Boucherie, a premium sky-high steakhouse with over 1,000 bottles of hand-selected wine ready to pour.
Spire 73 is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere
Equally impressive are its 889 rooms and suites, each taking full advantage of the stunning views. If there’s one room in particular worth a look, it’s the Presidential Suite, with a piano in the lounge and a light-filled king bedroom that’s akin to sleeping among the clouds.
Get your sunglasses ready, the Sky Lobby is bathed in natural light
High-speed double-decker elevators whisk guests between the 70th floor Sky Lobby and ground in just 40 seconds, meaning you don’t have to wait long if you want to venture out and explore.
10. W Hollywood
Taking a leaf from the likes of Madonna and Cher who go by only one name, W is immediately known by just a single consonant. It’s a playful brand inspired by music, fashion and location – and W Hollywood is right at home amid the recording studios and boutiques that surround it.
‘More is more’ in the interior styling at W Hollywood
Overlooking the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame, directly across from historic Pantages Theatre, it’s a place where the old and new collide, with decor in its 305 hotel rooms and suites inspired by the swinging 60s.
The Extreme Wow Suite features a glorious curved leather lounge and deep marble bath, while the Sound Suite comes with its own recording booth and mixing desk.
The Extreme Wow Suite has a view to Capital Records
Beyond the suites, there’s a lot to love too, with the WET Deck rooftop pool and two sensational restaurants – Delphine Eatery and Station Hollywood – dishing up quintessential American fare.
