The best Airbnbs in Los Angeles

This masterfully restored 1,800-square foot loft in the centre of Downtown Los Angeles is packed with both historic charm and contemporary amenities. The exposed brick wall acts as a burst of color in the living space, while a squeaky clean chef’s kitchen has all the bits and bobs you could need to knock up a gourmet dinner. Cheeky design elements like mustache pillows and oversized mirrors give the loft a funky personality.

For a weekend jam-packed with sand and sun, rent out this Santa Monica home, just metres away from the beach. With Carrara marble tile, vaulted ceilings and a formal dining room, it’s much more opulent than your standard beach house. There’s nothing better than firing up the grill on the backyard barbecue and roasting marshmallows over the fire pit after a day of kicking it at the beach.

This 1940s-era building’s location atop a hill makes it feel secluded, but you’re actually not far from the bustling main streets of Echo Park and Silver Lake. Relax on the porch with a cocktail or curl up with a book in front of the broad windows, which provide a 180-degree view of the neighbouring hills (and some particularly awesome sunsets).

Tucked away in Malibu, this home was formerly the home of a Gold-medal-winning Olympian. Which one, you ask? An American diver who won at the 1984 Olympics (we’ll let you work it out). To mark the achievement, the bottom of the pool has been engraved with Olympic rings. A semi-remote location, this fashionable spot offers an abundance of peace and quiet, as well as a sauna, pool table, and dazzling views. Sleeping 12, this sunny getaway would make for a great base for a big family get-together or a group of holidaying friends.

This smart home sandwiched between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood looks like something out of MTV Cribs. Neon-hued art, shag rugs and Italian marble decorate the interior, while the backyard features a massive pool, jacuzzi and firepit. Though you’re close to so many L.A. landmarks, it might be hard to tear your group away from all the mansion’s amenities. 

Tucked behind the owner’s home on one of Culver City’s tree-lined streets, this secluded A-frame cottage feels a bit like a treehouse hideout. To make the most of a small footprint, the owners capitalized on indoor-outdoors space: The porch serves as the living room, complete with a TV mounted on the exterior wall and couch cushions to laze around on. Inside, you’ll find a tiny but serviceable kitchen, cushy queen-sized bed and itsy-bitsy bathroom. 

Postmodern architecture and traditional Japanese art combine in this stunning home. All 10 of your friends can pull up a seat at the dining table for dinner or spread out on the sectional for a game of cards. The master suite—featuring a fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows and a gorgeous four-poster bed—puts any standard hotel room to shame. You won’t even have to settle for tap water: The kitchen includes a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis machine to purify the water.

Hunker down into the Hollywood Hills in this cozy bungalow brimming with charm. The self-contained home comes with unparalleled panoramic views of LA, a queen-sized bed, two terraces – one of which has a swinging bed – and an outdoor shower, should the weather tempt you (there's one inside too, don't worry).