The best hotels in Los Angeles

Situated above local-favorite Bar Covell (and owned by the bar’s founder, Dustin Lancaster), Hotel Covell offers nine well-appointed rooms, each meticulously curated with reading nooks and record players, clawfoot tubs and statement furniture, and adorable Smeg refrigerators stocked with locally sourced offerings. Even better? This boutique hotel is so luxurious and contemporary that the suites all have a variety of designs, so you can choose the one that best suits you. When you're not unwinding in this artsy pad, you'll find you're in the heart of East Hollywood. Griffith Park and Observatory are nearby, as is Thai Town. 

The gorgeous five-star Conrad Hotel in Los Angeles is every bit elegant and more. A luxurious and relaxing oasis of 305 rooms, a rooftop terrace with a private pool, a full spa, and locally-inspired dining, this hotel will give you the full five-star L.A. experience. Situated in the center of the city, you'll be right by Grand Park, in a vibrant neighborhood, and be close to cultural venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad Museum. The rooms are all oozing with elegance, luxury, and comfort, and offer city views or courtyard/pool views. 

In addition to the A-listers you’ll encounter while staying here (but we're naming no names), this 5-star haunt actually lets you pretend to be one. The lush, secluded Beverly Hills property is designed like a glamorous French chateau and attracts a roster of celebs, jet-setters and bon vivants with its destination spa, 60-foot rooftop pool and signature Afternoon Tea program. Plus it's a pretty coveted wedding spot, so you might catch a glimpse of someone's big day celebrations. If you decide you'd rather explore the city than the hotel (not everyone does, what with the spa, beautiful rooms, and award-winning cuisine) then you'll find you're a stroll from the heart of Beverly Hills. 

Welcome to paradise, people. Situated on an oceanside bluff in posh Rancho Palos Verdes, the picturesque resort is a Shangri-la of relaxation and resort life. The 102-acre venue boasts a nine-hole golf course, a lavish spa, four pools (including adult-only), and eight restaurants - where you can nibble and soak up the sea view. There's also access to paddleboarding, snorkeling and horseback riding, so it's pretty perfect if you fancy working up a sweat. Guests can also take the complimentary shuttle to Abalone Cove and other nearby shopping havens. When you manage to holiday your way through all of that, we're sure you'll find you have a great night's rest. 

With 1950s-style cabanas and a refreshingly chilled-out pool culture, the retro-fabulous Hollywood Roosevelt offers glamor minus the cheap thrills. There’s also a library-themed cocktail bar, a swank, two-lane bowling alley and a 24-hour burger bar, so despite all the temptations along Hollywood Boulevard, you never really have to leave the building (but if you do, go hunt for your favourite celebrity's star, of course). You'll also be near all the wonderful amenities Hollywood Heights has to offer. 

For those who place a priority on edgy design and a sense of communality, the sought-after Line Hotel makes a fine landing spot. With global influences (Korean, Latin and heritage from the good ol' US of A) it's a culturally influenced spot that celebrates diversity. Between the pool, always-packed Commissary restaurant, and quirky art objects displayed in the rooms (think bird sculptures and crystals), this hotel lets its personality do the talking. It's a true dream-stay. You'll also be in Korea town, so if you venture from the hotel, you can be sure there's many a place for good eating. And partying. 

Blocks from the Sunset Strip, this luxe Spanish-style villa offers a lush refuge to rock stars (and guests who want to feel like rock stars) with tranquil gardens, fine dining and celeb-endorsed spa treatments. In fact, even the spa menu is influenced by rock n roll, with services named 'body tune, pipe cleaner, pick up, strum and syncopation'. To fully recharge your batteries you can also book a spa package (pricey but worth it). This might be especially welcome if you decide to go and live it up in West Hollywood. There's a 24-hour front desk, so the party only stops when you want it to. Glam. 

Formerly a cool retreat for hot Hollywood stars and now a sister to Casa del Mar, Shutters has a chilled but decidedly upscale vibe. Filled with comfortable sofas, club chairs and prints by modern masters such as David Hockney, the lobby mirrors the beach-cottage ambience of the rooms and suites. Guests who prefer gentle pampering to the myriad outdoor beach activities can spend a day at the spa or sit poolside sipping wine and taking in the ocean views. There's no reason to leave such a beautiful spot, but, you are right on the beach – so you could breifly pop over there. I suppose there's Santa Monica Pier too, a whole five-minute walk away. 

Hotel Erwin is a meticulously styled boutique hotel with the heart of a surfer bungalow, steps from the ocean and offering amenities like vegan minibars and sunset views, making for a locals-only glimpse into Southern California beach culture. Basically, hanging ten never looked so good. Just outside this hip joint, you have a load of great food and drink options, galleries and shops. Convenience has never been so chic. 

This modernist four-star hotel is an absolute beauty. From the moment you enter The Garland you're met with de rigueur wood panelling, grasscloth wallpaper and a huge stone fireplace (there's another by the pool FYI). This design runs throughout; even the massive gym is swathed in retro orange. Rooms come with all the usual amenities and private balconies, plus dogs are welcome! So if you're travelling with your furry mate, they'll be treated to a dog toy on arrival, with a bowl and mat for them in your room. Strolls around LA with the pooch are a breeze here too, you're a good walk from the Hollywood Sign, or a brief one from Universal Studios, and Universal City which is shopping and dining galore.