The 17 best hotels in Los Angeles for 2026

💎 Best for: quintessential, iconic L.A.

Welcome to the “Hotel California”. Half a century after its pink spires were immortalized on the Eagles’ iconic 1976 album cover, The Beverly Hills Hotel remains a celebrity in its own right. Still the first port of call for the biggest names in entertainment, this storied property has been the backdrop for Hollywood mythology since 1912. Whether you’re walking through the palm-clad lobby or relaxing by the pool where Faye Dunaway famously posed with her Oscar, a celebrity encounter is almost guaranteed. It remains impressively chic, maintaining its old-school, country club-style salmon exterior and a level of glamour that feels untouched by time.

The accommodations offer a mumsy kind of luxury that balances decadence with a homely feel. The main building features 210 rooms characterized by deep-pile carpets, velvet sofas, and the hotel’s signature green-palm-on-pink print, complete with a bedside cookie at turndown. For those seeking ultimate privacy, 23 exclusive bungalows—former residences of icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor—sit nestled behind winding pathways of sub-tropical plants. The service is truly immaculate; your wish is their command, whether you need a replacement remote in four minutes or a personal trainer at dawn. Even a pet cat on a leash by the pool won’t make the unflappable staff bat an eyelid.

Dining here is a legendary experience, particularly at the Polo Lounge. As one of L.A.’s most in-demand eateries, it’s a place to sign movie deals over the famous McCarthy chopped salad while a lounge singer provides a sleek musical backdrop. 

While it’s certainly pricey, the hotel is a piece of living history that justifies the cost. From the private cabanas where Leonard Bernstein conceptualized West Side Story to the pedestrian-friendly streets of Beverly Hills just outside the door, this is one of the last great original L.A. hotels.

Time Out tip: If you prefer a more casual daytime dining vibe, the Fountain Coffee Shop is a classic choice.

Address: 9641 W Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Price: Rooms start at $1,295 per night
Closest transport: LAX, which is approximately a 25-minute drive from the hotel

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💎 Best for: treading in the footsteps of legends

If it’s Hollywood history and L.A. lore you’re after, then there is no better place to stay than the Chateau Marmont. It’s chic in a way that Hollywood rarely is these days, and though it’s certainly not cheap, it’s a far better deal than some of the other luxe hotels in West Hollywood. The 63 rooms and suites are basic but beautiful, kitted out with vintage teak furniture and 1930s tiled bathrooms. There are no iPads on which to order room service or electric blackout blinds, but there is a whole lot of old-school elegance. Your room will come with headed ‘In Residence’ letter-writing paper (a lovely touch).

The hotel is basically in the middle of the hectic Sunset Strip, but you’ll feel a million miles away from the hubbub of the city. There are nine Spanish-style cottages by the pool and four midcentury bungalows in the gorgeous garden which offer even more privacy.

As much of a celebrity as the movie stars and rock gods that have resided in this stunning building over the decades, the fact that mere mortals can also set up shop in the Chateau (dropping the ‘Marmont’ is proof that you’re in the know), is, quite frankly, wild. There’s only one issue—staying at the Chateau will ruin all other hotels for you. It’s that good.

Time Out tip: If you’re staying at the hotel you’ll always be able to get a table at the Chateau’s in-demand patio restaurant (otherwise you’ll have to call up and wait weeks for a dinner reservation), and feel free to celeb-spot, but make sure you play it cool.

Address: 8221 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Price: Rooms from $1,050 per night
Closest transport: LAX and Burbank Airports

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💎 Best for: donning your dancing shoes

Perched atop one of the Sunset Strip’s steepest rises, the West Hollywood EDITION sleekly encapsulates modern L.A. glamour. Ian Schrager’s 13-story, nightlife-forward Marriott flagship pairs glossy design with serious scene: 190 guest rooms, 48 suites, and two penthouses, plus a residents’ tower next door that shares select amenities. You could hole up here all weekend and feel like you’ve ‘done’ West Hollywood—there’s a guests-only rooftop pool with sweeping views, a stylish (if pricey) spa, and strong food, drink, and nightlife options under one roof. 

The rooms at the EDITION are polished and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows, crisp linens, and Le Labo bath products that elevate what is, at heart, a well-oiled Marriott experience. Categories run from Standard to Deluxe Terrace and Loft Terrace; suites add living areas, bathtubs, and bigger balconies. I’d recommend booking a Deluxe Terrace facing away from Sunset Boulevard if you’re after some peace and quiet. 

Ardor is that rare hotel restaurant locals actually book, and it brags signature onion rings, tomato bread, and a gooseberry tart but on an always-interesting seasonally-rotating menu which has been expertly designed by chef de cuisine Patricia Lalu. The Lobby Bar handles light breakfast, all-day bites, and bespoke cocktails (service can lag when the beautiful-people rush hits Friday and Saturday), and upstairs, the Roof at EDITION serves sit-down breakfast and all-day, Mexican-inspired plates with breezy tequila-and-mezcal cocktails.

You’ll be treated to some seriously impeccable service: it’s friendly, well-informed, and proactive, and there are thoughtful touches like digital tipping for housekeeping (because who still carries cash?). The hotel also does a good job of balancing wellness and play. The shallow, sun-splashed rooftop pool with loungers and complimentary sunscreen; a second-floor gym; and a spa menu that stretches from massages and facials to LED light therapy and sound healing are there for when you need to relax. After dark, however, the subterranean nightclub, Sunset at EDITION, channels Studio 54 with a galaxy of disco balls—check the calendar for the upcoming events. 

Time Out tip: Looking for a more relaxed evening hangout? Head just 3-minutes west and you’ll have Prince Street Pizza and Bar Next Door ready and waiting for you.

Address: 9040 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Price: Rooms start at $685 per night
Transport: It’s a 25-minute drive to LAX

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💎 Best for: splashing out on age-old Hollywood glamour

Tucked away in one of Beverly Hills’ most exclusive hillside neighborhoods, the Hotel Bel-Air is in a league of its own, with sprawling verdant grounds, and airy, ultra private-feeling rooms. Dating back to the 1940s, it remains a paragon of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll feel like you’re in your own little world in this secluded retreat halfway up one of L.A.’s hidden canyons. Grace Kelly loved it so much there’s a suite named after her, and it’s also where Marilyn Monroe staged her last ever photoshoot.

The dusty pink-painted mission-style property features 12 acres of gorgeously landscaped gardens, with over 1,200 different types of plants, as well as a hidden grotto with ducks, a lake with swans, redwood grove and stunning canyon views. There are 103 rooms, including 45 suites, and no two are alike. However, all are modern, with midcentury-styled furniture that harks back to classic Hollywood. Some suites come with poolside patios, others with private plunges, firepits, canyon views and fireplaces. All feel very luxe.

There’s a lovely and surprisingly laidback restaurant, that’s largely al-fresco and serves healthy-feeling California food. The bar is moodier and perfect for a potent cocktail. If you’ve got the cash to splash, the spa—a modern addition from when the Bel-Air Hotel was relaunched by Dorchester Collection in 2011—offers Valmont facials from the famous Swiss company, a hair salon, 24-hour gym, nail suite, steam rooms, and massage treatments. It’s not cheap by any means, but if you’re in a position to stay here, there’s no better place in Los Angeles to soak up both glamour and a dreamy, peaceful atmosphere.

Time Out tip: There’s a handy complimentary house car to take you around the local area; perfect for getting dinner and drinks in Beverly Hills, or for hitting up the shops on Rodeo Drive.

Address: 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Price: Rooms from $1,250 a night
Closest transport: LAX, which is a 20-minute drive

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💎 Best for: wellness retreats

The Regent brand’s long-awaited return to the Americas has officially arrived with Regent Santa Monica Beach. Taking over the former Loews footprint on Ocean Avenue, this coastal flagship creates a self-contained world just steps from the Pacific Coast Highway.

The property halved the original room count down to 167 generously proportioned spaces. Designed by Wimberly Interiors, standard rooms start at an apartment-rivaling 720 square feet, offering distinct living and dining areas, spa-like bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and private balconies that frame panoramic Pacific views and the iconic Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel.

When it comes to dining options, the headliner is Orla, serving vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dishes against striking floor-to-ceiling ocean vistas, alongside the sleek, yacht-inspired Orla Bar. For casual bites during the day, Ayesha Curry’s Sweet July Café provides artisan coffees, pastries, and grab-and-go bites infused with Jamaican and California flavors, while the outdoor Azure Bar caters to poolside dining.

Service here is elevated to an art form, anchored by a dedicated Regent Experience Manager who personalizes every detail—from custom-tailored arrival treats to flawless turndown care.

When you are not relaxing on the sand via dedicated beachside services, the hotel offers an ocean-view heated pool, complimentary electric bikes, and a house car for local exploring. The real showstopper, however, is the 10,000-square-foot Guerlain Wellness Spa—the sole West Coast outpost for the legendary Parisian fragrance house—featuring restorative plunge pools, custom skincare therapies, and dedicated relaxation lounges with Champagne and macarons. 

Time Out tip: Order the baklaca sundae at Orla, it’s served tableside with frozen Greek yogurt, berries, Turkish pistachios, candied citrus, and a drizzle of 24K-gold honey.

Address: 1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Price: Rooms start at $1,050 per night
Closest transport: Metro E Line Downtown Santa Monica station; Big Blue Bus routes 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8.

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💎 Best for: unrivaled skyline views

1 Hotel West Hollywood masterfully captures the best-of-both-worlds essence of Los Angeles, offering a leafy, plant-filled sanctuary tucked inside a sleek glass and concrete frame. Positioned right on the Sunset Strip, the property feels like a massive, chic terrarium that doubles as a remote wellness retreat—despite being a ten-minute walk from a Barry’s Bootcamp. It’s the kind of place where you can transition seamlessly from a high-energy urban hub to a grounded, airy oasis, though navigating the sprawling layout between the two towers can take a bit of time.

The guest rooms lean into this natural aesthetic, pairing high-end luxury with reclaimed wood, clay, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase sweeping city views. My City King room even featured live greenery in the form of a small tree, which perfectly complemented the decadent marble bathrooms and spa-like atmosphere. The farm-to-table theme continues at 1 Kitchen, where I enjoyed a mushroom omelette in a light-filled space overlooking a courtyard. For evening energy, you can head to the lobby lounge, Juniper, or Harriet’s Rooftop. 

Perched in the east tower, the hotel’s wellness floor features a gym, a Bamford Wellness Spa, and a pool. While the pool and spa are on the smaller side compared to neighborhood rivals, the skyline views are undeniably glamorous. I highly recommend the Gentleman’s Facial for a pre-dinner glow. Outside the hotel, West Hollywood’s walkable streets offer endless exploration. You’re steps away from the LGBTQ hub of Santa Monica Boulevard and iconic celebrity haunts like the Chateau Marmont. If the hotel’s prodigious greenery inspires you, the legendary hiking trails of Runyon Canyon are nearby, offering the perfect opportunity to sweat off the previous night’s Hollywood glamour.

Time Out tip: Harriet’s Rooftop is run by an outside operator, meaning the vibe can shift unexpectedly; we found ourselves in the middle of a Sunday night rager and simply leaned into the sparkler-accented shenanigans.

Address: 8490 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Price: Prices start at $525 per night.
Closest transport: Sunset / Kings bus station

💎 Best for: a proper boutique stay

Housed inside a decommissioned, nearly century-old church, Hotel Lucile is easily one of the swankiest boutique arrivals to hit Silver Lake in years. With just 25 rooms, this intimate retreat pairs Casetta’s signature design flair with local charm, making it a dreamy place to stay for a relaxed weekend.

The centerpiece is Sous Sous, a gorgeous French-meets-Southern restaurant occupying the former nave. Flanked by original stained glass, floral installations, and textured murals inspired by Elysian Park and Eaton Canyon, the dining room has an effortless, music-filled buzz fueled by an in-house vinyl collection. Come evening, our dinner included standout dishes like the blackened-polenta-crusted rainbow trout and Parisian gnocchi, and guests can also enjoy daytime menus served either in the dining room or out in the sun.

Upstairs, rooms occupy three floors—some retrofitted from historic Sunday school classrooms. While layouts skew towards a more compact size, they are thoughtfully styled with green or white subway-tiled showers and plush, striped bathrobes from Venice-based Parachute.

Outside, a greenery-lined wading pool offers a leafy nook to unwind on a white chaise lounge or tucked inside a cabana. Guests also have exclusive access to a breezy, intimate rooftop that looks out over the surrounding neighborhood.

Step outside, and you are immediately immersed in the quintessential Silver Lake experience. You can easily stroll to local favorites, browse neighborhood spots, or venture out to the Silver Lake Reservoir for prime people-watching. It is a stylish, boutique slice of Eastside living that lets you effortlessly play the part of a discerning local.

Time Out tip: If you’re staying on a Saturday, take a quick stroll to the local farmers’ market. 

Address: 1629 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Price: Rooms start at $475 per night, midweek.
Closest transport: LAX is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. 

💎 Best for: proximity to Downtown’s sights

Sitting by The Hoxton Downtown LA’s compact rooftop pool, watching a stylish, tattooed couple lounge nearby, you instantly get it: the London-born brand has brought its effortless cool to California.

Housed in a gorgeous 1925 Beaux-Arts building, this property makes an ideal base if you want an unconventional, walkable intro to Los Angeles. While downtown has surrendered its epicenter status to neighborhoods like West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, DTLA holds its own with world-class museums, vintage architecture, and stellar dining. From here, you can skip the infamous freeway traffic entirely and explore on foot, hop on the Metro, or ride the historic Angels Flight funicular.

The rooms feel unfussy, modern, and chic. In the “Biggy” category, king beds feature peacock-like rattan headboards, complemented by chevron wood floors, pink velvet chairs, and marble bistro tables. True to DTLA’s film-noir heritage, the decor leans into retro detective-office aesthetics with black rotary phones and frosted glass doors.

Dining spans day to night across two distinct venues. Head up to the breezy, plant-filled rooftop restaurant, Inanna Bar, for Mediterranean bites like sumac wings or a wood-grilled burger delivered straight to your daybed. Downstairs, Moonlark’s Dinette serves customizable eggs and elevated sandwiches alongside retro diner booths and a lively counter.

Beyond the buzz of the rooftop pool, the ground floor draws you in with a stunning bar accented by sage green stools, glowing pendant lights, and travertine coffee tables. Set along historic Broadway near South Park, the hotel places you close to Grand Central Market, The Broad, and the Arts District. At around twenty miles from the ocean, you won't get coastal breezes here, but you will find historic charm, rich street culture, and some of the best walkability in town.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of Broadway’s dedicated bike lanes by renting one to quickly reach The Last Bookstore, Grand Central Market, or Little Tokyo.

Address: 1060 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Price: Starting at $185 per night
Closest transport: The hotel is within walking distance to both the 7th Street Metro Center and Pico Station. 

💎 Best for: vintage Golden-age nostalgia

The Roosevelt is surely one of the most imposing buildings on Hollywood Boulevard. The 12-story, Spanish Colonial and Art Deco hotel opened in 1927 and was home to the very first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. Restored to its original glory after a multimillion-dollar revamp in the 1980s, the Roosevelt remains one of the chicest places in the often hectic Hollywood.

Though the rooms on the cheaper end of the scale can be a little basic, the communal areas are what this place is really all about; there’s the fabulous, famous pool with an interior mural of blue, wave-like forms that pop artist David Hockney painted in 1988. Even better is the grand lobby, with its Spanish tiles, wrought iron chandeliers and fountains. If you’re a sucker for movie history, then you’ll be happy to hear that Marilyn Monroe used to live in suite 229.

There are 300 guest rooms, including 63 suites, across the 12 floors, making it a pretty sizable space. Most rooms are ‘superior’, with cozy four-poster beds, hardwood floors, bathrooms clad in white 1950s-style tiles and TVs and minibars. There’s also a whole host of places to eat and drink at the Roosevelt. The main spot is Shirley Brasserie, then the Lobby Bar, casual diner 25 Degrees, the Library Bar for high-end mixed drinks, and regular events such as close-up magic nights. Out by the swimming pool there’s a café and bar and last but not least is the Spare Room, a bar with a vintage-style bowling alley.

Time Out tip: Location is everything. You’re moments away from the Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater, and Hollywood Bowl. Our favorite though is historic restaurant and marvelous martini spot Musso and Frank.

Address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Price: Rooms start at $259 a night
Closest transport: Hollywood / Highland Metro station and LAX airport.

💎 Best for: oceanfront opulence

Sister property to Shutters on the Beach, this Santa Monica property is equally elegant—a red brick neighbor to the more traditionally beachy rafters of the craftsman-style Shutters.

Built in the 1920s as an exclusive beach club, the sense that stars of the silver screen once wafted down the epic double staircase in the spacious lobby is palpable. Casa Del Mar has retained its century-old grandeur, but there are welcome touches of modernity—Michael S. Smith (who was also chosen by Obama to makeover the Oval Office) spruced up the lobby in 2014, with prerequisite potted palms, Med-style mosaic floors and beaded chandeliers.

He also designed their Terrazza Lounge restaurant, which offers Italian food and, even more appealingly, incredible views of the Pacific. The small swimming pool and massive hot tub also overlook a prime section of Santa Monica’s world-famous sands. Rooms are as beachy as they come, with shells on shelves and lots of light blue detail constantly reminding you where you are. Though it’s pretty hard to forget—beachside rooms come complete with the sound of roaring waves. Our pristine, gleaming bathroom was spacious and stacked with Diptyque products in eco-safe containers.

As with many Los Angeles hotels over a certain monetary standard (which begins at roughly $600 a night before taxes and fees) we saw the prerequisite A-list rock stars entering the lobby to a flurry of autograph collectors as we checked out.

Time Out tip: You’re an eight minute walk from Chez Jay, one of Santa Monica’s most iconic restaurants. A former Rat Pack favorite, it also held a world-famous jazz night where the likes of Chet Baker would play.

Address: 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, 90405.
Price: From $872 a night
Closest transport: LAX is a 20-minute drive from this hotel

💎 Best for: late-night eats

For those who place a priority on edgy design and a sense of commonality, the sought-after LINE LA makes a fine landing spot. A hulking 1964 building on the busy intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Normandie Avenue with 384 rooms, the Line took the city by storm when it reopened in 2014 after a renovation by the Sydell Group (NoMad Hotel, Ace Hotel). All the rooms offer views of either Wilshire Boulevard or the Hollywood Hills. The latter are slightly more expensive, for obvious reasons, but to have unfettered sight lines of the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign all cozy in your art-filled, concrete-walled sanctuary is certainly a treat.

Between the pool, the always-packed Openaire restaurant (which you’ll have seen as a TV location in everything from Hacks to Insecure) and quirky objects displayed in the rooms (think bird sculptures and crystals), this hotel lets its personality do the talking. There’s also an on-site branch of L.A. fave Alfred Coffee, as well as 1980s-themed coffee and karaoke bar Break Room 86.

The lobby has sufficiently diverse attractions to keep an interesting mix of Koreatown locals and far-flung travelers coming through the doors. It’s also one of the most walkable hotels in L.A.—assuming you don’t mind a bit of partying. You’ll be situated along Wilshire Boulevard right in Koreatown, steps from some of the neighborhood’s most notable restaurants.

Time Out tip: In the mood to bowl? Neighborhood favorite, Shatto 39, is located a mile away and has been around since 1954. It offers a roundabout bar, coffee shop, arcade, billiards room and of course, 39 bowling lanes.

Address: 3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Price: Starting at $189 per night
Closest transport: Wilshire / Normandie Metro station and LAX airport.

💎 Best for: living like an Eastside local

Situated above local Los Feliz/East Hollywood 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 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.

Hotel Covell does the boutique hotel thing to an immaculate standard. It opened in 2015 with five suites (the other four were added in 2018), and there’s a kind of bonkers story behind it. Each room is based on a different moment in the life story of a fictional author called George Covell, from his childhood in Oklahoma to his days in New York and Paris. Thankfully, it’s all done with a light-touch; nothing is overblown or hammy. Room accessories are high end too; there are Smeg fridges, Le Labo toiletries, indulgent bed linens from local company Parachute.

When you’re not unwinding in this artsy pad, you’ll find you’re right at the nexus of East Hollywood, Los Feliz and Thai Town; Griffith Park is right up the road, too.

Time Out tip: The beautiful Barnsdall Park is a couple of minutes walk away, and is home to Hollyhock House—a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece which mere mortals can tour. The park also hosts one of L.A.’s most treasured summer traditions, Friday night hill-top wine tastings with boutique vino provided by Silverlake Wine alongside a spectacular sunset and 360-degree views of the city.

Address: 4626 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Price: Rooms start at $465 a night
Closest transport: Vermont / Sunset Metro station and LAX Airport

💎 Best for: European vibes in the Golden Triangle 

The Maybourne is a super contemporary joint that mixes beachy California chic with European class. That’s all thanks to the guiding force of the British-based Maybourne Hotel Group, who also run some of London’s finest; The Berkeley, Claridge’s, and The Connaught.

Everything here is clean and crisp, rooms are bright white, with massive California king beds, state of the art lighting systems, electric-powered curtains and shades and a general air of graceful modernity. Just off the buzzing Rodeo Drive, and surrounded by designer boutiques and L.A.’s most bougie food shops (Erewhon, Whole Foods etc), it’s a relatively new hotel.

Despite its Spanish Colonial design, this grand building actually only opened in 2008. First, as the Montage Beverly Hills, and since 2020 its been the Maybourne, making it the first US property from the group. A five-star hotel with character, there’s outrageously high-end modern art dotted throughout the space, including works from L.A.’s finest, Ed Ruscha, in the lobby, as well as pieces from Alexander Calder. Head up to the ninth floor of the hotel for a west coast outpost of iconic New York restaurant Dante, which overlooks the rooftop pool which is usually stacked with A-listers and L.A. socialites.

You can also eat at The Terrace, which offers a unique piazza setting for all-day dining under white parasols, overlooking the lawns of Beverly Canon Gardens. Then there’s the moody, wood-paneled Whisky Bar, which offers old school gentleman’s club energy, and houses special reserves from the Scottish Highlands. There’s also a laid-back cafe serving everything from breakfast burritos to cocktails, and a branch of the hype-y Maru coffeeshop right next door to the hotel.

Time Out tip: If Dante is fully booked, then head over to La Dolce Vita, a 15-minute walk away on Santa Monica Boulevard. Recently revamped—but still paying tribute to its vintage past with red leather booths and old school brick walls—the restaurant first opened in the 1960s and was a favorite of Frank Sinatra. 

Address: 225 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Price: Rooms start at $1,010 a night
Closest transport: LAX is a 25-30 minute drive from The Maybourne Beverly Hills

💎 Best for: rock ‘n’ roll lore

About a block off 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 after songs by everyone from Led Zeppelin to Tupac Shakur. Compared to some of the other hotels in the area, it’s also a pretty good deal.

The Sunset Marquis opened in 1965, and, like the Chateau Marmont, quickly became a favorite of young musicians due to its proximity to the clubs and bars of the Sunset Strip. The building itself might lack the romance of somewhere like the Chateau—it’s a flat-roofed, deeply 1960s looking kind of a place—but the lore of the hotel is strong. Bruce Springsteen stayed there throughout the 1970s, calling the hotel a ‘crash house for wayward rockers’, and it’s where Bob Marley and The Wailers stayed during their famous run of shows at the nearby Roxy. The things that this swimming pool has seen!

To fully recharge your batteries you can also book a spa package (which is 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.

Time Out tip: Visit the onsite art collection, the Morrison Hotel Gallery. Unlike your usual (and disappointing) hotel gallery, this one has serious credentials, hosting incredible music photography from the likes of Henry Diltz, who documented The Doors at their peak, as well as Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, and any other iconic L.A.-based artist you care to mention.

Address: 1200 Alta Loma Rd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
Price: Rooms from $445 a night
Closest transport: LAX is a 30-minute drive away. 

💎 Best for: art-lovers

The gorgeous Conrad Hotel puts you on the same block as some of L.A.’s finest cultural treasures—and in an area of Downtown L.A. that, though a bit sleepy, looks much more polished than most alternatives.

This relaxing oasis of 305 rooms touts a rooftop terrace with a pool plus a full spa and culinary concepts from chef José Andrés. Signature 10th floor restaurant San Laurel offers Spanish and Californian cuisine, while rooftop bar Airlight surrounds the hotel’s classy infinity pool and you can score tapas and cocktails at The Beaudry Room bar. The rooms are all oozing with elegance, luxury and comfort, with oak floors and linen walls, with lower floors facing Grand Avenue offering some postcard-perfect architectural views, while higher-up floors add mountains into the mix.

The hotel, which opened in 2022, is a Hilton hotel, so you know you’re in safe hands, and the building itself was designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry—hence its rather spectacular nature. Situated among DTLA’s museums and performance spaces, you can go for a stroll through Grand Park and cross the street to see the L.A. Phil at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or scope out contemporary art masterpieces at the Broad.

Time Out tip: Our favorite thing to do in the area is ride the historic Angels Flight funicular railway and then get food at Grand Central Market, a foodie haven which dates back to 1917.

Address: 100 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Price: From $460 a night
Closest transport: LAX or Burbank airports

💎 Best for: beach, please

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. In the last few years, Venice Beach has shrugged off its beach-bum reputation in favor of something a little more upscale; along with oiled-up bodybuilders and knockoff designer sunglasses, the bohemian seaside neighborhood is now home to wine bars, bakeries and upscale boutiques.

Hotel Erwin is the best of both worlds—opened in 1975, the skater-chic establishment boasts locals-only details like surfboards in the lobby, street art in the rooms and complimentary day passes to the nearby historic Gold’s Gym (yep, the one where Arnold used to train). These throwbacks to Venice’s grittier days are complemented by stellar service, 300-count sheets and a rooftop bar that offers the sort of spectacular sunset views that many of us have only seen on reruns of The OC.

Enjoy a leisurely day of thrift shopping along the nearby canals, bike along the boardwalk or grab your towel and head straight to the beach. If your suite, which includes a private balcony overlooking the boardwalk, inspires you to stay in, have no fear: Hotel Erwin enlisted Whole Foods to curate their mini-bars with artisanal, seasonal snacks, so you’ll get the local experience without having to step outside.

Time Out tip: Eminently walkable Venice Beach is a balance of old-school skater charm and sleek modernity; adjacent to the offices of tech behemoths like Google and Buzzfeed, you’ll find juice shops, crystal healers and dive bars. Plus, the hotel’s Ocean Avenue address is the closest you can get to the ocean without getting sand in your shoes.

Address: 1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Price: From $295 per night
Closest transport: LAX is a mere 15-minute drive

💎 Best for: families

This modernist former motor lodge is an absolute beauty. From the moment you enter the Garland you’re met with de rigueur wood paneling, 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 traveling with your furry friend, they’ll be treated to a dog toy on arrival, with a bowl and mat for them in your room.

Balancing a retro aesthetic with thoroughly modern amenities, Studio City’s Garland Hotel is an urban oasis in the form of a freeway-adjacent respite from nearby tourist attractions like Universal Studios and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

In the rooms themselves, you’ll find wallpapered closets and ‘70s-inspired floral textiles, as well as more grown-up accoutrements like free wifi, private balconies and sustainable amenities from Pasadena’s own Lather soap company. Mingle by the pool, lounge in the grassy gardens, or take advantage of the hotel’s guest activities calendar, which features a rotation of complimentary events and classes like tai chi and wine tastings. The Front Yard, the Garland’s in-house restaurant, offers locally sourced takes on American favorites. As for the neighborhood, Studio City leans towards the residential, offering sightseers a respite from the throngs of Hollywood and a peek into how Angelinos actually live.

Time Out tip: You’re only a three minute drive from the Baked Potato; a jazz bar dating back to 1970 where, yes, you can eat a baked potato and listen to live jazz every night of the week. A very good time.

Address: 4222 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91602
Price: From $289 per night
Closest transport: Universal Studios Metro station and LAX and Burbank airports