The 16 best hotels in Los Angeles for a relaxing sun-soaked stay

In addition to the A-listers you’ll encounter while staying here, this five-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 vivant with its destination spa, 60-foot rooftop pool and signature, top-notch 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 only a few blocks from the heart of Beverly Hills. 

Mood? Boujie vibes.
Location perks? About a 15-minute walk to Rodeo Drive.
Budget range? “We hope you’ve been saving up” kind of territory.

The Langham just might be the grand hotel in L.A. County. Yes, there are other castle-like properies, sprawling resorts and secluded hideaways in the region, but only the Langham manages to combine all of those elements into one exceptional stay. Its Pasadena address means that you’ll be far from the attractions that first-time visitors to L.A. typically seek out, but if you’re satisfied lounging by the pools, dining and drinking at the on-site restaurants and spending a day at the spa, this is the place.

Mood? Gilded Age opulence.
Location perks? A few minutes from Pasadena’s charming South Lake shopping district and the exquisite gardens at the Huntington.
Budget range? Considerably cheaper than swanky Westside hotels, but still a bit of a spend.

For those who place a priority on edgy design and a sense of commonality, the sought-after Line Hotel makes a fine landing spot. Between the pool, the always-packed Openaire restaurant and quirky art objects displayed in the rooms (think bird sculptures and crystals), this hotel lets its personality do the talking. 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. 

Mood? Mid-century-inspired bones with an industrial chic finish.
Location perks? Right across the street from a Metro station, and within stumbling distance of L.A.’s best late-night scene.
Budget range? Largely inexpensive. 

Welcome to paradise. Situated on an oceanside bluff in swanky Rancho Palos Verdes—which does mean it’s very far from L.A.’s main attractions—this picturesque resort is a Shangri-la of relaxation and resort life. The 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 want to spend some time off property. Guests can also take the complimentary shuttle to a scenic spot like Abalone Cove or to one of PV’s small shopping havens. 

Mood? Secluded retreat.
Location perks? 102 acres of private oceanfront land. What’s not to love?
Budget range? You’ll spend quite a few dollars here.

A cool retreat for hot Hollywood stars and now a sister to Casa del Mar, Santa Monica’s beachfront 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 of course should pop over there. We suppose suppose you could walk over to the Santa Monica Pier, too, if you don’t mind the crowds. 

Mood? Beachfront bliss. 
Location perks? Not one but two oceanfront restaurants on your doorstep. Dreamy. 
Budget range? High-end but worth it.

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 right at the nexus of East Hollywood, Los Feliz and Thai Town; Griffith Park is right up the road, too.

Mood? Boutique chic.
Location perks? Located right up the street from the beloved Vista Theater, and steps away from a bus to Griffith Observatory.
Budget range? Not for tight budget travelers.

California to its core with a touch of classic charm inspired by Eurpoean elegance, the Maybourne is a five-star hotel with character. The neutral tones emit a sense of calm that will keep you relaxed throughout your stay. The degree of luxury will leave you unsurprised by celebrity sightings; share views of the Hollywood Hills from the rooftop pool with A-listers and feel like a temporary L.A. socialite. The Terrace offers a unique piazza setting for all-day dining under white parasols, overlooking the lawns of Beverly Canon Gardens. There’s also a whiskey bar housing special reserves from the Scottish Highlands and a laid-back cafe serving everything from breakfast burritos to cocktails. 

Mood? European grandeur. 
Location perks? In the Golden Triangle of Beverly Hills.  
Budget range? The price you pay for having good (but expensive) taste. 

Aout 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 & roll, with services named named after songs by everyone from Led Zeppelin to Tupac Shakur. 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. 

Mood? Villa vibes.
Location perks? Nestled in a tree-lined cul-de-sac of West Hollywood, but a short slightly uphill walk to the heart of the iconic Sunset Strip.
Budget range? A really great deal considering the setting.

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. 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. The rooms are all oozing with elegance, luxury and comfort; lower floors facing Grand Avenue offer some postcard-perfect architectural views, while higher-up floors add mountains into the mix.

Mood? Business chic.
Location perks? Right across the street from one of L.A.’s best museums and the city’s preeminent concert hall. 
Budget range? A little on the pricey side.

With 1950s-style cabanas and a refreshingly chilled-out pool culture, the retro-fabulous Hollywood Roosevelt offers glamour minus the cheap thrills. There’s also a showstopping cocktail bar with a two-lane bowling alley built in, plus a trio of interior bars and restaurants and a late-ish-night burger bar facing the street. The Roosevelt is easily the coolest spot on the Walk of Fame—and perhaps the only place we could say that about on this touristy, kind-of-disappointing stretch of Hollywood Boulevard. So, sure, go and hunt your favorite celebrity’s sidewalk star, but hurry back here, because the Roosevelt is the highlight of the ‘hood. 

Mood? Old Hollywood glamour meets eclectic design. 
Location perks? On Hollywood Boulevard, right across from the iconic Chinese Theatre (which, forecourt crowds aside, is actually an excellent place to see a movie).
Budget range? Relatively affordable for L.A.

Venice’s 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. 

Mood? Coastal chic.
Location perks? Within very close walking distance from the Venice Beach Boardwalk, and home to the High Rooftop Lounge, one of the best in the city.
Budget range? Very decently priced.

The beach vibes are out in full force at Santa Monica Proper Hotel, owed to its earthy tones and championing of natural materials. Its rooftop restaurant, Calabra, offers terrific mountain vistas with just a tease of the ocean. Take a dip in the sky-high pool while you're up there, or just lounge next to it with a spicy pineapple margarita in hand. Book an appointment at the spa for a signature massage, chakra light balancing or “love therapy” involving a chocolate body mask. 

Mood? Coastal cool. 
Location perks? About a 15-minute walk from the beach, but within a block of wine bars, sushi and doughnut shops.
Budget range? Not the cheapest. 

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. If you’re staying here, chances are you’re looking for a place near Universal Studios Hollywood, but head west along Ventura Boulevard into Studio City to find a worthwhile cluster of restaurants.

Mood? Rustic retreat.
Location perks? Super close to Universal Studios—like mere minutes from the entrance.
Budget range? An amazing offer.

As you’re probably well aware, Sunset Boulevard is among one of the most iconic streets in L.A. And it’s not hard to see why, with countless bars and restaurants to choose from along the Sunset Strip. As for the Pendry? For starters, the hotel boasts glamourous art deco interiors, and its rooftop restaurant, Wolfgang Puck’s Merois, ranks among the area’s best. Up in your room, you’ll find an effortlessly curated space with a range of upscale furnishings and a layout roomy enough to relax and get ready. From morning swims to enjoying a massage at the spa to hanging out at the bowling alley, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained at the Pendry.

Mood? West Hollywood glamour.
Location perks? You just can't beat views of the Hollywood Hills.
Budget range? On the luxe side of life.

The Hotel Per La is an Autograph Collection hotel and takes its design lead from Italy. That translates into a series of rooms and suites decorated in cooling shades of olive, cream and azure-meets-navy. Formerly the short-lived NoMad, the lobby here—an Italian bank in the early 20th century—is absolutely remarkable and home to restaurant Per L’Ora. The real headline here, however, is the heated rooftop pool surrounded by neighboring high-rises. If you’re able to drag yourself away from the poolside long enough, you’ll find yourself in the center of Downtown L.A. (read: convenient but a little gritty), with a number of bars and restaurants a short walk or Metro ride away.

Mood? Italianate class with an L.A. twist.
Location perks? Right in the middle of DTLA, near longtime favorites Bottega Louie and Seven Grand.
Budget range? Luxury for less than you’d think.

With wood-heavy decor that screams ‘70s chic, the Thompson Hollywood is blending fun with sophistication to create a space that feels VIP yet relaxed. The beautiful rooftop pool offers sweeping city views and is flanked by the French Riviera-inspied Bar Lis—though we’d suggest heading around the block to the cowboy-chic Desert 5 Spot, as well. This corner of Hollywood has seen a boom of fancy hotels and high-end eateries in the past few years, but do note that it’s still, well, Hollywood; you’ll find as many gated-off studios and rundown apartments in the area as you will lively dining districts. 

Mood? Retro tropics. 
Location perks? You’re about a block away from the bar scene along Cahuenga Boulevard. 
Budget range? Average.