The 5 best hotels near the Hollywood Sign

After a 2003 restoration by designer Dodd Mitchell, this 1927 landmark, a beautiful example of Spanish colonial design, once more welcomed the A-listers who frequented it during Hollywood’s heyday. The hotel is at its most dramatic downstairs: in the Prohibition-era bowling alley, at the discreet Library Bar and around the pool, which boasts a restored underwater mural by David Hockney and an often-buzzing bar scene at the poolside lounge. Of course, even more prized than location—you’re 15 minutes by car from Griffith Park—is the building itself, which, along with the pool, have been designated Historic-Cultural Monuments by the city. The rooms are sleek, dark and, in places, showing a few signs of wear and tear. Look out for the occasional subtly placed photographic nod to the starry location.

Time Out tip: Make sure to stop into the hotel’s excellent bar (with a two-lane bowling alley), the Spare Room.

Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, and directly above a Metro stop on the B line, this glitzy hotel pulls out the red carpet (literally) with its rooftop pool and lounge, grand spiral staircase, spa and famous Sunday night jazz. For those that want to live like a star 24/7, there are permanent residences with all the hotel amenities. Framed portraits of A-listers line the hallways, and you’ll even be able to spot the Hollywood Sign from the rooftop bar.

Time Out tip: The hotel is currently in the midst of renovations, so make sure to keep tabs on those before you book your stay.

For a first-timer to L.A., the thrill of finding yourself surrounded by showbiz landmarks—like the Dolby Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre, both of which directly connect to the hotel—is hard to deny. Yes, you’re sleeping inside a mall, but even that has its advantages: Ovation Hollywood, the adjacent revamped shopping center, has a walkway underneath its archway that looks straight out to the Hollywood Sign. With a rooftop pool and sun terrace, the 20-floor tower and its fully equipped rooms exude luxury.

Time Out tip: To make the most of L.A.’s beautiful natural surroundings, venture outside of the neighborhood and head to Griffith Park for a stroll along the quiet Fern Dell area or a sunset trip to the Griffith Observatory.

In the mood for a secluded luxury escape? In that case, the Aster is where you’ll want to head for a couple of nights. Featuring 35 elegant suites containing spa-like bathrooms and private patios, along with best-in-class amenities like a social club with a 750-square-foot pool, cinema suite and rooftop dining, the Aster is the perfect place to kick back and relax, while being right next door to some of Hollywood’s biggest nightclubsif you’re in the mood to go all out. 

Time Out tip: The Aster’s rooftop is a must on warm evenings for the views of the Hollywood Hills. 

Every hotel has a story, but nowhere is that story as pronounced than at Hotel Covell, a five-room boutique hotel in Los Feliz. Situated above Bar Covell (and owned by the bar’s founder, Dustin Lancaster), Hotel Covell’s rooms tells the story of George Covell, a fictional character, in various stages of his life. It starts at the very beginning, of course—Chapter One conjures up images of George’s origins in the American Mid-West; Chapter Two channels a 1950’s New York bachelor apartment; Chapter Three, a Parisian love nest, which he shares with his French fling, Claudine; and so on. Each room has been meticulously curated by interior designer Sally Breer, capturing the individual themes with reading nooks and record players, claw-footed tubs and statement furniture. There isn’t a pool or gym, but amenities come in other forms: an attentive concierge, an intimate rooftop deck, room service from Bar Covell (not to mention a bottle of wine from the downstairs bar upon arrival), and miraculously soundproof rooms that make Hollywood seem hundreds of miles away.

Time Out tip: With its apartment-like feel, Hotel Covell is a great option for long-term stays too, especially with the complimentary parking.