Los Angeles Hotels

What's new attracts the most attention in Los Angeles. Remakes and nip-and-tucks are not just a Hollywood tradition: L.A.'s hotels have seen their share of redo's in recent years with the trend toward luxury and more expensive stays. While chain properties and family-owned budget motels are still found, increasing competition means that many a derelict or forgotten spot has been made over.

Several notable new properties opened in 2009. The superposh digs, dining, and spa at the Montage Beverly Hills, the sister property of the Montage Laguna Beach, are definitely impressive. The SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills bursts with eye-catching design by Philippe Starck, while nightlife impresario Sam Nazarian helps create the happening party scene. In Westwood, the Hotel Palomar sensibly incorporates ecoconscious principles like energy conservation with comfort. Close to the beach and Santa Monica Pier, the Hotel Shangri-La reopened after a thorough makeover that included the addition of a pool, rooftop bar, and lounge for the perfect sunset moment.

Even established hotels get updates: in BelAir, the genteel Ho tel Bel-Air added a suitably exclusive spa to its picturesque grounds. The Mondrian is still a hot spot, now with leaner design. And the AnDaz in West Hollywood showcases a new concept in hotel lobbies—the front desk has been replaced with a welcoming lounge and host.

In Los Angeles, the outdoors is always in because of Southern California's great weather. Many hoteliers have moved socializing alfresco. Dine or drink outside year-round in designer-made outdoor living rooms, whether under striped cabanas at Santa Monica's Viceroy or poolside at the Beverly Hilton's outdoor living room with cocktails by Trader Vic's. The patio of Fig, the Fairmont Miramar's indoor-outdoor restaurant, keeps it fresh with seasonal, locally grown produce.

With so many lodging selections, Los Angeles hoteliers need to keep up with the Hiltons (so to speak). Virtually all in the $$$ and $$$$ categories have high-speed Internet access in guest rooms and business centers. Some, such as Shutters in Santa Monica and the Beverly Wilshire, have wireless Internet access throughout the property and even poolside. Other high-tech must-haves: flat-screen TVs and iPod home bases. Luxury bedding, pillow-top mattresses, and fine linens are part of most stays: at the Sofitel, you can even order up the mattress and bedding to take home.

On the horizon: a spiffy new Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Marquis downtown will be part of the L.A. Live complex; Terranea—a full service, 102-acre resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula—is due to open soon after this writing; and a W Hotel is receiving its finishing touches in the heart of Hollywood's nightlife at Hollywood & Vine.

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