What are the best hotels in LA?
 

We have a reservation at the Westin Century Plaza but I was told it is passe and mostly a business hotel. Is there another place that is upscale for a 2 night stopover in August?

Do you mean downtown? Or in the metro area?<BR>The Peninsula, Four Seasons, L'Hermitage, St. Regis and Ritz Carltons are all outstanding hotels. Downtown is really geared toward business style hotels, not for tourists and luxury seekers.

I would vote for the bel-air hotel (in bel air) or one of the hotels at the beach--shutters, miramar, etc

The Peninsula is our favorite for large and very well appointed rooms, marble baths with big tubs and separate showers, a rooftop pool and spa, a great lobby bar and great service. The location is terrific as it's in Beverly Hills and easily walkable to Neimans, Saks and the boutiques in the area as well as some very good restaurants.<BR><BR>I do agree the Bel Air is very special with exquisite grounds, but it's a bit secluded in terms of location. It's very romantic and very upscale.<BR><BR>The Four Seasons is also lovely but not walkable to anything. Same with L'Hermitage. Big attitude at the bar at The Four Seasons.<BR><BR>

how's the mondrian?rooms,location

A very good friend of mine (whose judgement I trust), just returned from L.A. They were booked at The Mondrian for 3 nights and left after 1. They said the rooms were so small, you could barely walk around the bed. They asked for another room and were told that was all that was available. They switched hotels. They said the location was OK.

jan - check out the Standard.it may not be the best in l.a. but it's trendy like Mondrian.

Beverly Hills Hotel (right on Sunset-gorgeous), also the Beverly Wilshire (Wilshie Boulevard in BH--you can walk around BH easily here). Agree with Bel-Air; lovely and secluded.<BR><BR>Do you need a downtown hotel? I'd try Checkers. Small boutique style.<BR><BR>The Mondrian staff has attitude. The Standard isn't luxurious, but is quite trendy. If you like old atmospheric places, try either the Marmont (Sunset) or The Roosevelt ( in Hollywood).