7 Best Hotels in Los Angeles, California

This Valley cool kid—a 7-acre hideaway that lures locals and out-of-towners with a stellar restaurant, fun bars, fabulous retro flair, and too many amenities and programming to list—comes with Hollywood pedigree as it was originally opened by '70s TV mom Beverly Garland and her husband in 1973. Lovingly restored and injected with kitschy life by her son and his husband a decade ago, rooms, all of which come with private balconies or patios, double-paned windows, are set in two separate buildings and brimming with pops of orange and loud mid-century patterns. Kids rooms have partitioned areas with bunk beds and DVD players while wellness suites are fitted with a Peloton Bike, BowFlex adjustable weights, white noise machines, and a Mirror fitness system. Spending the entirety of your vacation here would be easy with the large pool, hot tubs, fireplace, a park-like lawn where they hold yoga classes, live music on Thursday and Friday, a taco cart, great gift shop, and games in the courtyard. Want to explore beyond its borders? An adorable trolley can take you to Universal Studios or a metro station for free.

The rates may be relatively modest, but the style here is grand, with the hotel resembling a stone-clad château. But don't let that "French countryside" feel fool you: it's close to the 405 and in close proximity to LAX, Inglewood entertainment venues, and the beaches. Inside you'll find tapestries, high ceilings, oil paintings, and formal furniture—not the typical casual beachy look. The kitchen facilities in the pet-friendly guest rooms are a thoughtful plus. The on-site restaurant, Polanco Mexican Steakhouse, keeps guests satiated.

If you need a springboard for an LAX trip (with included transportation) or a game at SoFi Stadium, consider the Cambria for a low-key, casual getaway. Rooms are pleasantly soothing, with cool tones, comfy beds, and furnishings that give a mid-century wink. This pet-friendly hotel (with Fido's own amenity kit) offers modern touches like lighted mirrors with Bluetooth connectivity that play music from your device. Spend time lounging at the firepit or in a poolside cabana, or enjoy craft beer and cocktails at the Scandi-style Hanger bar and restaurant; the daily happy hour delights, though the restaurant only serves breakfast and dinner.

As the local headquarters of John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign and the location of some of the earliest Academy Awards ceremonies, this Downtown treasure, with its gilded 1923 Beaux Arts design, exudes ambience and history. These days, the Biltmore hosts business travelers drawn by its central location, ample meeting spaces, and well-outfitted fitness center, open 24/7. The hotel is also popular for weddings. Renovated guest rooms, though small by today's measures, have formal furnishings and marble bathrooms. Pack your bathing suit to wear at the vintage tiled indoor pool.

On Santa Monica's busy Main Street, the Sea Shore (family-owned for five decades) is a charming throwback to Route 66 and to '60s-style roadside motels, nestled in an ultratrendy neighborhood. Just two blocks from a popular beach and bike path, this excellent value features rooms with tile floors, quadruple-pane noise-blocking windows, and basic amenities. The rooftop sundeck is a prime spot come sunset. Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus line passes out front. This hotel is popular in summer, so be sure to book early.

LAX's swankier hotel had some serious work done to its already sleek look, yet the appeal is in more than just the style; in-transit visitors love the 24-hour room service, pool (with private cabana rentals) and hot tub, fitness center, and airport shuttle, making this the perfect option for an early-morning flight. (That's provided you don't use a car; while room rates are reasonable, parking is $75.) The soundproofed rooms are compact, with slightly softer aesthetics than the refreshed lobby, and have helpful details such as coffee makers, hooks for hanging garment bags, and oversize work desks, which act in tandem to make the guest rooms feel more sophisticated than corporate. An on-site brasserie, California bistro, indoor-outdoor bar and Starbucks offer culinary variety. Pets are welcome.

Built in 1927 as a dorm for silent-film actors, the Crescent is now a fanciful boutique hotel with a great location—within the Beverly Hills shopping triangle—and with an even better price (for the area). Low couches and tables, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, and shimmering candlelight at night give the hotel's public areas a welcoming and sophisticated look. Hallways are lined with Terry O’Neil and Douglas Kirkland portraits of famous stars (all for sale, by the way), while guest rooms feature custom headboards painted with large whimsical pictures of animals like hummingbirds and butterflies, as well as hanging blown-glass lights, sound machines, and splashy color schemes.