30 Best Hotels in Los Angeles, California

The historic, party-centric Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, known for hosting the first Academy Awards ceremony, has played host to some of the movie industry's most important people and events, but, it's also approachable enough for regular folks looking to experience Los Angeles. Though its rooms were recently renovated to keep them fresh, they still boast hints of the Old Hollywood era, keeping it connected to its roots. Meanwhile, the lobby's original Spanish Colonial Revival details that evoke early Hollywood glamour, including the Spanish tiles, painted ceilings, arches, and fountains, remain and are beautifully preserved. Stay in a poolside cabana room if you want to stay close to the heated, David Hockney--painted pool, or get a room at the tower if you want to be away from the poolside parties. Modern amenities include a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi and a minibar, though on-site restaurants Shirley Brasserie and 25 Degrees will keep you well fed. Seeking nightlife? No need to leave the property with a scenic lobby bar and popular Spare Room bar (with bowling lanes) just downstairs.

The new Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is a design-lover's dream as renowned interior decorator Kelly Wearstler infuses the property with touches of Mexican modernism to Moroccan and Spanish flourishes. Carved out of a 1926 Renaissance Revival building, this luxury lifestyle property has a lot to praise. The food and beverage outlets are by L.A. food royalty Susan Goin and Carolyn Stine and have posts in the lobby and on the roof with a mix of fresh seafood and Mexican and California cuisine. If you want to splurge, one of the suites has its own pool (and has hosted a litany of celebrity guests), while another has an indoor basketball hoop. The hotel is effortlessly chic, has a stunning rooftop, and is a great new place to hang on lazy weekend days, or fun boozy nights. 

A favorite of Price Is Right and Dancing with the Stars hopefuls (both TV shows tape at the CBS studios nearby), this hotel has a tongue-in-cheek country style with a hopping Sunday brunch and a little pool accented by giant rubber duckies and a living wall. Rooms have concrete floors, stained wooden accents, and hay-stitched walls, as well as amenities such as iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs, and a Bluetooth speaker for streaming music in your room. The aforementioned brunch at the popular Tart restaurant includes mimosa kits with do-it-yourself bottle service. Additional amenities include an in-house retail store, free bikes for rent, and a book lending library.

If you jump in the pool with all your clothes on and your cell phone, you'll get a fully comped meal at the restaurant.

Walking distance to Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney's artsy commercial strip, this playful hotel catering to younger budget travelers announces itself boldly with wall murals by Melissa Scrivner before you even enter the lobby. Guests love the laid-back Cali vibe; enjoy the cozy outdoor space with free Wi-Fi, or curl up in the lobby with a book and listen to the tunes spun on the house record player. Compact, newly refreshed rooms feature comic book–inspired tables, futuristic art, sublime beds, 55" HDTVs, and table tennis trophies on display. The second floor courtyard known as the Quad has a pool, loungers, Jacuzzi bar, firepit, and Ping-Pong area, which all make for a fun spot to chill before dinner.

Andaz on Sunset is Hyatt's fun younger sister, catering to hipsters, techies, and rock stars lounging in the lobby. Sip a cup of tea or a glass of wine in the lounge and admire the artwork. When hungry, wander over to the wide-open hotel restaurant, Riot House, with an open viewing kitchen preparing a variety of dishes made with California ingredients. Guest rooms are large offering ample work space with a task chair, a comfy seating area, and comfortable Hyatt beds. Check out the rooftop pool deck for jetliner city views. Andaz West Hollywood is pet friendly, welcoming dogs up to 50 pounds.

Tucked snugly into a narrow corner lot, the supremely casual Bayside's greatest asset is its prime spot directly across from the beach, within walkable blocks from the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier. Expect no frills but a decent value. Beachy-hued rooms are well maintained and feature tiled floors, powerful showers, and a TV. Some include a private patio or balcony, and there's also a shared lounge area outdoors. Access is via stairs and an exterior walkway. There's a small front office instead of a lobby. Drivers must negotiate a cramped lot and then pay $36 a night for parking. Request a room with unobstructed ocean views and balconies. Book early for summer weekends; the hotel typically sells out then.

Nestled at the foothills of Griffith Park, Cara Hotel welcomes guests with a stunning courtyard that boasts a reflection pool, bar, and a critically acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant. The guest rooms, ranging from suites to “snug” options for the solo traveler, are adorned with Italian linens, robes, and slippers to make staying feel like a cloud. Opt for Cara Hotel for a little vacation from the vacation.

On a leafy residential side street, the Chamberlain is an intimate retreat just steps from Santa Monica Boulevard and close to the Sunset Strip. This hotel was once an apartment building that was transformed in 1984 for the Summer Olympics. This stylish all-suite hotel has newly renovated black and white designed rooms. Guests can soak up the sunshine at the rooftop pool with a lively bar in the summer, offering spectacular city and Hollywood Hills views. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center and business facilities. Book directly on the website to receive up to a 15% discount on your stay, and a daily complimentary beverage and room upgrade when available.

Live out your Hollywood dreams in---where else?---Dream Hollywood, whose modern suites and floor-to-ceiling windows afford great views of the town. The airy lobby has a coffee bar and grab-n-go breakfast to jumpstart the day. There are some excellent examples of contemporary travel aids including two robot butlers aptly named Geoffrey and Alfred. Seek respite from the chaos by sipping cocktails at the rooftop pool; the lobby art gallery features a changing display from up-and-coming artists.

Close to Burbank's TV and movie studios, the smartly designed Amarano feels like a Beverly Hills boutique hotel, complete with room service, on-site restaurant (FYC), and lovely well-lit rooms. The lobby and adjoining patio invite quiet conversation and cocktails. Pillow-top beds are covered in comfy duvets; thoughtful touches include plush bathrobes and hooks for hanging garment bags. The generous work spaces have state-of-the-art lighting, and the bathrooms have granite vanities, makeup mirrors, and shelves for storage. The hotel's amenities also include a heated outdoor pool, hot tub with a cabana, fitness center, and complimentary continental breakfast.

The 12-story Hotel Figueroa was originally built in 1926, and touches of that originality are still seen throughout with original skylights, wood beams, and tiles. The stunning redesign now includes a classic bar that specializes in gin drinks, as well as mouthwatering seasonally influenced fare at one of the hotel's two distinctive eaters; one off the main lobby, the other alfresco and poolside. Out back, the original coffin-shaped pool is still alive and kicking and flanked now by a breezy Mexico City--styled bar serving tropical sips. Rooms are tastefully decorated but still hold on to their historical charm.

Originally built in 1926, this Renaissance Revival gem has been renovated to today’s standards and is now a hip and not-terribly-pricey spot to post up in the ever-booming center of Koreatown. The original floors, wood-beam ceilings, copper-colored pillars, and massive fireplace are still on full display in the lobby for history buffs to drool over. The two best things here, though, are Cassell’s Hamburgers, the attached diner with some of the best burgers in town, and Le Comptoir, a one-Michelin-starred French counter spot with eight-course gems in an intimate space.

Walk into the lobby of adult-theme boutique Hotel Ziggy (formerly The Grafton on Sunset) to tap into the vibrant Sunset Strip music scene. Built-in shelves near the reception area have hundreds of vinyl records lined in rows. Also off the lobby is is the trendy new Pizza Girl lounge for piping hot pizza and burgers. The lobby has a bar too, and a lookout window to admire the largest saltwater pool in West Hollywood. Summertime the pool hosts some of the best pool parties with DJ music. Guests can rent the rooms next to the pool for the day as a cabana. During the week there is local live music, and guests receive a free invite. Guests can borrow electric and acoustic guitars, amps, record players, a curated vinyl collection, ring lighting for vlogging, ukuleles, tambourines, headphones, and Walkmans with cassette tapes to use for inspiration while in L.A. Their mission is to free the music within you. The fourth floor has a groovy lounge for game of pool and a small conference room.

One of the chicest Downtown hotels, the Hoxton is an open-house hotel where the lobby is the hub of activity and welcoming to all, and has thoughtful design touches that permeate throughout. The historic building was once the headquarters of the L.A. Railway and now sits in an up-and-coming part of the city filled with restaurants and apartments. The highlight of the hotel is on the roof where trendy restaurant Cabra serves Peruvian cuisine from renowned chef Stephanie Izard next to a stunning pool with endless views of Los Angeles.

Contemporary style and a central Hollywood location combine for a low-key, casual stay at this Kimpton located just off the busy 101 Freeway. Rooms have large windows with either city or scenic hillside views including the nearby Hollywood Sign. Expect ample counter space and cozy seating. Bathrooms feature eco touches like large refillable bottles of toiletry essentials. Sizable TVs include the ability to log into all the streaming services. There are some friendly guest perks in the art-filled lobby lounge: daily morning coffee and a wine hour. On the ground level, Jane Q is hotel’s bustling coffee shop. Jump start the day with a favorite beverage from cappuccinos to matcha lattes paired with house-made pastries or go for a hearty full American breakfast. Proximity to the Pantages Theatre and the Hollywood Bowl makes the Everly very popular on performance nights. At night, the lobby transforms into Written Hand, the hotel’s upscale dinner spot. Art throughout is from local artists and photographers. 

This boutique hotel pays homage to its Koreatown address with dynamic dining concepts and a hidden karaoke speakeasy. Designer Sean Knibb deconstructed the 12-story building to highlight the concrete, beams, and popcorn ceiling, only then to dress up the rooms in one-of-a-kind art—painted detergent bottles atop the desks, photographs of K-Town, and mismatched eclectic chairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the cityscape from your bed (splurge to stay on a higher floor facing the Hollywood Hills). Upstairs restaurant OPENAIRE features California cuisine under a breathtaking greenhouse, while in the lobby Alfred Coffee caffeinates guests with steaming hot lattes. The Lobby Bar is the perfect post-work hangout with creative cocktails and snacks, while in the back of the hotel, locals are lured in by the Houston Brothers' ’80s-themed bar with arcade games and karaoke rooms. There's also Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a deco-disco with a speakeasy ATM machine entrance. The outdoor pool is another great hotel escape.

There's nothing thematic about the guest room decor, but guests at this hotel can secure advance dinner reservations and attend magic shows at the Magic Castle, a private club in a 1908 mansion next door for magicians and their admirers. (The club requires jacket and tie for men; kids are allowed only during brunch on weekends. Advance reservations a must.) This former apartment building faces busy Franklin Avenue and is a quick walk to the Metro Red Line stop at Hollywood & Highland. Larger rooms have full kitchens with eating areas. The decent-size heated pool is always open, and the patio has lots of greenery. Continental breakfast (often with a magician performing), 24-hour snacks and soda, and laundry service are complimentary.

Just across from the protected waters of the marina and a short jaunt to Venice, this hotel has across-the-board appeal for families, business travelers, couples, and more. Families like the heated pool and hot tub and proximity to the Venice boardwalk, while business types appreciate the three floors of meeting space. While it's a chain hotel, this Marriott still strives for unique touches. Sinder, the hotel's popular indoor-outdoor restaurant and lounge, hosts frequent themed events like taco nights or Sunday Fundays. Sleek rooms have a mix of contemporary furniture and pillow-top mattresses. Sliding glass doors lead to balconies; open them for salty sea breezes. Enjoy electronic bike use to the nearby beach. Ask for upper-floor rooms facing the marina for the best views.

Hollywood's best-value property housed in a former motor inn caters to young partygoers, who breeze in and out of the lobby (where coffee is served daily). Black-and-white Hollywood-theme murals line the hallways. Standard rooms are on the small side and are decked out in splashes of purple, orange, or green; each offers typical amenities like flat-screen TVs, rain showers, and air-conditioning. Splurge on the suite, which has a pullout couch, a sitting area, and a private balcony. Easy access to the Sunset Strip and Hollywood's nightlife.

Stepping into the Mondrian, one experiences a city club feel as socializing begins in the lobby bar, and lounge and extends to the alfresco restaurant's scenic patio. A dreamscape theme runs throughout the hotel including the guest rooms and bathrooms. Windows are double-paned for quiet from the street noise on Sunset Boulevard and the year-round party people at Skybar. The onsite Casa Madera's menu is inspired by the sea, and the menu provides an array of coastal Mexican fare paired with festive cocktails, beers, and wine. Don your bathing suit to swim in the heated pool, where you can listen to music underwater, and later join the lively Skybar scene.

Creative clients flock to one of the only boutique hotels on Melrose Avenue, with an English-countryside feel and a breezy cafe. Rustic, homey rooms have balconies looking down on Melrose and tablets if you need to get in touch with the front desk. There are no phones or alarm clocks here, unless you request them. Fans of Melrose's unique shopping scene will love the hotel's locale which is in walking distance to most stores and restaurants on the fashion-forward street.

Part of the ever-growing Palisociety lifestyle-hotel brand, Palihouse West Hollywood is the latest addition and a much-needed hotel in the lodging-bare stretch of West 3rd Street. The design aesthetic is contemporary cottage where each part of the hotel feels like a country home brought into the center of the city. Rooms are modest in size and all feature kitchenettes with microwaves and Smeg iceboxes. Off the lobby is a lovely all-day dining café and plant-filled patio. Order from an array of California cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Up on the second floor, the heated pool is used as a relaxing escape from the traffic outside. They offer complimentary lemonade and candy bars in the pool lounge. The hotel's location might be its biggest asset as it sits in next to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Mid-Wilshire, making it very easy to jet around town to major sites and attractions.

With a free guest shuttle to Universal Studios and CityWalk and large meeting spaces including a top-floor ballroom with a 270-degree panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills through floor-to-ceiling windows, this Sheraton buzzes year-round with both conventioneers and families. On-site is a huge outdoor pool area with a bar, plenty of seating and games. Rooms come with many useful amenities including flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, oversize desks, and swiveling office chairs. Purchase access to the club lounge for complimentary food and beverages.

This sprawling five-story hotel, a San Fernando Valley landmark just a short jaunt over the Hollywood Hills, has an updated contemporary look highlighted by the Olympic-size pool and summer patio with an outdoor bar. Slip into sleek booths in the coffee shop for a great affordable breakfast. The adjacent event center is famed for its Hollywood connections.

Built in 1955 as the headquarters of Standard Oil, the building was completely revamped under the sharp eye of owner André Balazs to become a sleek, cutting-edge hotel with spacious guest rooms. The indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge in a stunning setting has a happening social scene, but be prepared for some attitude at the door. For a less exclusive scene, the Garden Bar on the roof has games and great beer. The Paddle Room lounge is a haven for people-watching.

A vestige of Venice's founding days, the newly renovated, circa-1911 Venice Beach House and its nine rooms drip with beachy cottage chic and California history; think piles of fluffy Parachute linens, dark leather Chesterfield sofas, and nubby rugs. It was one of the seaside enclave's first mansions, and many Craftsman-era details remain—dark woods, a glass-enclosed breakfast nook, a lattice-framed portico, and a fleet of stairs. Each of the nine rooms is individually decorated and fully appointed. Historic charm radiates from this bungalow and the location, steps from the beach and boardwalk, is what Southern California is all about.

This 1924 flatiron building smack in the center of Downtown contains a slice of Culver City's history—it was at one time owned by John Wayne, and also housed all 124 "munchkins" during the filming of The Wizard of Oz. The Grand Lobby restaurant, which doubles as a jazz venue, is decked out in wingback chairs and gilded paintings; gaze upward at the original murals and moulding along the ceiling. Rooms mimic the renaissance now occurring in Culver City, with antique furnishings set against modern artwork and flat-screen TVs. Rooms are airy with large windows and have rain-showers (but no tubs), Keurig coffeemakers, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi. Splurge on the larger corner rooms, all of which are accented in purple and offer fun people-watching on Culver Boulevard.

Two blocks south of busy Colorado Boulevard, the Hilton Pasadena is still within walking distance of the city's vast convention center and close to Old Town's boundless options for shopping and dining. A light and airy sandstone lobby says California casual, as do the rooms done in soft beige and browns, complete with pillowy beds. Business travelers appreciate the chaise lounge with a movable desk to work from the chaise or standard desk area. Expect the typical technological gadgetry: flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and plenty of outlets for devices. The rooms with balconies are best.