8 Best Hotels in Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

The Conrad is Hilton's top-of-the-line hotel brand, and the DTLA iteration, designed by Frank Gehry and packed with priceless art and meticulous design, exudes top-of-the-line and luxury in every way. Adding to the impressive names is world-famous chef José Andrés who is at the forefront of both Spanish-forward restaurants on the property. Rooms are immaculate with floor-to-ceiling windows that show off L.A.'s impressive skyline along with a front row seat to the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad art museum across the street. Adding to the hits here is the 10th floor pool (which is always warm), the very modern-equipped spa, and a pet friendly policy.

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. 

Part hotel, part shared accommodation space, the Freehand is one of the newer hotels in Downtown Los Angeles and also one of the coolest. The lobby is a wood lover's dream space with giant columns, ample work space, and free Wi-Fi attracting creative locals and business-minded guests. Retro-styled rooms have '60s-era paintings, large windows, and even more wood. On the roof, Broken Shaker is an überpopular drinking den with handcrafted cocktails, next to a picturesque pool, and in the lobby, Rudolph's serves tea-infused drinks and light bites. A social scene to be sure, you'll find everything from jazz nights, DJs on the roof, and a bustling happy hour to entice locals and guests alike.

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.

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 business 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 and adjacent steam 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.

This citified Ritz-Carlton on the 23rd–26th floors of a 54-story tower within Downtown's L.A. Live entertainment complex features skyline views through expansive windows, blond woods, and smartened-up amenities such as flat-screen TVs (including one hidden in the bathroom mirror). Within steps of L.A.'s vast convention center, the Ritz has its own small lobby and rooftop pool separate from the JW Marriott, also in the same shiny skyscraper. The hotel recently completed an art deco--inspired renovation of the lobby, guest rooms and suites, corridors, and Club Lounge. Feather-topped beds are comfortable as can be and have handy bedside spotlights; most rooms have a sunken tub and shower. Club-level rooms include access to a large western-facing lounge (unequaled for sunset views) that offers a daily buffet of five light meals.

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.