Looking for the best hotels in Los Angeles? For nearly a century, L.A. has been seen as the height of glamour, from its Hollywood stars to its stunning beaches that have inspired countless songs.
If you’re ready to turn your California dream into reality, there are several standout hotels from Sunset Boulevard to Santa Monica. For an unforgettable L.A. experience, consider iconic spots like the Hotel Bel-Air. If you’re drawn to surf culture, check out the Santa Monica Proper or the Surfrider in Malibu. And don’t overlook West Hollywood, where the Sunset Boulevard billboards make you feel like a movie star.
Here are the top hotels in Los Angeles.
The Beverly Hills Hotel (Beverly Hills)
The Beverly Hills Hotel is L.A.’s most famous lodging. It was built in 1912 by wealthy widow Margaret Anderson and her son, two years before Beverly Hills was officially established, just as Hollywood’s Golden Age began. Legends like Fred Astaire and Gloria Swanson spent time here, and Elizabeth Taylor celebrated six honeymoons at the hotel.
Today, it keeps its classic charm with banana leaf wallpaper, pink-striped pool cabanas, and the Polo Lounge where well-dressed guests enjoy the famous McCarthy chopped salad. The guest rooms blend modern technology with sleek interiors and contemporary art.
Hotel Bel Air (Bel Air)
While the Beverly Hills Hotel is for being seen, Hotel Bel Air is for escaping. Nestled in the hills above Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, its suite-style rooms are hidden among trees, offering privacy and quiet. You might not see or hear your neighbors unless you visit the bar or pool (where photos are prohibited). A stroll to the valet may lead you to a serene swan pond, and the gardens are a popular, magical wedding venue close to the city.
Sunset Tower Hotel (West Hollywood)
This Art Deco hotel on the Sunset Strip immerses you in Old Hollywood glamour. The moody Tower Bar is a power spot for martini-sipping industry insiders, and the pink and brown rooms feature floor-to-ceiling L.A. views. Instead of a “do not disturb” sign, you can hang one that says, “I want to be alone – Greta Garbo.” It’s the perfect place to soak up the city’s star power.
Chateau Marmont (Hollywood)
“History” doesn’t quite capture the luxurious and scandalous stories of Chateau Marmont. Opened in 1929 as the film industry grew in California, it has hosted everyone from Humphrey Bogart to Lindsay Lohan, who famously ran up a huge bill. Designed like a French chateau with a discreet entrance off Sunset Boulevard, it offers standard rooms as well as private bungalows and cottages.Their patio is also one of the top spots in Los Angeles for socializing and being noticed.
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L’Ermitage
L’Ermitage is a five-star hotel offering all the expected luxuries: a power lunch spot at Costa Covo Osteria, a Joanna Czech spa, and a rooftop pool. What truly distinguishes it in a city full of high-end hotels is the exceptional service. The front desk greets you by name, and the valet team takes care of everything from the moment they open your car door. Even the pillows are personalized with your initials. Every room is a suite, featuring spacious layouts, desks, balconies, and well-equipped bathrooms with Diptyque products and dedicated vanity areas. Its prime location puts Rodeo Drive’s shops within walking distance, or you can use the hotel’s house car for a quick ride anywhere.
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Hotel 850 SVB
Hotel 850 SVB feels more like a private home than a hotel, set in a 1918 bungalow. Guests can help themselves to a complimentary breakfast in the cheerful yellow kitchen and enjoy it in a cozy living room decorated with soothing greens and florals, blending English cottage charm with California style. The rooms are bright and airy, complete with writer’s desks, fireplaces, and views of West Hollywood that are even better from the roof deck. As a welcome treat, they provide a cookie in your room upon arrival.
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The Peninsula Beverly Hills
The service at Peninsula Hotels never fails to impress, consistently exceeding expectations worldwide. With a tap on your in-room iPad, housekeeping arrives in minutes, and the front desk knows your name from check-in. It’s an ideal choice for business travelers who need seamless efficiency between meetings. After a long day, unwind with a strong drink at the intimate club bar.
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Maybourne Beverly Hills
Part of the renowned Maybourne group, which includes Claridge’s and The Connaught, this hotel offers a serene escape just steps from Rodeo Drive. Rooms are decorated in calming whites, creams, and taupes, accented with Pacific Ocean blues. On the rooftop, you’ll find Dante, named the world’s best bar in 2019, where you can sip cocktails while taking in views of the Beverly Hills.
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Holloway House (West Hollywood)
As part of the global Soho House network, Holloway House retains a distinctly Los Angeles vibe. The rooftop features a mural by local artist Jessalyn Brooks, and the entire art collection showcases works by artists under 40. In the atrium restaurant, which emphasizes natural elements, you can enjoy delicious avocado toast and grain bowls. Guest rooms draw inspiration from 1960s Southern California, with light woods, floral cushions, and velvets reminiscent of Laurel Canyon.
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Cara (Los Feliz)
Pronounced “car-rah,” Cara is the epitome of boutique. Instead of a traditional lobby, there’s an entrance hall with a Venetian plaster ceiling and floral crown molding. To the left is the concierge desk, and to the right, the bar. With only 60 rooms, the staff knows guests by name before they even introduce themselves.Nestled in Los Feliz, Cara Hotel is a short drive from the bustling tourist hubs of Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. If you’re revisiting Los Angeles or eager to discover the city’s East Side, Cara could be your ideal stay. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from Griffith Park and its extensive network of hiking trails.
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The West Hollywood Edition (West Hollywood)
Positioned on Sunset Boulevard near the exclusive Soho House and the legendary Whiskey Go-Go, The West Hollywood Edition places you right in the heart of the action. Within walking distance, you’ll find a variety of experiences. The rooms feature calming cream and neutral tones for a zen atmosphere. For socializing, head to the lobby with its striking bar and pool table, or venture to the basement club later in the evening. The hotel also offers a rooftop pool with stunning views stretching across Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. Don’t miss the Forbes Travel Guide five-star rated spa, even if it’s hard to tear yourself away from the comfortable loungers.
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The Georgian (Santa Monica)
With its vibrant turquoise exterior, striped awnings, and whimsical Art Deco design, The Georgian Hotel looks like it’s straight out of a Wes Anderson film. Just blocks from the famous Santa Monica Pier, it stands as a pastel landmark overlooking the lively waterfront. In 2023, the historic hotel, originally opened in 1933, was completely revitalized by BLVD Hospitality and design firm Fettle. They infused the interiors with a “Havana Deco” style, featuring rich jewel tones and botanical touches. This transformation earned The Georgian a prestigious “Michelin Key,” recognizing it as one of the world’s top hotels.
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Santa Monica Proper (Santa Monica)
Housed in a historic 1920s building, Santa Monica Proper blends its landmark exterior with modern interiors by AD100 designer Kelly Wearstler. She incorporated geometric, coastal elements such as a reception desk shaped like an abstract seashell and flooring that echoes a beach umbrella’s canopy. The space is furnished with Tobia Scarpa Soriana chairs and showcases local art. Wearstler opted for a neutral palette of browns and creams to complement the strong architectural details. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool and dine at Calabra, the on-site restaurant offering Mediterranean and California cuisine with Pacific Ocean views.
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The Surfrider (Malibu)
With only 20 rooms located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, The Surfrider in Malibu feels like the chic beach house of a design-savvy surfer. White walls, teak details, and wicker accents create a relaxed vibe, and many rooms include hammocks. True to its name, the hotel caters to surf enthusiasts, providing wetsuit rentals, surfboard borrowing, and locker storage for your own gear. Surf lessons are available upon request.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a helpful and clear list of FAQs about top Los Angeles hotels from Beverly Hills to Santa Monica
General Beginner Questions
1 What areas of LA are best for tourists to stay in
The most popular areas are Beverly Hills for luxury shopping Hollywood for tourist attractions Downtown LA for arts and culture and Santa Monica or Venice for the beach experience
2 What is the average price per night for a top hotel in these areas
Prices vary widely but for a 4 or 5star hotel you can generally expect to pay anywhere from 400 to over 1000 per night especially during peak season
3 Do I need to rent a car if Im staying at a hotel in LA
Its highly recommended While some areas are walkable LA is spread out and having a car is the easiest way to see everything All hotels offer valet parking but be prepared for daily parking fees
4 Whats the difference between staying in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Beverly Hills offers a luxurious inland experience with worldclass dining and designer shopping on Rodeo Drive Santa Monica provides a classic California beach vibe with a famous pier ocean views and a more casual atmosphere
5 Are these hotels familyfriendly
Most top hotels are very familyfriendly and can provide cribs rollaway beds and kids menus Some like the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel have excellent pools and programs specifically for children
Booking Logistics
6 Whats the best time of year to book a hotel in LA for good weather and deals
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall typically offer the best combination of great weather and slightly lower prices avoiding the crowded summer and holiday peaks
7 Why are there so many additional fees on my bill
These are common in major US cities Resort fees often cover amenities like WiFi gym access and pool towels Valet parking is almost a given and is always an extra daily charge often 5065
8 Is it better to book directly with the hotel or through a thirdparty site
Booking directly with the hotel is often best Youre more likely to get free upgrades your loyalty points and have more flexibility