Los Angeles is geographically dispersed. The hotel choice depends on which LA you are visiting, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, or downtown. The picks below cover each major area.
The seven
1. Hotel Bel-Air, Bel-Air
Heritage celebrity hotel. 12-acre property with swans, gardens, and the famous swan lake. Among the most-discreet luxury hotels in LA.
Best for: privacy-focused travel, anniversary celebrations, heritage atmosphere.
2. The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills
The Pink Palace. Heritage 1912 property. The Polo Lounge is iconic; the Bungalows are unique.
Best for: classic LA experience, anniversary celebrations, photogenic stays.
3. The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Newer luxury hotel from the Maybourne group (Connaught, Berkeley, Claridge's). Most-formal LA property.
Best for: business travel, formal celebrations, upper-end shopping trips.
4. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Heritage Asian luxury in LA. Strong concierge programme. The Roof Garden suite has unusual LA atmosphere.
Best for: business travel, formal celebrations, shopping trips.
5. Sunset Tower Hotel, West Hollywood
Heritage Art Deco. Tower Bar is iconic. Heart of West Hollywood.
Best for: design-led couples, weekends with nightlife focus, music industry travel.
6. Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
Beach hotel in Santa Monica. New England-style architecture on the Pacific. Strong restaurant programme.
Best for: beach + city combination, family beach travel, weekend escape.
7. The Hoxton, Downtown LA, Downtown LA
Newer boutique in DTLA. Rooftop pool. Younger demographic.
Best for: design-conscious travellers, downtown LA exploration, weekend stays.
How to choose
A specific framework:
- For first LA visit + iconic atmosphere: Beverly Hills Hotel or Hotel Bel-Air
- For business travel: The Maybourne or The Peninsula Beverly Hills
- For weekends with nightlife: Sunset Tower
- For beach: Shutters on the Beach
- For design-led younger travel: The Hoxton DTLA
- For anniversary: Hotel Bel-Air
What to do beyond the hotel
Three LA experiences hotel concierges arrange best:
- Reservations at impossible restaurants (n/naka, Vespertine, Republique)
- Studio tours (private, not the public ones)
- Private gallery tours at LACMA, the Getty, or the Broad
Five rules for LA hotel selection
- Match the neighbourhood to the trip purpose
- Renting a car is essential, LA is not walkable
- Beverly Hills hotels are walkable to Rodeo Drive shopping
- Santa Monica hotels are walkable to the Pier and beach
- DTLA hotels are walkable to museums and arenas
For more, see the US hotel guides pillar.
