The Best Hotels in LA for Every Type of Traveler

Los Angeles is an internationally famed destination for enjoying nearly every travel experience under the California sun, ranging from classic Hollywood entertainment, to arts, culture, cocktails, culinary pursuits, beaches, and outdoor exploits, among many other adventurous escapades. It’s no surprise then that the hotels of Greater LA reflect each neighborhood's distinctive personalities, hosting unique opportunities for visitors to set home base as somewhere more than just a place to sleep. Here are some of the best places to stay in Los Angeles tailored for every type of traveler; for some of these, you won’t even have to leave your hotel.

The 305-room Conrad Los Angeles hotel in the Bunker Hill neighborhood of Downtown feels like the epitome of upscale SoCal luxury. This bold and sleek property was designed by iconic architect Frank Gehry, with eye-catching features including floor-to-ceiling windows with inspiring views of the city skyline, a sophisticated spa space, and a 16,000-square-foot rooftop terrace with an elevated pool deck. Celebrated Chef José Andrés hosts several delicious and creative culinary concepts here (don’t miss dining at the property’s signature restaurant, San Laurel, which has the most divine cocktail program). It’s right across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall and in close proximity to iconic institutions like The Broad and the MOCA. It’s also within walking distance of other DTLA attractions like Grand Park and Grand Central Market.

The JW Marriott LA Live is a great home base for those seeking to stay in the center of the action. The property sits in the heart of Downtown LA as part of the L.A. LIVE complex, which spans six city blocks full of restaurants and entertainment venues. It’s just steps from Crypto.com Arena where LA’s NBA teams the Lakers and Clippers play, as well as the NHL Kings and WNBA Sparks. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of attractions like The GRAMMY Museum and Peacock Theater. Inside, the hotel is clean and metropolitan, with bright rooms featuring modern fixtures and furniture. Guests can enjoy access to the hotel’s amenities including a gorgeous rooftop pool, regularly hosted on-site activities like yoga and wine tastings, as well as shared amenities with its neighbor next door, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, including the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa and various dining venues.

The legendary Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel opened on January 1, 1928 but doesn’t look a day over 29 (even though it’s on the National Register of Historic Places). While upscale, the hotel’s approachable essence allows visitors and guests to mingle inside the common spaces to admire the historic architecture and hear the stories of the dozens of famous guests who have spent time there (some of whom even lived at the hotel for a period of time, including Elvis Presley). The recently revamped rooms feel dramatic, offering a hint of old golden Hollywood glamor paired with a modern flair, and the elegant design details make the entire space stand out as an almost royal experience. Known as the Pretty Woman hotel, the Beverly Wilshire is where the Julia Roberts flick took place. That’s why it only makes sense Rodeo Drive is right across the street, making the locale the perfect home base for all of your shopping desires, with stores like Prada, Rolex, and Versace paving the way. Plus, make sure to stop by Erewhon’s Beverly Hills location for an $18 smoothie.

“Elevated” might even be an understated term to describe the 889 guest rooms and 100 suite InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown by IHG Hotels & Resorts, which is quite literally the tallest building on the West Coast and a lasting landmark silhouette of the LA skyline. Every room, restaurant, and amenity at this hotel has a seemingly unparalleled view, since the building towers above the city at 1,100 feet at 73 stories. Even the check-in area of this establishment makes a statement, perched on the 70th floor in the Sky Lobby. The pool on the seventh-floor peers over the nearby skyline, and the fitness center sits high above the streets of Downtown LA. Every guest room features a stunning panorama with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the comfortable beds and spa-inspired bathrooms make for a fantastic place to relax. There are a myriad of on-site eateries, including the classy high-end French-inspired steakhouse La Boucherie, as well as the rooftop spot Spire 73, which stands as the tallest open-air bar on this side of the world (and the craft cocktails and culinary offerings are just as divine as the views).
 

The prestigious Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills sits in the heart of Beverly Hills, boasting upscale accommodations with immaculate amenities and the latest in technology. From the over-the-top but not overzealous welcoming service, to the impressive views and terraces in every room, to the rooftop pool and spa services, each overnight stay is exceptionally personalized in a way that makes guests feel special. But the pièce de résistance at this property is hands down its on-site rooftop restaurant, The Rooftop by JG—an exceptional dining establishment that serves as both a place to eat and a social venue floating 12 stories above the city with panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Diners feel like they’re in the Garden of the Gods in the sky, among a lush greenery setting with impeccable sunsets and a delicious menu (think: ever-changing choices which may include indulgences such as $80 caviar fries or classically Californian avocado pizza).

The Pendry West Hollywood is a perfect place to balance play and pampering. It’s located at the intersection of the iconic Sunset Boulevard and Olive Drive right on the Sunset Strip, which is packed with famous entertainment venues and clubs like Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, The Comedy Store, and Roxy Theatre. At the hotel itself, spend the day at the spa or lounge at the rooftop pool rife with private daybeds, bites, and sips amongst cityscape views. For dinner, head to the hotel’s restaurant, Merois, led by acclaimed Chef Wolfgang Puck on a chic indoor/outdoor rooftop terrace space balancing snug booth-style seating with stunning floor-to-ceiling window views and a cozy fireplace. The 149 luxury guest rooms (including 37 suites) are sunny and elegant, and the art at this hotel is also an entire experience in and of itself. In fact, immediately upon arrival, visitors will encounter Cao Perrot’s towering stainless steel Swarovski tree (dubbed “The Sunset Jewel''), which is made of 35,000 honed mother-of-pearl leaves—each immaculately studded with its own individual Swarovski crystal. Inside the hotel, there are nearly 100 additional works; this summer the property will be hosting an artist in residence.

Visiting Shutters on the Beach is like taking a nostalgic retreat to a classic, blue blood beach estate, except it sits on the shores of the city of Santa Monica, making it a perfect location for both urban escapades and sandy, sunny afternoons. Guest rooms are a perfect blend of comfy coastal vibes mixed with elevated offerings, like soaking tubs and outdoor balconies. Enjoy a bite or beverage at one of the on-site dining venues, which, of course, boast impressive views of the ocean, or spend time relaxing at the spa. The property’s heated outdoor pool overlooks the water as well, and the deck is sprinkled with chaise lounges and cabanas. Guests who want to explore beyond the grounds can take advantage of the seasonal bike activity center rental services or sign up for one of the daily fitness classes on the adjacent beach.

The beautiful, historic boutique Hotel Figueroa encompasses 14 floors of 268 rooms and suites in the South Park neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles. The property dates back to 1926, having originally served as a YWCA—a safe place for solo female travelers to spend the night by themselves (at the time, women were prohibited from traveling on their own without a chaperone in most establishments). Since then, it has continued being a place for women to showcase their talents; the hotel’s robust art program showcases the works of L.A.’s most impressive female artists and culture-makers, as well as hosts regularly rotating exhibitions. It’s also been the site of numerous inclusive social clubs. Inside, guests will encounter lush common spaces with a Moroccan-style design (think lots of greenery, fun patterns, and inspiring artwork). There are two on-site restaurants and a ground-level pool out back, along with a compact 24-hour fitness center.

A creative and quirky boutique hotel, The Shay sits in the middle of Culver City—a centrally geographically located destination in the Greater Los Angeles area—making it a great jumping-off-point to explore the city’s best and brightest attractions. This young property features a cozy lobby with plenty of seating and a crackling fireplace, a dedicated game room with billiards, and the only rooftop pool in Culver City, which showcases sweeping views of the area. There are also two in-house restaurant experiences, a classy Lobby Bar, and artsy accommodations with an energetic vibe that inspires a sense of curiosity. The property is in walking distance to the neighborhood’s best local coffee shops and eateries, but perhaps one of its best features is its proximity to public transit. It sits directly adjacent to the LA Metro Expo Line station, meaning you have access to an assortment of coveted LA areas to explore, like Santa Monica and Downtown LA.

W Hollywood is directly on Hollywood Boulevard, surrounded by numerous famed LA attractions like the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, the Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records Building, and many more landmarks. Grab a bite or a drink at the Living Room Bar which feels like a lively and welcoming space to gather no matter what time of day or night, or reserve a time to check out the unique, on-site “Sound Suite,” a private music recording studio right inside the hotel. One of the most well-known amenities of this property is the boisterous on-site pool area, dubbed the WET Deck. It’s outfitted with stylish lounge seating including daybeds and cabanas for rental, and boasts stunning views overlooking LA and Hollywood. WET Deck is calmer during weekdays, but on the weekends, it’s an adult playground where guests can grab a refreshing drink or poolside dish and soak in the sunshine amidst a vibrant atmosphere pulsating live DJ tunes and debaucherous (but still sophisticated) escapades. The rooms have touches like wooden flooring and fresh linens to make the spaces feel like a quiet respite from the adventures outside.

The Westin Los Angeles Airport isn’t just any regular airport hotel. In a sense, it’s a destination in itself. This recently revamped, wellness-focused hotel is just four blocks from the airport, making it the best place to stay before or after work or play. It features spacious suites with dedicated workspaces and comfortable beds to rest. There are amenities like the state-of-the-art gym facilities and a long-term parking offering, as well as a free airport shuttle service that makes traveling as easy as possible (yes, even out of the infamous LAX). Other dedicated wellness touches like water bottle filling stations in the lobby (flying is dehydrating) and a biophilic interior design aim to make the travel experience simpler. Dine at the modern on-site eatery which serves delicious bites, or grab a drink at the elegant lobby bar which features cocktails that are much more elevated than a traditional “hotel bar” could ever try to craft. And don’t miss the hotel’s Topgolf Swing Suite, which is open to the public—not just hotel guests—offering an immersive social experience featuring food and drinks in a simulation made for golfers of all ages and experience levels.

The Fairmont Century Plaza was born on the former site of a 20th Century Studios backlot in 1966 and now sits on the corner of Avenue of the Stars and Constellation Boulevard. It’s here that the Beatles won the coveted Album of the Year award at the 10th annual Grammy Awards; it’s also where the first ever Presidential State Dinner outside the White House was hosted. Today, the upscale property features 400 expansive guest rooms featuring private terraces, 63 luxury residences, a French-inspired Brasserie, and some of the most impressive meetings and event spaces in Los Angeles. But perhaps the most standout element of this luxurious hotel is its unparalleled, 14,000 square-foot spa, Fairmont Spa Century Plaza. This urban, underground sanctuary features amenities like aromatherapy steam rooms, a Himalayan salt room, sanarium, hammam, and a menu of extensive treatments going beyond everyday spa offerings. Visitors can choose from a range of services like massages, facials, and cutting-edge treatments like biohacking experiences, as well as sleep and stress treatments.

The historic but hip Hollywood Roosevelt hotel is an elegant, storied property that dates back to 1927, having played host to major events such as the first-ever Academy Awards in 1929. It remains a symbol of Old Hollywood glamor to this day, located right on Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame. Over the past century, the hotel has hosted famed celebs ranging from Marilyn Monroe, Carole Lombard, and Clark Gable, amongst other hotshots. Today’s guests can spend time at the relaxing playful and nostalgic Tropicana Pool, which feels like a time warp trip back to the 1960s, or dine at one of the vintage-inspired restaurants and bars. For a unique experience, embark on a rendezvous to the Spare Room, the property’s prohibition-era-style cocktail lounge which features a real, classic two-lane bowling alley and custom-made wooden board games.

The private, 16-room Nobu Ryokan Malibu seemingly symbolizes all that is peak LA luxury and exclusivity. It’s set in between Carbon Beach and Highway 1, even hosting its own discreet entrance for visitors to privately arrive. Once inside, the grounds offer prime views of the ocean and a strong sense of serenity, despite it being right off the bustling PCH, which is a main artery for traffic in and out of Greater LA. The architecture and design elements pay homage to the tranquility and minimalism of a traditional Japanese Ryokan, but with modern, upscale Californian touches. Guests can opt-in for an in-room wellness experience, use the well-equipped fitness center, or sink into their luxurious room which boasts features like teak soaking tubs, cozy fireplaces, and skylights, unique artwork, and private decks. Relish the quiet in the serene courtyard that looks out onto the ocean, or amongst the lush garden space. Another perk of staying at this property is the accessibility to the famed dining outpost, Nobu Malibu (it’s right next door—and guests of the ryokan get first dibs on reservations).

The Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles are technically two separate hotel properties totaling a whopping 727 guest rooms, but they are attached to each other and share a dozen dining and entertainment options. The properties are directly across the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena, making them a great place to set as home base for those in town for a good time. The 380 room Moxy features an atmosphere that feels bolder and more daring, with touches of industrial chic design, while the AC features 347 guest rooms with a more classic air of brightness and warmth. These hotels are hands down the best place for those who want to enjoy some of the most impressive dining and drinking outlets in Downtown LA right at your doorstep. Here, guests can visit AC Bar & Lounge on the 34th floor, grab a cocktail on the lush, scenic La Lo La Rooftop, or visit Level 8, which is an exciting collection of nightlife outposts including restaurants, bars, and lounges featuring a multitude of local and international flavors (be sure to make a reservation beforehand as these are hot spots to hang out for locals and visitors alike).

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