Are you dreaming of a bohemian desert city under blues skies? An idyllic sunspot with golden sands and an indigo ocean? A destination full of adventure and surprise? Then a vacation in Los Angeles is everything you could wish for and more.
A hit tourist destination for its glorious weather, iconic landmarks, and amusements galore, the city of L.A. is teaming with endless activities to do and diverse sights to see. One of the most notable visual features of this city are its quintessential palm trees, which in fact are not native and only introduced to the region in the late 19th Century.
The L.A. climate is irresistibly good, with average highs between 70-80°F (21–27°C) – ideal for surfing, hiking, and festivals. The evenings are mild with average lows between 40-60°F (8–17°C), which means you’ll only ever need a light jacket on any evening ventures.
L.A. offers premium hospitality for any adventurer – the cuisine is commendable, with numerous restaurants rated as must-visit attractions during your stay. And whilst downtown L.A. offers a unique nightlife experience, we wanted to help you explore the opulent and exotic side to this exciting city.
Below, we explore some of the best areas and hotels to stay in Los Angeles.
1. Beverly Hills
A city so renowned there was a whole TV series dedicated to its lifestyle, Beverly Hills is the epicenter of celebrity fashion. Home to the Fox Studios and the chic, upscale shopping district of Rodeo Drive, plus celeb haunts such as the Beverly Hills Hotel, it’s no wonder the rich and famous love to flock here. Maybe you’ll spot an A-lister or two on your ventures around town.
Speaking of which, there’s some excellent landmarks to visit here, including the Beverly Hills sign and Beverley Hills Park, and the Greystone Mansion – the staircase within which is one of the most famous settings in Hollywood television.
So, where should you stay to visit these enticing locales? Let’s take a look…
The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection
Famous for its pink façade, this 5-star hotel exudes contemporary luxury. The Beverly Hills Hotel – Dorchester Collection boasts the glitz and the glam – the premises house its own salon, shop, and personal transport for shopping excursions. Guests can also enjoy Prosecco by the pool in a private cabana, or take a dive to enjoy underwater music. Rooms include lavish bathroom suites and the hotel offers a range of garden suites, patioed double rooms, and superior rooms with balconies overlooking the gardens. What more could you want?
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Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
If you are after the modern luxury, you won’t regret staying at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. The rooftop pool offers impressive views of the Beverly Hills cityscape, whilst the La Prairie Spa provides guests with a relaxing and refreshing variety of skincare and beauty treatments. The modern, opulent rooms provide large living spaces and luxurious beds for serious sleepers, making your stay here an indulgent one. And what better way to relax and unwind than in one of the onsite bars or restaurants with al fresco terrace dining?
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The Peninsula Beverly Hills
A 5-star hotel which truly encapsulates the California dream, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is an upscale resort in the heart of Beverly Hills. Encircled by tropical gardens, you can revel in affluent surroundings. The opulent guest accommodations offer an impressive level of elegance unmatched elsewhere, with spacious rooms, large beds, and tasteful décor with oriental highlights. Guests can choose from a range of suites and villas to suit their needs, with all stays designed around you to personalize as you see it. During your stay, you can also take advantage of the wellness center and spa, which includes an impressive gym and large rooftop pool. Top off your day with a cocktail on the rooftop garden, or the Parisian-inspired al fresco brasserie.
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Carlyle Inn
A boutique hotel suited to those on the budget, the Carlyle Inn offers the California charm with a modern twist. This impressive hotel sits just outside Beverly Hills, offering excellent access to the local bars, restaurants and stunning sandy beaches. The rooms are comfortable whilst still providing excellent amenities with lavish décor to create luxurious guest rooms. Guests can enjoy a free breakfast buffet, followed by a relaxing lounge on the terrace. Who said budget couldn’t be bougee?
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2. Hollywood
Home to the world-famous Hollywood sign, Hollywood is the historic and culturally significant show-business capital of the world. It might surprise you to learn that Hollywood actually began as a humble agricultural region, gradually evolving into the glitzy metropolis which we know and love today. The original Hollywood hotel is now the Dolby Theatre which hosts the famous annual Oscars ceremony.
The diverse scenery in this fine region has served as the backdrop for hundreds of films over the past century as ‘The Big Five’ Film studios evolved in Hollywood – showbiz in general is the theme here. Families can enjoy a broad range of theme parks including Universal Studios, whilst culture lovers can indulge in comedy shows, theatre, and music. Let’s explore some of the local hotels for your stay:
Loews Hollywood Hotel
A unique hotel in the heart of Hollywood, The Loews Hollywood Hotel offers an Egyptian-inspired façade and contemporary interiors served to delight the senses. The onsite spa offers a broad range of eclectic wellness treatments, from a floating pool massage to exotic facials, which help you unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. Rooms are well-presented with large living spacious and balconies providing guests with diverse scenery options, from poolside to cityscape, or mountains to historic landmarks. During your stay, you can also take advantage of a large pool and deck area, onsite dining, and gym.
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Dream Hollywood
Situated close to the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, Dream Hollywood encapsulates the glitz and the glamor of the Hollywood lifestyle. Spacious, elegant rooms offer floor to ceiling windows, encapsulating perfect views of the suburban hills. The pool area is perhaps the dreamiest spot in the hotel, with spacious lounges and canopied verandas providing opulent surroundings to relax and unwind with your favorite cocktail. Rounded off with breakfast cooked to order and a high-end restaurant for delicious culinary delights, the Dream Hollywood is the perfect resort for any starry-eyed romantic.
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The Hollywood Roosevelt
Acclaimed for its poolside palm trees, lush tropical environs, and bustling city centre atmosphere, The Hollywood Roosevelt is ideal for the socialites and the night owls. With a bowling alley, ballroom, nightclub and three onsite bars, guests can enjoy an exciting ambience from day to night set amidst a tropical backdrop and opulent surroundings. The outdoor pool provides loungers for ultimate relaxation, whilst guest rooms are well-furnished and spacious, offering a comfortable stay. Guests can choose from the lively poolside cabanas, or the quieter loft suites for a good night’s rest following a day of adventure and pleasure.
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Palihotel Melrose
A contemporary hotel offering a mixture of modern and traditional design, the Palihotel Melrose is perfectly situated in the entertainment district. The Sunset Strip is just a two-minute drive from the hotel and a short distance from The Grove – popular for its designer fashion stores and fine dining. Guests can enjoy spacious and well-appointed rooms, offering plush, comfortable beds, lounge areas, and optional terraces. Guests can also take advantage of the onsite café and coffee shop, restaurant, and bar for a range of dining options suited to all tastes. There’s also a garden, terrace, and picnic area for those who want to make the most of the sunshine.
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3. Santa Monica
A laid-back beach town with big-city sophistication, Santa Monica is an opulent, bustling bay offering a glorious 3.5-mile stretch of palm beaches, electric neighborhoods, diverse cultural attractions, and plenty of sightseeing.
The entire region is a walkable 8.3 square miles with excellent public transport links, making visits to the historic landmarks a breeze. Why not take a stroll through Palisades Park, visit the cult classic Muscle Beach, or explore historic sites such as the Santa Monica Pier?
But before that, let’s help you explore some fabulous Santa Monica hotels:
Casa Del Mar
A sophisticated complex located on the beachfront, the Casa Del Mar offers opulent ambience inspired by the grand villas of the Mediterranean, paired with a beachy atmosphere which makes this hotel truly unique. Rooms offer a combination of traditional and contemporary style, with intricate furnishing and local artwork providing a classic elegance. All rooms are well-appointed with large beds and lounge furniture, plus optional terraces. Guests can relax and unwind at the spa and fitness centre, or borrow bikes and surfboards along with an in-house prepared picnic for adventures on the beach. You can also dine in stye at the Beachside Patio, Catch Seafood Bar, or Cabana Lounge.
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Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
An understated yet distinctive resort, the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel offers ocean-front guest rooms which combine simplicity and elegance for a contemporary ambience. Accommodations include a mix of rooms and suites kitted out with large, luscious beds and spacious living areas, and you can even choose a room with a private patio featuring a rustic fire pit. The outdoor terrace and pool are available for use 24 hours a day, so you can soak up the sun in the daytime or relax in the pool after a day of sightseeing. Dining options are diverse, including an onsite restaurant and café offer light bites by the poolside or fine dining by the beachfront. What more could you want?
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Huntley Santa Monica Beach
A chic hotel combining contemporary design with a laid-back Santa Monica feel, the Huntley Santa Monica Beach offers a premium and playful guest experience. Accommodations include a mixture of well-appointed guest rooms and suites with modern decor, offering views of the cityscape or the beachfront. Every room includes a large, plush bed and modern bathroom. The onsite Penthouse Restaurant is as impressive as it is comfortable, providing a sophisticated yet welcoming environment with ocean views to relax and unwind with fine dining and a glass of your favorite vine.
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Bayside Hotel
Just a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier, the Bayside Hotel comprises mid-century accommodations amidst the sandy beaches. The light and airy guest rooms reflect the relaxed Santa Monica vibe, providing large beds and coffee-making facilities, plus rooms with optional extras for self-catering including a kitchenette and lounge area. This hotel is an excellent option for solo travelers, couples, and families alike, being close to local attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. What’s more, the Bayside Hotel is dog friendly!
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4. Venice Beach
One for the eccentrics, the bohemian haven known as Venice Beach offers a quirkiness and edgy character unmatched elsewhere in L.A. Famous for its independent shops and cafes, bustling Boardwalk, and year-round outdoor fun, Venice beach is the epicenter of all things funky and alternative. The city is beaming with unusual things to see and fund do, including the Venice Skate Park and Muscle Beach, plus surfboard rentals, the Venice Canals, and indie street art. An eclectic town with a diverse lifestyle, Venice Beach offers any traveller an exciting experience for all the senses.
So, where should you stay in Venice Beach?
Hotel Erwin
Home to one of L.A.’s most popular bars renowned for its craft cocktails and sunset views, Hotel Erwin is a boutique beachfront hotel designed for the fun-lovers, the sun-searches, and the pleasure-seekers. Offering a combination of rooms and suites, travelers are only a quick step from ocean views with balconies in accommodations, and the hotel is in prime location for the famous Boardwalk. Comfort and convenience are the ethos here – guests can take advantage of extra amenities onsite and offsite, such as bicycles, beach games, yoga mats and much more.
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The Kinney – Venice Beach
An artsy, edgy hotel right on the Boardwalk, The Kinney Hotel encapsulates the Venice Beach vibe in one soulful, playful, and captivating building. Guest rooms include a range of standard and premium accommodations decorated with flare, offering views of and access to the communal Quad where required. The Breakfast Club offers a unique experience for morning culinary delights, providing hearty and unusual to help you start your day the right way. Located close to all the local sights and attractions, The Kinney Hotel provides a perfect central location to discover the best things that Venice Beach has to offer.
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Inn at Venice Beach
Offering a contemporary alternative to the classic Venice Beach stay, the Inn at Venice Beach provides guests with a comfortable and modern experience. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and more, guest rooms include a mix of standard and deluxe rooms plus two-storey loft suite accommodations for larger groups. All guests can enjoy the European-inspired courtyard to soak up some sun and enjoy a breath of fresh air. A prime location for local amenities, the Inn is just a few yards from the boardwalk where guests can delight in the local bars and restaurants.
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Venice Breeze Suites
The perfect hotel for those who love the self-catered option, the Venice Breeze Suites offers an excellent combination of studios and apartment-style suites suited to all group sizes. Equipped with kitchens, dining and lounge areas, and private bathrooms, you can enjoy the flexibility of the self-serviced apartments and come and go as you please. Most rooms offer beachfront views, and the hotel is just a short walk from the boardwalk and local attractions. All guests also have access to the sunny rooftop deck kitted with loungers, a fire pit, and BBQ – ideal for sun-soaking days, or for cosy nights by the waterfront.
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Final thoughts:
There’s so many amazing hotels in Los Angeles, we don’t know how you’ll pick your favorite! But, whether you prefer the bougee lifestyle or the relaxed surfer vibes, you can be sure to find an idyllic stay in Southern California.
