I initially had mixed feelings about Los Angeles. At first, I found it too spread out and wasn’t vibing with the city. It felt like there wasn’t as much to do compared to other cities like Paris, London, or Tokyo.
However, once I let go of my expectations and embraced Los Angeles for what it is, I started to appreciate its unique charm and laid-back lifestyle. That’s when I truly fell in love with the city, and I believe you will too. Los Angeles is a city that’s designed for its residents, not just tourists.
As a visitor, finding the right hotel is crucial as it can greatly impact your experience in the city. With Los Angeles being so vast, where you choose to stay can influence what you see and how much time you spend in traffic.
Having stayed in numerous hotels in Los Angeles over the years, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite hotels in LA to help you have an unforgettable experience in the City of Angels:
1. The Kinney
The Kinney Hotel is a vibrant three-star boutique hotel located in Venice Beach. It perfectly embodies the city’s relaxed and artistic spirit with its colorful decor, quirky art installations, and retro-inspired furnishings. The hotel offers various amenities including an outdoor pool, a stylish lounge area with fire pits, bike rentals, and a fitness center. The central courtyard, known as The Quad, is a social hub featuring ping pong tables and a cozy lounge area, ideal for relaxing and mingling with fellow travelers.
The rooms at The Kinney have a quirky vibe with wooden furniture and colorful artwork. The bathrooms, though slightly dated, are spacious and adorned with colorful tiles and artwork. Additionally, they provide complimentary toiletries and plush bathrobes. The hotel also offers underground parking, which is convenient for travelers on a road trip in Southern California.
2. Sixty Beverly Hills
This contemporary four-star hotel is located in the heart of Beverly Hills. Sixty boasts sleek, modern interiors with mid-century design elements and features a rooftop pool and lounge offering panoramic city views. The hotel also has a trendy on-site restaurant and bar serving innovative cuisine and craft cocktails.
The spacious rooms and suites at Sixty Beverly Hills are elegantly designed with hardwood floors, custom furnishings, luxurious bedding, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing stunning views of Beverly Hills or the LA skyline. Some rooms include balconies as well. In-room amenities consist of a writing desk, plush bedding, a flatscreen TV, Nespresso machine, and a well-stocked minibar. The bathrooms feature marble countertops, rainfall showers, and luxury bath products, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a stylish stay in one of LA’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
3. Venice V Hotel
This historic building, once occupied by Charlie Chaplin, has been transformed into a chic three-star hotel that perfectly captures the eclectic and bohemian vibe of Venice Beach. Situated steps away from Muscle Beach, the hotel provides beach amenities such as beach cruisers, umbrellas, and chairs.
Each room at Venice V Hotel is uniquely themed in Boho, Artist, or Dogtown styles and offers stunning ocean views. The comfortable beds are accompanied by fluffy down pillows, and the spacious bathrooms feature beautifully tiled walk-in showers, Aesop bath amenities, and soft bathrobes. This is the ideal accommodation for those looking to indulge in a luxurious stay in one of LA’s most renowned neighborhoods.
4. Shutters on the Beach
Shutters on the Beach is a luxurious five-star hotel exuding classic coastal charm reminiscent of a grand beach house. Located on Santa Monica’s sands, this seaside hotel offers an inviting yet elegant atmosphere adorned with curated art pieces. The hotel boasts top-notch amenities like a full-service spa, an oceanfront pool and hot tub, and multiple dining options serving fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
The rooms at Shutters on the Beach feature a beachy design with airy, sunlit spaces, hardwood floors, refined Tibetan rugs, artwork by local artists, and in-room libraries. They also provide all the standard amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel. The spacious bathrooms include plush bathrobes, slippers, and premium bath products. Most rooms offer private balconies with breathtaking ocean views, creating a perfect retreat for those seeking laid-back luxury.
5. CitizenM Los Angeles
This four-star hotel caters to modern travelers seeking comfort, style, and convenience at an affordable price point. Known for its minimalist design and vibrant, art-filled interiors, CitizenM Los Angeles provides communal spaces for work or relaxation, including a rooftop bar with panoramic city views. The hotel also offers an expansive breakfast buffet with a variety of choices.
CitizenM’s concept focuses on offering compact yet thoughtfully designed rooms with amenities such as fridges, king-sized beds, pillows, blackout blinds, and soundproofing. The bathrooms are compact yet well-designed, featuring rain showers and CitizenM’s signature toiletries. The rooms also include wall-to-wall windows that fill the space with plenty of LA sunshine.
CitizenM Los Angeles is a trendy and functional hotel, perfect for travelers looking to stay in Downtown LA near art museums and cultural attractions. Don’t miss out on visiting The Last Bookstore nearby, a must-visit for book lovers.
6. Andaz West Hollywood
Andaz West Hollywood, a five-star hotel by Hyatt, offers modern luxury on the iconic Sunset Strip. The hotel boasts open and airy spaces featuring local artists and a rooftop pool that offers relaxation and panoramic views. Guests can enjoy a complimentary wine hour every evening from 4pm to 5pm.
The stylish rooms at Andaz West Hollywood feature floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills or Los Angeles skyline. Each room is elegantly designed with amenities like flatscreen TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and a complimentary minibar. The bathrooms are spacious and stylish, equipped with walk-in rain showers, plush robes, and designer toiletries.
Andaz West Hollywood is centrally located in West Hollywood, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors to Los Angeles. Additionally, being a Hyatt property, guests can utilize points to book rooms and suites.
Los Angeles is a sprawling city that blends glitz and grit, offering a unique experience with sun-soaked beaches, diverse neighborhoods, and a vibrant food scene. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Hollywood Hills or the artistic streets of Venice Beach, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in the City of Angels. Choose one of the hotels mentioned above for a fantastic stay in Los Angeles!
Book Your Trip to Los Angeles: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
For hostel suggestions, check out my list of the best hostels in Los Angeles!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Los Angeles?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to LA for even more planning tips!