39 Best Hotels in Los Angeles, California

You might have a sense of déjà vu here—this resort, overlooking L.A.'s largest marina's boats, is a favorite location of dozens of TV and film productions. Traditionally styled rooms are decked out in warm gold tones with French doors, marble baths, and feather beds. Dine outside for a waterside view at Cast & Plow, the hotel's farm-to-table restaurant, or kick back in the clublike lobby lounge or the seasonal poolside Wave Bar and Grill. Families love the 24/7 pool's saline purification system as well as the welcome gifts and scavenger hunts for kids. Club-level rooms are worth the price as food and drinks are available throughout the day in the private lounge. Some rooms come equipped with their own Peloton. Be sure to check out the lovely Sisley Spa.

Super-contemporary design makes this hotel, rooftop pool, and Skydeck feel like an adults-only playground, and it's just a short walk to the shoreline, the local pier, and Manhattan Beach's lively downtown. Rooms come with features like luxe linens, a rolling desk that can be used in bed or on its own, a heavenly freestanding tub or sunken whirlpool bath surrounded by a movable shoji-like screen, a sculptural fireplace or daybed, and overhead "chromatherapy" lighting that changes color via digital touch plates. Enjoy meals and "Shade Hour" deals in the indoor-outdoor Zinc Lounge; the space also hosts DJs on weekend nights, and serves signature cocktails among the firepit tables.

With a free guest shuttle to Universal Studios and CityWalk and large meeting spaces including a top-floor ballroom with a 270-degree panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills through floor-to-ceiling windows, this Sheraton buzzes year-round with both conventioneers and families. On-site is a huge outdoor pool area with a bar, plenty of seating and games. Rooms come with many useful amenities including flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, oversize desks, and swiveling office chairs. Purchase access to the club lounge for complimentary food and beverages.

Located near Beverly Hills and across the street from the Beverly Center, this elegant French hotel is known for its specialized services to guests and first-class amenities. They have a new specialized in-room "All-Be-Well" wellness program with nature-based restorative experiences, and a complimentary VIP pet package. Pets are welcome and can stay for free, no matter the size or weight. Special amenities for VIP guest pets include a luxury orthopedic dog pad and a discounted grooming session at a nearby pet salon. Breakfast and dinner are available at the ground floor and garden patio of Esterel Restaurant. The hotel has an outdoor heated pool and fitness center.

Built in 1927 as a dorm for silent-film actors, the Crescent is now a fanciful boutique hotel with a great location—within the Beverly Hills shopping triangle—and with an even better price (for the area). Low couches and tables, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, and shimmering candlelight at night give the hotel's public areas a welcoming and sophisticated look. Hallways are lined with Terry O’Neil and Douglas Kirkland portraits of famous stars (all for sale, by the way), while guest rooms feature custom headboards painted with large whimsical pictures of animals like hummingbirds and butterflies, as well as hanging blown-glass lights, sound machines, and splashy color schemes.

Built in 1955 as the headquarters of Standard Oil, the building was completely revamped under the sharp eye of owner André Balazs to become a sleek, cutting-edge hotel with spacious guest rooms. The indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge in a stunning setting has a happening social scene, but be prepared for some attitude at the door. For a less exclusive scene, the Garden Bar on the roof has games and great beer. The Paddle Room lounge is a haven for people-watching.

Tropical casual meets urbane at this stylized, airy seaside escape, where the cozy rooms, which all have French balconies, draw quite the upscale clientele. The mostly marble bathrooms have seated vanities and supremely refreshing aromatherapy products. The restaurant, Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue, makes the best of its indoor--outdoor ambience with a matching ocean-inspired menu and a huge wraparound bar. At the wood-paneled lounge during awards season, you'll likely catch a slew of celebs air kissing. Glamorous socializing also takes place in the pool and cabana area amid all-white armchairs and divans. Though the Viceroy arrived in town with the new century, the rooms are newly refreshed, with a neutral palette and mid-century-inspired furnishings that are set off by works from local artists. Upper-floor, ocean-view rooms are brilliant at sunset. A $40 daily resort fee includes amenities like a welcome drink, yoga classes, and bikes, while parking is $58.

A convivial lobby and smartly designed rooms set this Kimpton-managed hotel apart from other chains; because of its proximity to UCLA, the Palomar is perfect for friends and families of students. An ergonomic work chair and desk space plus a 24-hour business center aid efficiency; the on-demand yoga (plus a yoga mat in each room!), as well as meditation and Pilates channels promote relaxation. Recycling bins and eco-conscious practices abound. Complimentary coffee and tea in the morning, and a nightly wine hour bring guests together. Pets get pampered for free.

Retreat to this quiet and artful oasis steps from UCLA, where you can find a cabana-lined pool and sleek lounge, two on-site restaurants with regional cuisine, and a spa that serves brownies and champagne post-massage. This all-suites hotel aims to bring the outdoors in, with mirrors depicting gown-wearing models submerged in the sea, photos of L.A. traffic, and fog-hued interiors. All suites are sizable, and bigger suites include offices and sitting areas. The fern and palm tree-hugged pool area is the place to be on Sunday in summer, when free pool parties lure the young and beautiful locals to line up for free yoga, followed by fruity cocktails.