The mention of Los Angeles conjures images of the glamour of Hollywood studios, the laid-back attitude of surf-side living and forward-thinking design and cuisine.
Our guide to Los Angeles gives you a slice of what we think best captures the essence of the City of Angels and the best hotels in Los Angeles.
The Hotel Bel-Air
If your idea of a perfect city hotel is one that instils a sense of peace and tranquillity far away from the crowds and congestion but close enough to dive into the action when you need to, then this is the place for you.
The Hotel Bel-Air is nestled in the lush green neighbourhood of Bel-Air, spread over 12 acres of stunning foliage and a truly beautiful landscape.
Hotel Bel-Air recently went through a total renovation of its interior spaces, which now serve as a stark juxtaposition to its historic exterior.
Hotel Bel-Air’s 58 rooms and 45 suites are decorated in neutral tones and rich fabrics with sleek marble floors, high-end modern furniture and the latest gadgets.
Having visited pre-refurb, The Hotel Bel-Air stuck in my mind as one of the most enchanting hotels I had ever visited, certainly one of the best hotels in Los Angeles, partly because of its exterior and setting.
Thankfully, the buildings, the grounds and the pool remain as they have for years – low lying Spanish missionary style buildings are positioned in a lush landscape of mature plantings that offer shade from the scorching Californian sun.
The oval pool remains as the centre of the action and serves as a reminder that service is of paramount importance at The Hotel Bel-Air.
Guests are presented with hourly complimentary amenities like frozen fruits and iced lollies. It’s true that the little things can make a big difference
As part of the renovations, the restaurant was updated with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck now at the helm, offering a classic Californian menu with a real master’s touch.
The stunning scenery, excellent service and gorgeous design make a truly special hotel and my choice of the best hotel in Los Angeles.
Sunset Tower Hotel
Sunset Tower Hotel is a glamorous, iconic West Hollywood landmark with a fabulous location on Sunset Strip.
Designed in a classic, elegant Art Deco style, the hotel has eighty-one rooms including 30 suites with sweeping views of LA.
While small, the hotel’s pool is an ideal spot to lounge around all day with a cocktail where you’ll sit next to regulars going through their movie scripts.
At the heart of the hotel, you’ll find the fabulous bar and restaurant. The famous Tower Bar restaurant is one of LA’s chicest dining spots – whatever “It” is, this restaurant has it.
Warm, glamorous, exclusive (yet inclusive) with an incredible buzz. Grab a seat at the bar, order a martini and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.
While on your doorstep you have the bright lights of Sunset Boulevard and modern LA all around you, through the doors of Sunset Tower Hotels you’ll find an old Hollywood elegance that’s hard to beat.
The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows
Nothing embodies the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles more than the iconic pink structure of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
The Beverly Hills hotel has seen starlets lounging by the pool, media moguls finalising deals over a power lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, the Polo Lounge, and debauched rock star parties in the highly discreet and hidden bungalows.
The rooms at the Beverly Hills hotel are designed in traditional 5 star luxury hotel design.
The bungalows are a unique feature of the Beverly Hills Hotel offering privacy, space and discretion.
The grounds are the Beverly Hills hotel’s most stunning feature and are the setting for the heart and soul of the hotel – the swimming pool.
The pool area operates a strict guest-only policy but once in, stretching out on a green and white striped lounger with a cold drink in hand in view of the pink hotel and towering palm trees in the background with a buzz all around you is as LA as it gets.
The Polo Lounge is the ideal setting for an evening cocktail to revel in true Hollywood glamour, and if you’re offered one of the booths, you know you’ve made it.
The Beverly Hills Hotel with its glamorous past is a true contender to the title of the best hotels in Los Angeles.
Chateau Marmont
For those craving to be in the centre of the nightlife in West Hollywood, the Chateau Marmont is our top pick.
Slightly less obvious than the other hotels on the Sunset Strip, the Chateau Marmont manages to provide its guests with just the right mix of party scene by night and privacy by day.
Chateau Marmont is owned by hotelier Andre Balazs, who recently opened Chiltern Firehouse in London.
Shutters on the Beach
For some, a stay in LA is incomplete without direct access to the Pacific Ocean, which would necessitate a stay in Santa Monica.
There is no better hotel that captures upscale Americana by the sea than Shutters on the Beach, which is designed in subtle tones and New England style architecture right on the beach.
Click to read our review of Shutters on the Beach.
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