Los Angeles hotels that deliver now
Looking for the best hotels in Los Angeles comes down to three things : location, vibe, value. The sweet spot is real. Think The Peninsula Beverly Hills for white glove service, Santa Monica Proper for design and sunshine, or The Hollywood Roosevelt for old school glamour by the pool.
The bar is high in LA. U.S. News and World Report named The Peninsula Beverly Hills the top hotel in Los Angeles in its 2024 rankings, with Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and The Beverly Hills Hotel close behind. Forbes Travel Guide also awarded five star ratings in 2024 to The Peninsula Beverly Hills and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, a signal that service and consistency match the price tag.
Best luxury hotels in Los Angeles
Main idea first : classic luxury still rules in Beverly Hills, while a newer wave brings rooftop views and culinary firepower.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills sits steps from Rodeo Drive and remains the local standard for quiet, anticipatory service. U.S. News and World Report 2024 places it first in Los Angeles, and repeat guests cite house cars, a rooftop pool and a concierge team that remembers names.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills pairs Art Deco inspired glamour with city wide views. Forbes Travel Guide lists it five star in 2024, and the Jean Georges dining program draws locals, which says a lot in this town.
The Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912 and still defines bungalow life. Those palm fronds and the Polo Lounge are not just for photos. Rooms are spacious, bungalows feel private, and families love the calm away from Wilshire traffic.
Downtown, The Ritz Carlton Los Angeles anchors L.A. Live with floor to ceiling views and access to Crypto.com Arena events. For travelers who want sports, concerts, and a spa in one zone, it just works.
Boutique and design stays by neighborhood
Observation : the coolest stays mix character, walkability, and a sense of place. That is where boutique hotels shine.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel opened in 2019 and turned a landmark corner into a Kelly Wearstler dream. Rooftop pool, coastal tones, and a short walk to the beach. It feels like summer, even in January.
The Hoxton Downtown LA arrived in 2019 inside the historic Los Angeles Railway building. Rooms are compact but clever, the lobby buzzes at all hours, and the rooftop taco spot is a crowd magnet before shows at The Orpheum.
The Prospect Hollywood, a 1939 property reimagined with art deco flair, keeps it intimate with fewer rooms and a garden courtyard. Close to the Walk of Fame, far from the chaos once you close the gate.
The Hollywood Roosevelt dates to 1927 and keeps winning hearts with its David Hockney painted pool and a bowling alley in the basement. History meets fun, simple as that.
Beach time and family friendly picks
Problem to solve : families and beach lovers want sand access without giving up comfort or food options.
Shutters on the Beach is the postcard choice in Santa Monica, shingled New England style right on the boardwalk. Rooms with balconies catch sunset, and the beach path makes stroller laps easy.
Regent Santa Monica Beach reopened under IHG in 2024 after a transformation, bringing a new luxury flag to the pier area with cabanas, a destination bar, and upgraded family facilities cited in the brand’s offical announcements.
Hotel Erwin in Venice leans into local energy. The rooftop sees golden hour like nowhere else in the neighborhood, and you are steps from Muscle Beach and the canals in the morning when it is calm.
How to choose the right Los Angeles hotel
Here is the gap many miss : LA is huge. Pick the hotel for your plans, not the map alone.
According to U.S. News and World Report 2024, the highest ranked Los Angeles hotels cluster in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, two areas that minimize crosstown driving time for most visitors. Add one cultural fact : many of the city’s most visited sites sit west of La Brea, so a west side base can save hours.
If your trip is short, anchor near your must do’s. If you plan a week, split stays to dodge traffic and see more.
Quick picks by interest :
- Shopping and dining : The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, The Maybourne Beverly Hills
- Design forward and social : Santa Monica Proper, The Hoxton Downtown LA, 1 Hotel West Hollywood
- Families and beach : Shutters on the Beach, Regent Santa Monica Beach, Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes
- Culture and events : The Ritz Carlton Los Angeles, Conrad Los Angeles by The Music Center
Logical wrap : lock dates early for spring and fall, when weather is mild and events stack up. Join free loyalty programs to recieve breakfast credits or late checkout, and cross check rates directly with the hotel and a trusted agency on the same day. That last step often unlocks the perk that makes the stay feel truly five star.