LA is the land of celebrity spotting, Hollywood history and, for many Australians, the gateway to America. It’s often your first stop on a USA trip, and you might feel a little overwhelmed regarding hotel choice. The best hotels in LA aren’t necessarily on Hollywood Boulevard near all the most popular tourist sites (although there are a few in that vicinity) — since LA is such an expansive city with many cool, stylish areas dotted throughout, it’s worth considering accommodation options that might be closer to the kind of bars, restaurants and vibe you love.
That being said, there are also some really incredible luxury hotels with storied histories that are on many a bucket list in the Hollywood central area, and these are also worth mentioning. So we’ve compiled the best LA hotels across the board — from budget-friendly to bougie.
Sonder Beverly Terrace
On the more affordable end of stylish hotels in Hollywood, Sonder Beverly Terrace is perfectly positioned on the edge of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. You’re walking distance from “Vanderpump Rules” restaurants Pump, SUR and TomTom, plus the glam of Melrose Avenue. Other sites are short Uber rides away, or you can rent a car and find free parking in the residential streets around the hotel. Plus, being a Sonder property, check-in is a breeze and can be done online, with codes to access the building and your room.
Chateau Marmont
This is as bucket list as it gets! A stay at Chateau Marmont will cost you upwards of $800 per night, minimum, but if you adore the Golden Age of Hollywood and want to rest your head where many a celebrity has in the past, it’s worth it. Rooms have been upgraded with luxury linen and furnishings while maintaining their historical charm, and a reservation will give you access to the coveted pool and dining area, where you might spot a celebrity.
Silver Lake Pool & Inn
Silver Lake is basically LA’s coolest neighbourhood — celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Chris Pine and Jenny Slate have or still do live in the area, and it’s known for its excellent indie cafe and restaurant scene. Silver Lake Pool & Inn is a chic hotel right in its centre, featuring a lush pool and affordable rooms full of natural light and top amenities.
Santa Monica Proper
A recent addition to the oceanside city of Santa Monica, this hotel is walking distance to the famous beach and boardwalk, plus close to the boutiques of Wilshire Boulevard. Designed for the modern luxury traveller, rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows to let in that California sunshine, plus Bellino and Fili D’oro linens on beds.
The Hollywood Roosevelt
Another iconic LA hotel with a history, The Hollywood Roosevelt is surprisingly budget-friendly, especially if you book ahead and are flexible with your dates. Right in the heart of Hollywood Boulevard, you’re walking distance to the famous Grauman’s Theatre and the Walk Of Fame. The famous pool is often the site of celebrity parties, and Marilyn Monroe once stayed here — they say her ghost still haunts a mirror in the reception area.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
If you really want to live out your 90210 dreams and you have the cash, a stay at The Beverly Hills Hotel will not disappoint. Stars and their teams are regularly spotted at its prestigious Polo Lounge restaurant, and the decor will blow your mind, from the famous red carpet and striped archway to the millennial pink-themed pool.
The Kinney Venice Beach
Venice Beach is one of the most unique neighbourhoods you’ll find anywhere in the world, and is a must-visit when in LA. Staying here will see you close to some of the best, laid-back restaurants like Gjelina, frequented by everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Prince Harry himself, and Californian boutiques that line Abbot-Kinney Boulevard. The Kinney is a relaxed hotel with an affordable price tag that puts you in the middle of everything, and it’s also a stone’s throw from the quirky boardwalk.
The Prospect Hollywood
Designed in 1939, this refurbished hotel maintains the Old Hollywood glamour of its time while offering a comfortable and surprisingly budget-friendly option in a great location. The rooms are all lavish wallpaper and sumptuous design, courtesy of Martyn Lawrence Bullard, whose clients include Kylie Jenner, Cher and Tommy Hilfiger. Rooms also surround a dense garden filled with fountains and palms, where you can enjoy a cocktail (or two) of an evening.
