Welcome to La-La Land: These are all the best boutique hotels in Los Angeles
Whether you're heading there for some celebrity spotting, shopping, detoxing, or beach time, these trendy spots will make your time in L.A. totally California dreamy.
From design hotels in Hong Kong to eco-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka, we’re all about hunting down the most gorgeous spots across the globe to lay your head. And if you’re LA bound, then you won’t want to miss our picks for the best boutique hotels in Los Angeles. (You may even find some hotels where celebrities did weird things.) Plus, while you’re scrolling, why not enjoy our American playlist full of absolute bangers and a few you’re probably too embarrassed to admit you love.
The best boutique hotels in Los Angeles
1. Ace Hotel Downtown L.A.
Once the home of the United Artists film studio, Ace Hotel Downtown L.A. (pictured above) is all about playful design and good vibes. Conveniently located close to the Staples Centre, the hotel’s conversion was completed by interior design superstars: Commune, who retained elements of the building’s original Spanish Gothic Style and combined this with a bounty of chic urban colours and comforts.
One of the highlights of the hotel is The Theatre, which was restored from a 1920s movie palace and is the location of choice for many musicians and artists to perform. Eat and drink at Upstairs at The Ace, a popular hang for both locals and out-of-towners alike.
Read more about Ace Hotel Downtown L.A.
2. The LINE L.A.
Nestled in the heart of bustling Koreatown between Downtown and Hollywood, the building that The LINE LA sits in was built in 1964 and was once the temporary home to Hunter S. Thompson. Quirky interior design features such as desks as headboards in the guestrooms allow for more space, while designer Sean Knibb actually photographed the exterior of the original concrete building and had that made into wallpaper that features throughout to tie in with the existing structure.
You’re not going to hungry here. The hotel features everything from a restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin to a coffee shop and three bars. Plus the second floor garden terrace is home to the pool, where you can spend lazy hours escaping the city. The friendly team are the icing on the cake at this trendy boutique hotel in Los Angeles.
Find out more about The LINE L.A.
3. Chateau Marmont
One of the most infamous hotels in LA, Chateau Marmont has been a place to call home for many an actor or musician, including legends like Bette Davis and Led Zeppelin. Nestled above the Sunset Strip, this French Gothic icon opened in 1929 and has been the place of many Hollywood tales ever since (we hear Lindsay Lohan is banned for life after refusing to pay a bill worth over $40,000 – but we’re not about that gossip life.)
The oversized suites in the main building ooze Golden-era Hollywood charm – think vintage-inspired interiors with lush furnishings and epic light fixtures, many with terraces overlooking the strip. Designed by Craig Elwood, the hillside bungalows are the epitome of mid-century modern design, clean and crisp and uber chic. Definitely an LA stay that needs to be tried once on your travels.
Find out more about Chateau Marmont
4. The Hoxton Downtown LA
Featuring 174 rooms in the heart of Downtown LA, The Hoxton is a place as much for locals as it is for travellers, and that’s what we love about it. Beachy California vibes combine with a splash of Hollywood glam here with chevron wood floors and statement headboards being just some of the design details of note throughout the building which was once the HQ for L.A. Railway.
Sibling Rival is the hotel’s fab bistro, while Pilot sits on the rooftop offering mediterranean fare. Speaking of roofs… don’t miss taking a dip in the rooftop pool. Plus The Hoxton is a mere skip and a jump away from Little Tokyo and the Arts District, so you’ll never run out of things to do.
Read more about The Hoxton Downtown LA
5. Sunset Tower Hotel
There’s perhaps no more famous historic West Hollywood property than Sunset Tower Hotel. Designed in 1929 by architect Leland A. Bryant, the hotel featured Art Deco styling and was beloved by guests such as Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Frank Sinatra. In 2018, the hotel received a facelift to refresh the spaces while retaining the iconic architecture.
Guestrooms marry contemporary minimalism with old-world charm and suites have lovely dusty pink tones, and include bespoke wallpaper in the bathrooms by fashion illustrator Donald Robertson. Guests can enjoy evening drinks or dining at the chic Tower Bar & Restaurant and get pampered at The Spa by Joanna Vargas. Don’t miss spending time by the pool or working out at the 7,000sq-ft gym located in John Wayne’s former apartment too.
Find out more about Sunset Tower Hotel
6. The West Hollywood EDITION
Handily located right where West Hollywood meets Beverly Hills, The West Hollywood EDITION is beloved by locals and out-of-towners alike. With just 140 guestrooms, 48 suites, and 2 penthouses, it’s small enough to feel like a boutique hotel, but big enough so you don’t feel like you’re on top of anyone.
The work of British designer John Pawson, get ready to fall in love with the minimal spaces that are emboldened by the likes of velvet seating and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. The stunning rooftop pool is one of our fave places in town and the 6-treatment room spa is the perfect place to unwind after a long day with a sound and light therapy session or a guided meditation.
Find out more about The West Hollywood EDITION
7. The Beverly Hills Hotel
What good would a list about L.A.’s best boutique and design hotels be without the Grand Dame of them all: The Beverly Hills Hotel. Sitting in the middle of Sunset Boulevard, here, you’ll find 210 guest rooms and suites and 20 plus bungalows that everyone from rockstars to actors love to call their home away from home.
While Elmer Grey designed the original hotel, the interior design has changed many times over the years, but it’s best known for being one of the world’s coolest pink hotels. Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from the sunroom or grab a bite at the iconic Polo Lounge. Between the tropical wall coverings, the famed signage, and the stellar service, you can’t go far wrong here.
The property also features in our list of trendy pink hotels.
Book in at The Beverly Hills Hotel
8. Shutters on the Beach
If you’re looking to completely slow down on your next vacay, then think about booking in at Shutters on Beach. Sitting right on Santa Monica Beach, the hardest decision you’ll have to make all day will be whether to read your book at the beach or the pool.
We love the fact that the hotel feels like you’re staying in an intimate beach cottage, with hardwood floors and hand-crafted furnishings. One Pico restaurant will make sure you’re fed up well, and when you need total relaxation, ONE Spa has you covered.
Find out more about Shutters on the Beach
9. The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Part of The Maybourne Hotel Group, which includes Claridge’s, The Berkeley, and The Connaught, sophisticated luxury meets modernity at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. Here, guestrooms feature elegant marble bathrooms, exquisite views, and state-of-the-art accessories to make your stay unforgettable.
Spa lovers will want to book in for a selection of relaxing treatments and to spend some quality time in the mineral pool. Enjoy some time on the terrace under a parasol and take in the views with an al fresco lunch or dinner.
Find out more about The Maybourne Beverly Hills
10. Hotel Casa del Mar
Another option for those venturing to Santa Monica, Hotel Casa del Mar offers panoramic views of both the beach and the iconic pier. The hotel was once an exclusive beach club and the soaring ceilings and gorgeous windows in the lobby still remain. The rest of the property takes its cues from the Mediterranean and features art and design pieces from local creators.
Unwind at Terrazza Lounge with a cocktail or sample local produce at the selection of restaurants on site. Sea Wellness Spa will make sure you’re fully relaxed.
Read up on Hotel Casa del Mar
11. Short Stories Hotel
Nestled in the heart of buzzing West Hollywood, Short Stories Hotel is a new-ish property that we are big fans of. Featuring beautifully designed rooms that include art pieces by Kenton Nelson, the custom decor creates unique spaces which also feel incredibly welcoming.
Take to the pool to refresh after a day of exploring, or grab a good book and retreat to the outdoor terrace. While the restaurant is currently being revamped, the friendly staff will point you towards the best bites in the neighbourhood.
Find out more about Short Stories Hotel
But wait, there’s more…
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