X-factor: the best hotels in Los Angeles

From humble origins to a glittering metropolis with almost as many stars on the ground as there are in the sky, Los Angeles is a city where dreams are made and celebrities reign supreme. 

Naturally, its luxury hotel scene shines bright too – and not every hotel is centred around the lustrous Hollywood Hills. In fact, that prestigious address is just one in a kaleidoscope of neighbourhoods deserving attention.

The elegant Beaudry Room cocktail and tapas venue at Conrad Los Angeles.

In no particular order, and by no means a definitive list, these are some of the best luxury hotels in Los Angeles, the City of Angels.

Best luxury hotels in Los Angeles

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Every hotel has a story to tell… though some are vastly more interesting than others. Places where history unfolded in the lobby or the penthouse, where celebrities danced alongside the piano, or perhaps live on in the collective consciousness via pop culture.

Beverly Wilshire’s domed awnings and flags are an iconic sight along Wilshire Blvd.

Opened in 1928, Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, ticks all of those boxes. Past guests include Elvis and Al Pacino, not to mention a certain ‘pretty woman’, while its location – a credit card throw from the boutiques of Rodeo Drive – is also part of its enduring appeal.

Treat your taste buds to an incredible meal at CUT by Wolfgang Puck.

Within you’ll find 395 beautifully-styled rooms and suites, together with a serene day spa and several fabulous dining options. Among them, all-day venue The Blvd and steak and seafood mecca CUT by Wolfgang Puck.

EDITION West Hollywood

There’s a lot to be said for brand consistency – walking into a hotel across the globe and knowing just what you’re in for. And when that brand is EDITION, that’s a very good thing.

This repurposed oil barrel has never looked so good.

Opened in 2019, EDITION West Hollywood is about simplicity, elegance, some rather fabulous dining, and (just like its siblings in Tokyo and Singapore) a penchant for emerald green, which can be seen in its bold drapery and indoor forest of plants.

Swim beneath the stars at The Roof.

Given its location where WeHo meets Beverly Hills, the view is breathtaking. The Roof pool area is perhaps the best place to soak it in, though rooms like the Loft Terrace take full advantage of it too.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills

The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. And its Los Angeles sister property in downtown Beverly Hills only builds on that legacy, bringing the opulence of the original and giving it a splash of California soul.

You'll feel like a VIP when you arrive at The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Decor in its 195 rooms, suites and private villas is reminiscent of a French chateau, with oversized mirrors, floral drapes and a neutral colour palette evoking instant calm. On the dining front, there’s the sun-dappled outdoor dining area of The Belvedere, as well as a roof garden, club bar, and ‘living room’ where guests can enjoy high tea.

Treat yourself to an indulgent high tea in The Living Room

Guests who check into a suite are offered complimentary use of sleek BMW for the length of their stay, giving them a chance to cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, or continue past Santa Barbara to Santa Ynez wine country.

1 Hotel West Hollywood

Sustainably-minded 1 Hotel is carving out a lofty reputation for its eco-friendly approach to hotel living, one spanning not only things guests can see (reclaimed timber etc) but those they can’t, like the ‘1 Less Thing’ project supporting local homeless shelters.

Guests can enjoy a driving experience in the fully-electric Audi e-tron.

1 Hotel West Hollywood is the embodiment of this ethos. It’s pretty luxe too, boasting chic rooms styled in warm and natural tones. Each one is stocked with Bamford amenities, Nespresso coffee and a yoga mat, as well as free WiFi.

(There’s also a 1 Hotel opening in Melbourne this year)

Interiors are filled with timber elements.

Dining is also an experience worth relishing, in the form of farm-to-table restaurant 1 Kitchen, Juniper Lounge and Garden, which has a market-driven menu, and Harriet’s Rooftop. 

Conrad Los Angeles

Housed within a striking contemporary building by famed Canadian architect Frank Gehry – also behind the adjacent Walt Disney Concert Hall – Conrad Los Angeles is a striking element of the city’s skyline. And its interiors are just as intriguing.

The hotel's whimsical design acts as a beacon for architecture lovers.

Anchored within The Grand LA entertainment and dining precinct, it’s an oasis with 305 timber-rich rooms and suites, an expansive rooftop terrace with private pool, and two signature restaurants from Chef José Andrés.

San Laurel restaurant takes diners on a culinary journey to Spain, with a Californian twist.

If a tipple or two is what you seek, you’ll be spoiled for choice with several sun-warmed lounge and bar options, from the beach club-like Agua Viva to The Beadry Room cocktail bar. There’s a day spa too for when relaxation calls.

Fairmont Century Plaza

First opened back in 1966, Century Plaza is a landmark in the LA hotel scene. If its walls could talk, they would utter the names of past guests like Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Sonny and Cher, not to mention the Grammy and Emmy Awards once hosted there.

Following an ambitious redevelopment, Century Plaza is ready to see in another century

As the centrepiece of a USD$2.5 billion (yes, billion) redevelopment of the site – which has seen the addition of two 44-storey towers and 268 privately owned residences – Fairmont Century Plaza is primed to continue its leading role in the LA legacy for decades to come.

Lumière, a French-inspired brasserie bringing haute cuisine to the Hills

Originally designed by Minoru Yamasaki as ‘the hotel of the future’, the crescent-shaped icon has been reimagined and now features 400 elegant rooms, 80 luxurious residences along with a vast wellness spa and rooftop pool.

Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles

Ritz-Carlton stands proud amid the hotels of Downtown Los Angeles and not just for its imposing size. Opened in 2010 as part of the pulsating L.A. Live entertainment and dining precinct, it was unlike any hotel nearby at the time – and its lustrous shine has not diminished.

Ritz Carlton shares a building with its sister hotel, JW Marriott Los Angeles.

Guests have their pick of 123 light and bright rooms and suites, an exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club level and lounge, day spa, and gorgeous rooftop pool with views of over the Hollywood Hills.

There’s really no reason to leave the hotel’s plush confines, but if you do, you’ll find plenty to see and do nearby.

Corteza at Sendero is your go-to for Mexican and Central and South American fare.

Conveniently positioned between the Staples Centre, Microsoft Theatre and Grammy Museum, and just down the road from Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Centre, there’s never a shortage of stage shows and events to capture your attention.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Old Hollywood glamour with a modern edge. That’s Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills to a tee. And it makes sense, considering its French designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, is also responsible for the iconic Shangri-La Paris and The Savoy London.

French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon brought his A-game to the Waldorf Astoria's interiors

The hotel has picked up a slew of awards since opening in 2017, with each of its 170 pastel and cream rooms and suites exuding classic French elegance. Its location at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevard makes it a handy base to discover the city.

There's a pool lounge at the Waldorf Astoria with your name on it

Guests with a taste for the gourmet are in luck too, with Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten bringing his trademark New York pizazz to SoCal. Be sure to try the six-course seasonal degustation, rounded out with a drink at the Rooftop by JG.

Oceana Santa Monica

‘Suite Dreams’ are made by Oceana Santa Monica. Rising from the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean, this sun-kissed LXR Hotels property affords sensational views along the famous beachfront.

Enjoy destination dining without leave the hotel at Sandpiper

Adorned in unique commissioned artworks by Los Angeles creatives, guests will encounter spacious living areas, hand-tufted rugs from Nepal and smart lighting to suit your mood.

Each suite is a haven of tranquillity… but the Signature Oceanfront Suite is the one to pick.

The Signature Oceanfront Suite is gorgeous, but you'd struggle to notice it with that view

Facing due west, with the hotel’s best views of the Pacific, it’s beautifully appointed, with a spacious living area, deep soaking tub, and a private terrace that’s hard to pull yourself away from.

When you’re done relaxing poolside or exploring Santa Monica, Oceana has multiple bar and dining options too, including Sandpiper restaurant and the Sunset Terrace rooftop lounge.

Pendry West Hollywood

Lights, cameras, action. Perched above the legendary Sunset Strip, Pendry West Hollywood is a regular haunt of the Hollywood A-list, so don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity or two hanging out at its ultra-glam bars and restaurants.

Wake up in a Sunset King at the Pendry West Hollywood

Decor is dialled up to 11 in Bar Pendry (think gold lounges and a reflective ceiling), although sister-venue Merois – an Asian fusion restaurant from esteemed chef Wolfgang Puck does give it a run for its money. The Pool is also a spot to be seen enjoying an evening cocktail.

No design idea was off-limits at Bar Pendry

The over-the-top styling of the dining venues has thankfully been pared back in the guest rooms, many of which offer views of Sunset Boulevard or the Los Angeles skyline.

Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Four Seasons hotels epitomise luxury, renowned for beautifully-styled rooms, exceptional service, and a fantastic location. The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills ticks all those boxes – plus a few extra for good measure.

A Deluxe Balcony Room at the Four Seasons, with a view to the city beyond

Close to the fashion-forward boutiques of Rodeo Drive and within easy reach of the Santa Monica Boulevard, Four Seasons LA is well placed for exploration, yet there’s plenty to enjoy onsite too, including a resort pool with cabanas and an inviting day spa.

Pop a bottle and relax poolside at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Guests staying in top tier suites also receive the exclusive ‘Doheny Experience’, which includes Plane to Suite meet and greet, curbside or underground VIP arrival, and butler service on request. And, some suites even come with a Range Rover to use during your stay. Almost enough to put the paparazzi on your tail.

InterContinental Los Angeles

When it comes to 5-star Los Angeles hotels, it’s ‘go big or go home’ and a case in point is the InterContinental Los Angeles. Not only is it home to the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere – Spire 73 – but also La Boucherie, a premium sky-high steakhouse with over 1,000 bottles of hand-selected wine ready to pour.

Spire 73 is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere

Equally impressive are its 889 guest rooms and suites, each taking full advantage of the stunning views. If there’s one room in particular worth a look, it’s the Presidential Suite, with a piano in the lounge and a light-filled king bedroom that’s akin to sleeping among the clouds.

Get your sunglasses ready, the Sky Lobby is bathed in natural light

High-speed double-decker elevators whisk guests of this luxury hotel between the 70th floor Sky Lobby and ground floor in just 40 seconds, meaning you don’t have to wait long if you want to venture out and explore.

W Hollywood

Taking a leaf from the likes of Madonna and Cher who go by only one name, W is immediately known by just a single consonant. It’s a playful brand inspired by music, fashion and location – and W Hollywood is right at home amid the recording studios and boutiques that surround it.

'More is more' in the interior styling at W Hollywood

Overlooking the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame, directly across from historic Pantages Theatre, it’s a place where the old and new collide, with decor in its 305 hotel rooms and suites inspired by the swinging 60s.

The Extreme Wow Suite features a glorious curved leather lounge and deep marble bath, while the Sound Suite comes with its own recording booth and mixing desk.

The Extreme Wow Suite has a view to Capital Records

Beyond the suites, there’s a lot to love too, with the WET Deck rooftop pool and two sensational restaurants – Delphine Eatery and Station Hollywood – dishing up quintessential American fare.