A Local’s Guide to the Best Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles
If you’ve come to find out all about the best neighborhoods and best boutique hotels to stay in Los Angeles, you’re in the right place. After living in LA for over a decade, I can safely say that I know the ins and outs of nearly every neighborhood in this sprawling city.
First things first, if you’re figuring out where to stay in Los Angeles, you’ll want to decide your “vibe” for your visit. The geography of Los Angeles alone adds some logistical hurdles which need to be considered when you’re booking your stay.
Is the beach important to you? Do you want an urban, city vibe? Is going to see the Hollywood sign an absolute MUST? Or do you want a more off-the-beaten path, hidden gem vibe?
Write your responses down, then dive in below!
This ‘where to stay in Los Angeles’ post contains affiliate links, meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.
WEST HOLLYWOOD
West Hollywood is known for exciting nightlife, live entertainment, shopping, and dining. Santa Monica Boulevard is the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles. You’ll never tire of things to do in West Hollywood. It’s also extremely walkable.
WeHo is synonymous with trendy. Stay here if you want a safe neighborhood that’s in the center of all the action and if you’re looking for a luxury experience.
Palihotel Melrose
With just 33 rooms, Palihotel Melrose is the perfect spot for a low-key and luxury vibe. Super chic, you’ll love Palihotel’s charming decor and inviting outdoor courtyard.
It’s conveniently located right in the heart of the Melrose Shopping District, where you can spend all day browsing local boutiques and designer brands. You’ll also be within walking distance to the weekly street fair at the Melrose Trading Post.
The beds here are so comfortable. You’ll love the seeing the views of the Hollywood Hills from the pool!
Check rates and availability here.
Andaz West Hollywood
If you prefer a more energetic vibe, book at Andaz West Hollywood – it’s by far one of the best boutique hotels in Los Angeles, period.
Located right on Sunset Boulevard, Andaz West Hollywood is at the center of live music venues, comedy clubs, bars and restaurants. Staying here, you’ll get incredible views of the sprawling city.
The rooftop terrace offers a bar and pool, where you can grab a drink and observe multi-million dollar homes perched in the hills just across.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
Downtown Los Angeles can be a great neighborhood for travelers.
One of the big advantages of staying in downtown LA is its central location. From here, you can easily reach the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), the Ahmanson Theatre, Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center), and charming neighborhoods like Little Tokyo and the Arts District.
DTLA is also well-connected to public transit, so if you’re coming to LA without a car, downtown might be the best choice. It’s also filled with stunning architecture, some of the oldest in the city.
However, downtown can get pretty busy. Admittedly, it’s not always the safest.
There are, sadly, many individuals experiencing homelessness living on the streets downtown.
If this doesn’t bother you, then downtown is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more laid-back, relaxed vibe, don’t stay downtown.
Hotel Per La
Opened in September 2022, Hotel Per La is a charming boutique hotel featuring beautiful design in a 1920s building, originally the home to the Bank of Italy. The marble and plaster façade is a sight to be seen and also retains the building’s character as a tribute to LA history. Stepping into this hotel from the streets of downtown feels like magic, a world within its own.
The rooftop bar, Bar Clara, is artistic and fun, offering an assortment of food and drinks (including my favorite, spritz!) on the menu. You’ll love the expressive murals by local artist Jessalyn Brooks.
Check rates and availability here.
Ace Hotel DTLA
Always a favorite, the Ace Hotel in DTLA upholds its reputation as a longstanding boutique hotel. Built in the historic United Artist Theater, the Ace features stunning Art Deco design. The industrial-chic vibe is perfect for you if you love a creative scene. As the brand states, “grit meets glamour” at the DTLA Ace hotel.
I remember when this hotel first opened in DTLA. Everyone was so excited to welcome it to the neighborhood!
You’ll love the rooftop bar and restaurant, where you can take in skyscraper views and some great people-watching, too.
SANTA MONICA
If the beach is your priority for your trip to LA, look no further than Santa Monica. After you spend all day laying out on the sand, catch stunning sunsets from the pier. Santa Monica is also accessible by car to LA’s most renowned beaches further north, including Malibu, Zuma, and El Matador.
Santa Monica is also well-connected with bus lines and the Metro Expo line that will take you all the way to Union Station in downtown.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
By far one of the best boutique hotels in Los Angeles, Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a true gem. Designed by the famous Kelly Wearstler, the hotel features a contemporary aesthetic with a vintage touch. The signature bed is very comfortable and you will love the Aesop bath products.
The Proper Hotels are always nothing short of total perfection. You’ll want to take photos at every turn. Stay here if you are obsessed with incredible interior design.
Check rates and availability here.
Viceroy Santa Monica
This discreet hotel is right on the beach – perfect for you if you’re looking for the ultimate beach vacation in Los Angeles. I had to add it to my list of as one of the best boutique hotels in Los Angeles because of the hotel’s incredible attention to every detail.
Each room has a balcony, so you can wake up in style and watch the sunrise over the water (be sure to specify a room facing the Pacific). Does it get more perfect than that?
Check rates and availability here.
MARINA DEL REY
If you’re short on time and flying out of LAX, but still want a dreamy beach vacation in Los Angeles, stay in Marina del Rey. Here, you’ll be within 20 minutes driving to the airport, yet still close to the water. And, Marina del Rey is probably one of the safest neighborhoods in all of LA.
Close to Venice Beach and Santa Monica, you can access other beaches north or south by taking the bike path, driving, or using the Big Blue Bus. However, Marina del Rey is far from other parts of the city. Getting to DTLA or Los Feliz is a trek, so be sure you’re ready to commit if you want to stay here!
Marina del Rey Hotel
Perfect for a laid-back vacation with your partner or a girls’ trip, Marina del Rey Hotel is located right on the marina. This little corner of Los Angeles offers a classy vibe. My favorite part of this hotel is the restaurant, SALT, which has incredible food. I’ve dined here a few times for special occasions, each one memorable.
I’d recommend staying at Marina del Rey Hotel if you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and access to water activities like stand up paddle boarding, surfing, or boating.
Check rates and availability here.
LOS FELIZ
Los Feliz is centrally located but also just far east enough to be closer to Griffith Park, Dodger Stadium, and Hollywood. Stay here if you still want to access West Hollywood, but be a little closer to DTLA AND popular hiking trails.
Cara Hotel
Ahh, this hotel is such a dream. If you’re one who loves a clean, neutral aesthetic, you’ll love Cara Hotel.
The arched doors and white, earth-toned color palette are completely unexpected from the outside. If I’m being honest, the neighborhood around the hotel is a little underwhelming.
But one step inside and you’re transported. I’ve had dinner and brunch at the restaurant at Cara Hotel, both spectacular experiences – it has a super romantic interior courtyard with trees lit with string lights.
When I had dinner at Cara Hotel, I even spotted Marianna Hewitt at a table not far from mine!
Check rates and availability here.
MIRACLE MILE
The perfect location for everywhere you need to be. If you’re torn between the beach and the city, staying somewhere right in the middle of Los Angeles is the perfect solution. Enter: Miracle Mile.
Short Stories Hotel
Just recently opened in spring of 2022, Short Stories Hotel is right in the heart of Miracle Mile across from The Grove – an ever-popular outdoor shopping mall.
With just 66 rooms, you’ll be swept off your feet to this Californian hideout. I love the ‘writer’s’ theme — so perfect for writers and lovers of short stories like me!
They also have an irresistibly chic restaurant complete with a lush display of greenery. Highly recommend!
Check rates and availability here.
Have you decided where to stay in Los Angeles? Let me know your questions and comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Planning a trip right now? Here are a few of my top resources I use to book every trip.
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