This 300-room Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, literally an L.A. landmark, combines the shimmer of silver-screen history with a cutting-edge party scene centered around its multiple bars and massive pool. A terrific casual restaurant is open 24 hours, and service is surprisingly good. The rooms, though well designed, are smaller than average for L.A.
This 300-room Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, literally an L.A. landmark, combines the shimmer of silver-screen history with a cutting-edge party scene centered around its multiple bars and massive pool. A terrific casual restaurant is open 24 hours, and service is surprisingly good. The rooms, though well designed, are smaller than average for L.A.
Located steps from Hollywood Boulevard, the Magic Castle is a quirky, unpretentious 40-room hotel with simple, spacious rooms, an exhaustive list of free perks (Wi-Fi, breakfast, minibar treats), access to the exclusive Magic Castle club next door, and exceptional service. Overall, it's a terrific value and one of L.A.'s hidden gems.
Located steps from Hollywood Boulevard, the Magic Castle is a quirky, unpretentious 40-room hotel with simple, spacious rooms, an exhaustive list of free perks (Wi-Fi, breakfast, minibar treats), access to the exclusive Magic Castle club next door, and exceptional service. Overall, it's a terrific value and one of L.A.'s hidden gems.
When the Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles first opened way back in 1923, it was the largest hotel west of Chicago. The hotel was built by the same architect who designed the iconic Waldorf Astoria in New York City, and the attention to intricate detail is magnificent, especially in the five ballrooms, lobby, and historic bar. The 683 rooms are mostly decorated in a classic style, though some have more contemporary interiors and extras like walk-in closets and club level lounge access. As for features, there's a charming indoor pool, four assorted restaurants, and a dated fitness center. One unexpected perk is a brush with Hollywood; everyone from John Legend to Jennifer Lopez to the cast of "Ghostbusters" has filmed in the hotel. For a downtown hotel that's more hip than historic, check rates at Freehand Los Angeles.
When the Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles first opened way back in 1923, it was the largest hotel west of Chicago. The hotel was built by the same architect who designed the iconic Waldorf Astoria in New York City, and the attention to intricate detail is magnificent, especially in the five ballrooms, lobby, and historic bar. The 683 rooms are mostly decorated in a classic style, though some have more contemporary interiors and extras like walk-in closets and club level lounge access. As for features, there's a charming indoor pool, four assorted restaurants, and a dated fitness center. One unexpected perk is a brush with Hollywood; everyone from John Legend to Jennifer Lopez to the cast of "Ghostbusters" has filmed in the hotel. For a downtown hotel that's more hip than historic, check rates at Freehand Los Angeles.
A chain hotel near LAX Airport and the 405 freeway, The Westin Los Angeles Airport is a 740-room giant with extra amenities like New Balance workout gear for rent and in-room spa treatments. There are three on-site dining options including the Daily Grill for a sit-down meal or lobby cafe for takeaway snacks and beverages. Rooms are generic, but do have signature comfortable beds and flat-screen TVs. There is an outdoor pool and hot tub, free shuttle to LAX airport, and Zipcar service available on-site but there is a fee for Wi-Fi. Guests looking for a more upscale pool experience should check out the nearby Custom Hotel with a multi tiered pool deck and fire pit.
A chain hotel near LAX Airport and the 405 freeway, The Westin Los Angeles Airport is a 740-room giant with extra amenities like New Balance workout gear for rent and in-room spa treatments. There are three on-site dining options including the Daily Grill for a sit-down meal or lobby cafe for takeaway snacks and beverages. Rooms are generic, but do have signature comfortable beds and flat-screen TVs. There is an outdoor pool and hot tub, free shuttle to LAX airport, and Zipcar service available on-site but there is a fee for Wi-Fi. Guests looking for a more upscale pool experience should check out the nearby Custom Hotel with a multi tiered pool deck and fire pit.
The Freehand Los Angeles is as hip as its downtown Los Angeles location. The historic Commercial Exchange Building was transformed into an Instagram-friendly hotel aimed directly at millennial tourists. Features focus on fun and mingling, everywhere from the scenic rooftop pool to the ground floor communal workspace and bar with happy hour deals. Weekend DJ sets up the party factor, but the hotel still offers a good night's sleep. The 226 rooms are divided into typical King, Studio, and Suite categories, and it also offers Shared Rooms for four, six, or eight people -- and ensuite bathrooms. Finely curated decor prominently features local artists and textiles. One major downside? A daily facility fee. For a hip hotel on Sunset Boulevard, check rates at The Jeremy West Hollywood.
The Freehand Los Angeles is as hip as its downtown Los Angeles location. The historic Commercial Exchange Building was transformed into an Instagram-friendly hotel aimed directly at millennial tourists. Features focus on fun and mingling, everywhere from the scenic rooftop pool to the ground floor communal workspace and bar with happy hour deals. Weekend DJ sets up the party factor, but the hotel still offers a good night's sleep. The 226 rooms are divided into typical King, Studio, and Suite categories, and it also offers Shared Rooms for four, six, or eight people -- and ensuite bathrooms. Finely curated decor prominently features local artists and textiles. One major downside? A daily facility fee. For a hip hotel on Sunset Boulevard, check rates at The Jeremy West Hollywood.
The upper-middle-range Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is located in the heart of Los Angeles, just a short walk from Universal Studios Hollywood, making it convenient base for tourists. It's also popular for meetings and private events. Its 500 guest rooms are well-equipped and comfortable, but they feel a bit dated. All come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and robes. Marble bathrooms are more modern, and have Peter Thomas Roth products. Features are a major draw, with a lovely outdoor pool area with private cabanas, a beautiful restaurant, a fitness center, and a free Universal shuttle, but Wi-Fi is free only for Hilton Honors members, and breakfast costs extra. Rates can spike at times; travelers looking for a budget stay nearby can consider Nite Inn at Universal City.
The upper-middle-range Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is located in the heart of Los Angeles, just a short walk from Universal Studios Hollywood, making it convenient base for tourists. It's also popular for meetings and private events. Its 500 guest rooms are well-equipped and comfortable, but they feel a bit dated. All come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and robes. Marble bathrooms are more modern, and have Peter Thomas Roth products. Features are a major draw, with a lovely outdoor pool area with private cabanas, a beautiful restaurant, a fitness center, and a free Universal shuttle, but Wi-Fi is free only for Hilton Honors members, and breakfast costs extra. Rates can spike at times; travelers looking for a budget stay nearby can consider Nite Inn at Universal City.
Located just south of Hollywood Boulevard, Dream Hollywood is a trendy, four-pearl property with plenty of high-style flourishes. The hotel’s 178 rooms and suites are luxe and contemporary, decked out with Smart TVs, iPads, and lavish minibars. But most guests aren't drawn to the property for its rooms, rather they come for the fun nightlife scene thanks to its popular bars, nightclubs, and restaurants attracting a glam crowd of locals along with guests. A large gym and rooftop pool round out the on-site features. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with W Hollywood, which has a similar party-centric vibe and stylishly modern rooms.
Located just south of Hollywood Boulevard, Dream Hollywood is a trendy, four-pearl property with plenty of high-style flourishes. The hotel’s 178 rooms and suites are luxe and contemporary, decked out with Smart TVs, iPads, and lavish minibars. But most guests aren't drawn to the property for its rooms, rather they come for the fun nightlife scene thanks to its popular bars, nightclubs, and restaurants attracting a glam crowd of locals along with guests. A large gym and rooftop pool round out the on-site features. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with W Hollywood, which has a similar party-centric vibe and stylishly modern rooms.
The 78-room Holiday Inn Express West Los Angeles is a value hotel off the I-405 with easy access to local hospitals and tourist sights. Staff are known to be very warm and friendly, and there are free baked goods in the lobby. Guest rooms are clean and bright, and have mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and comfy beds -- although, some guests complain of highway noise. Features include free hot breakfast and Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, and laundry facilities. Guests should drive rather than walk in the neighborhood after dark.
The 78-room Holiday Inn Express West Los Angeles is a value hotel off the I-405 with easy access to local hospitals and tourist sights. Staff are known to be very warm and friendly, and there are free baked goods in the lobby. Guest rooms are clean and bright, and have mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and comfy beds -- although, some guests complain of highway noise. Features include free hot breakfast and Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, and laundry facilities. Guests should drive rather than walk in the neighborhood after dark.
This once-hip, 207-room hotel may be the forgotten child of the Standard empire -- it's run-down and partied out -- but the poolside view is still hard to beat, the design is still striking, and the prices can dip way low. A fine deal for low-budget travelers who want a stellar downtown location and don't mind some grime.
This once-hip, 207-room hotel may be the forgotten child of the Standard empire -- it's run-down and partied out -- but the poolside view is still hard to beat, the design is still striking, and the prices can dip way low. A fine deal for low-budget travelers who want a stellar downtown location and don't mind some grime.
Expect staff to greet you with "bonjour" at the French-owned Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, a luxury hotel with 295 elegant rooms and suites. It's located on the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, directly across the street from the massive Beverly Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The hotel is home to a trendy bar, all-day restaurant with garden seating, luxury spa, large fitness center, and expansive function space. Too bad the small pool is plagued by street noise and has an unsightly view of the mall next door. Some of the rooms have views of the Hollywood sign and furnished balconies. Note that there's a daily resident fee. For something more modern and closer to nightlife, check rates at The Jeremy West Hollywood.
Expect staff to greet you with "bonjour" at the French-owned Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, a luxury hotel with 295 elegant rooms and suites. It's located on the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, directly across the street from the massive Beverly Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The hotel is home to a trendy bar, all-day restaurant with garden seating, luxury spa, large fitness center, and expansive function space. Too bad the small pool is plagued by street noise and has an unsightly view of the mall next door. Some of the rooms have views of the Hollywood sign and furnished balconies. Note that there's a daily resident fee. For something more modern and closer to nightlife, check rates at The Jeremy West Hollywood.