Los Angeles can be a dreamy place to visit—if you plan correctly. If you don’t, you’ll understand very quickly why everyone won’t shut up about the traffic. My husband has been there countless times and still thinks that he can, after lunch in Hollywood, head over to Santa Monica to hit that favorite antiques shop of his. Every Angeleno knows that is the worst rookie idea and look at him in horror: ”What are you thinking—you’ll end up on the 10 for two hours on the way back!!” For that reason, we’ve organized this hotel list geographically—if you’re coming for the Rose Bowl flea market and to check out the Huntington Gardens and Bungalow Heaven, you should probably stay in Pasadena, or DTLA (Downtown LA). If you’re here to be by the ocean and only want to head into Hollywood for dinners, stay in Santa Monica or Venice. If you’re heading there for work and need to be kind of in the middle of it all, stay in Hollywood or Beverly Hills. And if after that work week you want an escape, head out to Malibu. Whatever you do, consider that 7-9am and 3:30-6:30pm are the times to stay off the roads—trust us, you’ll be happier!—Y.E.
As always, we noted any hotels under our Costa Meno threshold ($500/night in peak season), with a (CM) and those especially suitable for families with an (F).
Santa Monica/Venice
Regent Santa Monica – “This hotel just had a beautiful revamp and the lobby bar and restaurant are great,” writer Zach Weiss says. “It’s an ideal setup if you want a beach getaway with access to the glitzier parts of Los Angeles, though be mindful of the traffic when going that direction! You’re right across the street from the beach and a great dive called Chez Jay, too!” (F)
The Santa Monica Proper – Relaxed California cool, with ample public space for work meetings or kids and a fantastic Ayurvedic spa. Photographer Matt Morris says, “The Proper hotels are always well designed, featuring Kelly Wearstler’s incredible interiors, but the Santa Monica location is the crown jewel. The lobby (Palma) and rooftop (Calabra) are hard to beat for a good place to meet friends for a cocktail.” P.S. The suite rates include an airport pickup. Read our Guest Book. (CM, F)
The Georgian – Right on Ocean Avenue, with prime beach access and rooms with retro flair and old-Hollywood references—tassles, velvet, and orbed lighting—plus great views. (CM, F)
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