The 12 best hotels in Los Angeles for a relaxing sun-soaked stay

The gorgeous five-star Conrad Hotel in Los Angeles is every bit elegant and more. A luxurious and relaxing oasis of 305 rooms, a rooftop terrace with a private pool, a full spa, and locally-inspired dining, this hotel will give you the full five-star L.A. experience. Situated in the center of the city, you'll be right by Grand Park, in a vibrant neighborhood, and be close to cultural venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad Museum. The rooms are all oozing with elegance, luxury, and comfort, and offer city views or courtyard/pool views. 

Mood? Contemporary glam.
Location perks? In the heart of downtown LA. 
Budget range? A little on the pricey side.

In addition to the A-listers you’ll encounter while staying here (but we're naming no names), this 5-star haunt actually lets you pretend to be one. The lush, secluded Beverly Hills property is designed like a glamorous French chateau and attracts a roster of celebs, jet-setters, and bon vivant with its destination spa, 60-foot rooftop pool, and signature Afternoon Tea program. Plus it's a pretty coveted wedding spot, so you might catch a glimpse of someone's big day celebrations. If you decide you'd rather explore the city than the hotel (not everyone does, what with the spa, beautiful rooms, and award-winning cuisine) then you'll find you're a stroll from the heart of Beverly Hills. 

Mood? Boujie vibes.
Location perks? 12 minutes walk from Rodeo Drive.
Budget range? Spenny as heck.

Welcome to paradise, people. Situated on an oceanside bluff in posh Rancho Palos Verdes, the picturesque resort is a Shangri-la of relaxation and resort life. The venue boasts a nine-hole golf course, a lavish spa, four pools (including adult-only), and eight restaurants - where you can nibble and soak up the sea view. There's also access to paddleboarding, snorkeling and horseback riding, so it's pretty perfect if you fancy working up a sweat. Guests can also take the complimentary shuttle to Abalone Cove and other nearby shopping havens. When you manage to holiday your way through all of that, we're sure you'll find you have a great night's rest. 

Mood? Secluded retreat.
Location perks? 102 acres of private Cali land. What's not to love?
Budget range? You'll spend a few dollars here.

The Hotel Per La is an Autograph Collection hotel and takes its design lead from Italy. That translates into a series of rooms and suites decorated in cooling shades of olive, cream and azure-meets-navy. There’s a pleasingly eclectic collection of artworks which makes the place feel a little bit more personal than most big hotels, and there’s the possibility of booking a room with its own little patio access. The real headline here, however, is the heated rooftop pool with gorgeous views across the city. If you’re able to drag yourself away from the poolside long enough, you’ll find yourself in the heart of LA with everything the city offers either right on your doorstep or a short cab ride away.

Mood? Italianate class with an LA twist.
Location perks? Right in the centre: you’ll be missing nothing.
Budget range? Luxury for less than you’d think.

With 1950s-style cabanas and a refreshingly chilled-out pool culture, the retro-fabulous Hollywood Roosevelt offers glamor minus the cheap thrills. There’s also a library-themed cocktail bar, a swank, two-lane bowling alley, and a 24-hour burger bar, so despite all the temptations along Hollywood Boulevard, you never really have to leave the building (but if you do, go hunt for your favorite celebrity's star, of course). You'll also be near all the wonderful amenities Hollywood Heights has to offer. 

Mood? Eclectic design. 
Location perks? On Hollywood Boulevard, 300 meters from the Dolby Theater.
Budget range? Very affordable for LA.

For those who place a priority on edgy design and a sense of commonality, the sought-after Line Hotel makes a fine landing spot. With global influences (Korean, Latin, and heritage from the good ol' US of A) it's a culturally influenced spot that celebrates diversity. Between the pool, the always-packed Commissary restaurant, and quirky art objects displayed in the rooms (think bird sculptures and crystals), this hotel lets its personality do the talking. It's a true dream stay. You'll also be in Korea Town, so if you venture from the hotel, you can be sure there's many a place for good eating. And partying. 

Mood? Mid-century charm.
Location perks? An easy four-mile drive from Hollywood.
Budget range? Largely inexpensive. 

Blocks from the Sunset Strip, this luxe Spanish-style villa offers a lush refuge to rock stars (and guests who want to feel like rock stars) with tranquil gardens, fine dining and celeb-endorsed spa treatments. In fact, even the spa menu is influenced by rock n roll, with services named 'body tune, pipe cleaner, pick up, strum and syncopation'. To fully recharge your batteries you can also book a spa package (pricey but worth it). This might be especially welcome if you decide to go and live it up in West Hollywood. There's a 24-hour front desk, so the party only stops when you want it to. Glam. 

Mood? Villa vibes.
Location perks? Nestled in a tree-lined cul-de-sac of West Hollywood.
Budget range? A really great deal. 

Formerly a cool retreat for hot Hollywood stars and now a sister to Casa del Mar, Shutters has a chilled but decidedly upscale vibe. Filled with comfortable sofas, club chairs and prints by modern masters such as David Hockney, the lobby mirrors the beach-cottage ambiance of the rooms and suites. Guests who prefer gentle pampering to the myriad outdoor beach activities can spend a day at the spa or sit poolside sipping wine and taking in the ocean views. There's no reason to leave such a beautiful spot, but, you are right on the beach – so you could briefly pop over there. We suppose there's Santa Monica Pier too, a whole five-minute walk away. 

Mood? Beachfront bliss. 
Location perks? Not one but two oceanfront restaurants on your doorstep. Dreamy. 
Budget range? High-end but worth it. 

Hotel Erwin is a meticulously styled boutique hotel with the heart of a surfer bungalow, steps from the ocean and offering amenities like vegan minibars and sunset views, making for a locals-only glimpse into Southern California beach culture. Basically, hanging ten never looked so good. Just outside this hip joint, you have a load of great food and drink options, galleries and shops. Convenience has never been so chic. 

Mood? Coastal chic.
Location perks? Within very close walking distance from the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Budget range? Very decently priced.

This modernist four-star hotel is an absolute beauty. From the moment you enter The Garland you're met with de rigueur wood paneling, grasscloth wallpaper, and a huge stone fireplace (there's another by the pool FYI). This design runs throughout; even the massive gym is swathed in retro orange. Rooms come with all the usual amenities and private balconies, plus dogs are welcome! So if you're traveling with your furry mate, they'll be treated to a dog toy on arrival, with a bowl and mat for them in your room. Strolls around LA with the pooch are a breeze here too, you're a good walk from the Hollywood Sign or a brief one from Universal Studios.

Mood? Rustic retreat.
Location perks? Super close to Universal City, home to over 50 shops and restaurants, if needed.
Budget range? An amazing offer.

Situated above local-favorite Bar Covell (and owned by the bar’s founder, Dustin Lancaster), Hotel Covell offers nine well-appointed rooms, each meticulously curated with reading nooks and record players, clawfoot tubs and statement furniture, and adorable Smeg refrigerators stocked with locally sourced offerings. Even better? This boutique hotel is so luxurious and contemporary that the suites all have a variety of designs, so you can choose the one that best suits you. When you're not unwinding in this artsy pad, you'll find you're in the heart of East Hollywood. Griffith Park and Observatory are nearby, as is Thai Town. 

Mood? Boutique chic.
Location perks? Located right on Hollywood Boulevard.
Budget range? Not for tight budget travelers.

As you're probably well aware, Sunset Boulevard is among one of the most popular spots in LA. And it's not hard to see why, with countless bars and restaurants to choose from along Sunset Strip. As for the Pendry? For starters, the hotel boasts glamourous art deco interiors, some of which are inspired by the ocean and the 'dusky skies' of SoCal. Up in your room, you'll find an effortlessly curated space with a range of upscale furnishings and a layout roomy enough to relax and get ready. From morning swims to enjoying a massage at the spa to hanging out at the bowling alley or enjoying a casual sip in the evening at Merois rooftop bar, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained at the Pendry. 

Mood? Hollywood glamour.

Location perks? You just can't beat views of the Hollywood Hills.

Budget range? On the luxe side of life.

The beach vibes are out in full force at Santa Monica Proper Hotel, owed to its earthy tones and championing of natural materials. Its award-winning rooftop restaurant is known for being one of the best, with the ocean views as the highlight. Take a dip in the sky-high pool while you're up there... or just lounge next to it with a spicy pineapple margarita in hand. Book an appointment at the spa for a signature massage, chakra light balancing or 'love therapy' involving a chocolate body mask. 

Mood? Coastal cool. 
Location perks? 1.2km away from Santa Monica Beach. 
Budget range? Not the cheapest. 

With wood-heavy decor that screams 70s chic, Thompson Hollywood is blending fun with sophistication to create a space that feels VIP yet relaxed. The beautiful rooftop pool offers sweeping city views and id flanked by bar Lis – a contemporary cocktail lounge inspired by the French Riviera. The Terrace is another great spot for casual dining and even serves a stellar breakfast including waffles, shakshuka and the classic American platter. 

Mood? Retro tropics. 
Location perks? You're steps away from the Hollywood walk of fame. 
Budget range? Average.