13 most romantic hotels in L.A.: from ocean views to gothic hideaways

Blocks from the Sunset Strip, this luxe Spanish-style villa offers a lush refuge to rock stars (and guests who secretly feel like rock stars) with tranquil gardens, fine dining and celeb-endorsed spa treatments. The lush garden grounds are intimate and perfect for a romantic stroll. Or stop in for dinner on the romantic patio at the hotel’s restaurant, Cavatina (think: ivy-wrapped pillars and white twinkly lights).

Mood? Sexy rock n’ roll chic. 

Location perks? The mellower side of West Hollywood, while still being close to The Strip.

Budget range? A wide range of options.

Time Out tip: For $3,000 a year, a select few locals (15, to be exact) can score unfettered access to the Marquis pool. That’s 365 days of sunning, swimming, and star-sighting, plus access to events, wine and liquor tastings, and complimentary Sunday brunch.

Paradise awaits on an oceanside bluff in posh Rancho Palos Verdes. The picturesque resort is a mecca of relaxation, boasting a nine-hole golf course, spa, four pools (including adult-only options) and eight fine-dining restaurants. Accommodations range from the usual rooms and suites to larger, more luxurious bungalows, casitas and villas. Take a romantic cliff-side stroll or laze about on the beach – the romantic activities are plentiful.

Mood? Secluded luxury. 

Location perks? Beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.

Budget range? Mid to high-end.

Time Out tip: Snuggle up next to a fire pit at Nelson’s overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

This elite and rather decadent Mission-style ’20s hotel, a dreamy getaway on 12 fairytale acres of lush landscaping, reopened in 2011 after a major two-year overhaul. The additions – which include new lofts and hillside suites, a La Prairie spa and fitness center, plus upgraded room features – are impressive. 

Mood? Sumptuous Californian elegance. 

Location perks? Near Bel-Air’s shopping mecca, North Rodeo Drive.

Budget range? Pricey.

Time Out tip: Got cash to burn? We recommend the Presidential Suite for the ultimate romantic getaway with its private courtyard and infinity pool.

Built in 1911, this craftsman-style inn is a hotel for those looking for a more personal, bed-and-breakfast-style stay. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s been faithfully restored and furnished with exceptional antique pieces; many of the rooms are named after characters with ties to the area (Venice founder Abbot Kinney, sometime local Charlie Chaplin). Each of the nine rooms has its own character and amenities, though four share a common bath. 

Mood? Cozy old-school charm. 

Location perks? Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey Beach and Venice Beach Boardwalk are close by. 

Budget range? Mid-range.

Time Out tip: Splash the cash on one of the more extravagant suites, which offer an ocean view, a fireplace, a patio or a private entrance – perfect for an idyllic loved-up retreat.

First things first: the words ‘athletic club’ do not, we appreciate, conjure up the air of all things romantic. But this LA institution in its gorgeous Beaux Arts building contains all you need to set the temperature just right. The rooms are low-lit heritage-inspired hideaways (we’ve really got our eye on one of the decadent suites) and the shared spaces and dining areas create an excellent sense of indulgence – because treating yourself is part of living healthily too, right?

Mood? Pure sophistication.

Location perks? Spend at evening at the Walt Disney Concert Hall before ambling back to the hotel for cocktails.

Budget range? Slightly cheaper than you might be guessing.

Culver City’s historic Culver Hotel was once the part-time residence of Old Hollywood greats such as Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo and Buster Keaton. The hotel has kept its vintage glamour over the years while still giving that intimate boutique feel. Sneak off to cuddle up on a couch in a dark corner or inside the hotel’s Velvet Lounge. The rooms feature crystal chandeliers and antique furnishings to continue the romance once you're in for the night.

Mood? Trad Hollywood glamour. 

Location perks? Round the corner from Sony Pictures Studio. 

Budget range? Mid-range.

Time Out tip: The hotel can arrange in-room spa services for guests.

The Millennium Biltmore is a sanctuary of old-school pomp and circumstance—think carved friezes, car-sized chandeliers, and afternoon tea service—that fits with its history as one of the oldest hotels in Los Angeles. Billed as "the birthplace of the Oscars", the crystal chandeliers, marble fountains and large tapestry covered windows are perfect for over-the-top romance. Next to such extravagance, the rooms can hardly compete, but they continue the same vibe in a more scaled-back way.

Mood? Old-school pomp and circumstance. 

Location perks? Plotted on Pershing Square and adjacent to Chinatown and the Arts District, the Biltmore is surrounded by hustle and bustle of any major metropolis, as well as museums, bars and galleries.

Budget range? Caters to various budgets.

Time Out tip: Order a Black Dahlia martini in the wood-and-granite Gallery Bar; the Biltmore was the last place that Hollywood’s most famous murder mystery victim was seen alive.

If you’re looking for a special – and very beautiful – hotel to stay at with your partner, but can’t quite afford to go really high-end, have a think about the FOUND Hotel in Santa Monica. Behind its stylishly unassuming façade, the hotel has an elegant, slightly Scandinavian aesthetic. Light woods, cream surfaces and an overriding feeling that ‘there’s a place for everything and everything has its place’ all combine to produce purely calm vibes.

Mood? As pretty a shiny new penny.

Location perks? Embrace your childish side with a visit to Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier.

Budget range? Comfortably ‘mid’.

Built as an apartment block in the 1950s, this tower was converted into a hotel by businessman Ian Schrager and designer Philippe Starck in the mid ’90s and immediately became the hottest spot in the city. Rooms feature whimsically designed furniture and many have stunning views of the Los Angeles flats below. Amping up the romance factor is the hotel’s pool area, with large beds to cuddle up on.

Mood? Breezy Calfi glam. 

Location perks? In the centre of the Sunset Strip
Budget range? Mid-range.

Time Out tip: Visit Skybar, an open-air pavilion with a bar and a beautiful view at night.

Located in Hollywood, Mama Shelter’s rooms are equipped with props and a camera for fun in and out of the sheets. The hotel posts the photos to the public (yes, they are censored), but the props seem like they often promote sexy time. Also, not all of the rooms have a bathroom door, so the intimacy levels are, you know, upped pretty quickly.

Mood? Stylishly retro. 

Location perks? Centrally located without being caught in the Walk of Fame’s overwhelming mess.

Budget range? Budget-friendly.

Time Out tip: Mama Shelter Los Angeles has one of the best rooftops in the whole city. Cuddle under the stars while being equally dazzled by Hollywood’s twinkling lights below.