Los Angeles Hotels

In a Frank Gehry building just across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and steps from the Broad, the Conrad has: Sleek bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, some of them overlooking the hotel’s pretty pool and the Grand complex. Two José Andrés restaurants, which both have stupendous service and several standout dishes, like San Laurel’s black Mission fig stracciatella salad and Basque-style cheesecake. And an outstanding spa that features an infrared sauna, Augustinus Bader facials, Gavin McLeod-Valentine–trained aestheticians, and harmonic therapy using binaural beats. It’s easily the best place to stay on Bunker Hill.

WHY WE LOVE IT If your mind’s on together time with friends or family, booking a private home—where you can have the run of the place—is a great option. Vrbo makes it easy to find what you’re looking for across the west side: say, something funky way out in Topanga Canyon, a colorful and contemporary Venice retreat, or the beach bungalow of your dreams, steps from Abbot Kinney.

The turquoise Georgian Hotel has been a landmark on Ocean Avenue since 1933. Today, it’s been totally reinvented by the developers who did the Ace Hotel and SoHo Warehouse in downtown LA. It retains the property’s historical roots, but feels elevated and modern.

Hotel Per La is colorful and luxe without feeling too formal: The lofty lobby feels like verdant Italian garden; the rooms are chic and comfortable—some have standing tubs and courtyard patios. A rooftop with gorgeous views and a pool (and poolside bar, Bar Clara) make it the perfect downtown respite. Their ground-floor restaurant, Per L’Ora, serves excellent apertivos and agnolotti.

If you're not inclined to stay right in the thick of it all on Sunset, this Melrose spot is a nice alternative. The first floor is home to Blue Daisy, which is known for its brunch (come for the shakshuka and Nutella crepes). As for the rooms, they're spacious and simple, with quirky design flourishes like antique portraits and velvet settees adding personality to an otherwise straightforwardly comfortable design.

We’re longtime fans of the Proper hotels—and interior designer Kelly Wearstler’s worked some magic with this one again. The rooms, while mostly on the snug side, are gorgeously designed. There’s a rooftop pool with views of DTLA. And then there are the three excellent restaurants: Downstairs, James Beard Award-winning team of chef Suzanne Goin and restauranteur Caroline Styne run the Portuguese-inspired Caldo Verde. Dahlia is the speakeasy bar—it’s great for intimate nights out. And don’t skip the rooftop restaurant, Cara Cara, at sundown.

Short Stories is a breezy, contemporary spot that’s walking distance from some great 3rd Street and Fairfax restaurants. They have good service, a pool, and a solid restaurant.

Palisociety hotels have cropped up all across town now, but the Hollywood location is the best pick if you’re mostly in town to go out: It's walking distance from some of Hollywood's most famous venues, and it has a central pool, a cute lobby bar, and a party spirit. There’s an In-N-Out next door for late night snacking, too.

Hotel June Malibu has a collection of minimal, bungalow-style suites. It’s on Point Dume, just a couple minutes’ drive to the beach, and it’s dog-friendly, has a pool, and offers bikes and surfboards you can take out for the day. They don’t have a full restaurant, so it’s a good fit if you’re planning on going out more than staying in.

This reimagining of Palisociety’s first hotel (originally located on nearby Holloway Drive) offers the same quirky charm and warm hospitality as its predecessor. The rooms are cozy and luxurious, a blend of California ease and old-world opulence. And although the views aren’t necessarily memorable, the location is hard to beat, with Joan’s on Third two doors down and LACMA a short drive away. Enjoy the peaceful outdoor pool and accompanying lemonade bar on a sunny afternoon; for late-night bites, try Mezzanine Sushi, the in-house restaurant that serves a trendy take on Japanese bar food.