Top 7 Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles: with individual design, excellent rooftop bars, and panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles has never lacked excellent accommodation options, and for those seeking character and style, it boasts a fantastic array of boutique hotels. Each one is unique, with its own distinct features, and many rank among the city's finest hotels. From chic bars to themed rooms, these popular boutique hotels excel at showcasing the vibrant lifestyle of Los Angeles. Guests can expect superb dining options, rooftop bars offering breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign, and inviting lounges for evenings out. This list highlights 7 of the best boutique hotels in Los Angeles, each so vibrant and distinctive that they are unmistakable.
1. Mama Shelter LA
If you're seeking an awesome boutique hotel in Hollywood that offers a respite from the bustling energy of the Walk of Fame, all at an affordable price, then Mama Shelter LA is the perfect choice. As its name suggests, this hotel delivers exactly what it promises. Spread across 5 floors, it boasts cozy, uniquely decorated rooms. Each room features spacious beds with luxurious linens, bathrooms with showers or bathtubs, complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart TVs with free movies, and stunning views of either the Hollywood sign or the city. The Medium Mama room accommodates two guests, while larger options can host up to 3 adults (plus 1 child in an XXL room). The hotel's standout feature is the Mama Restaurant, which offers a menu reminiscent of home-cooked meals. With a diverse selection ranging from homemade burgers and guacamole to vegan dishes, complemented by a bar serving inventive cocktails, guests are spoiled for choice. For ultimate relaxation, head to the rooftop terrace, open year-round and boasting nearly 360-degree views of the city. It's no surprise this spot has garnered numerous awards. Whether you're dining, enjoying an evening drink, or listening to DJs, the rooftop terrace is the place to be. Pets are welcome at the hotel for an additional fee, and well-behaved furry friends can even join guests on the rooftop.
2. Dream Hollywood
Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood at this vibrant hotel, located just a few minutes from the Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Surrounded by trendy bars, restaurants, and boutiques, some of which are located onsite, Dream Hollywood offers an experience like no other. Indulge in dining at the dynamic TAO restaurant, which transitions into a nightclub, or savor a meal at the chic New York restaurant Beauty & Essex. The highlight of the hotel is its 500-seat rooftop pool, offering unparalleled views of the Los Angeles skyline that transform into a dance floor by night. With its flamboyant quirkiness and eccentricity, Dream Hollywood stands out as "classically unconventional" among other boutique hotels in Los Angeles. The rooms and suites exude glamour and style, featuring black walnut finishes, cozy seating areas, bathrooms with rain showers, premium toiletries, and state-of-the-art technology. Tablets by the bedside allow guests to arrange room service and access concierge services with ease. Some accommodations boast private balconies. The rooftop provides unmatched views of the LA skyline and the iconic Hollywood sign, while offering a pool, dance floor, and lounge area with a grill and tables—ideal for lively evenings. Guests can start their mornings with a cup of coffee at the Sunrise coffee shop in the lobby before embarking on their exploration of the city's sights.
3. Short Stories
Formerly known as the Farmer's Daughter, this renowned boutique hotel in Los Angeles has undergone a significant transformation. The 1962 property now boasts a contemporary design with white, gray, and pastel hues, creating a bright and airy ambiance. Located within walking distance of entertainment venues such as CBS Television City, The Grove, and the historic farmers' market, Short Stories draws inspiration from the fresh aesthetic of Los Angeles, providing a serene retreat in the heart of the city. The rooms feature custom-made furnishings, hardwood floors, and local artwork and décor, offering a comfortable stay for guests. Luxurious king-size beds are adorned with Egyptian silk linens, and guests can enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine upon request as they peruse the in-room books. To enhance relaxation, the hotel offers amenities such as a heated swimming pool, terrace, outdoor seating area, communal morning teas, and wellness activities throughout the week. The lounge bar tempts guests with signature cocktails, a diverse wine list showcasing California wines, and classic American cuisine.
4. The LINE
Popular boutique hotels in Los Angeles, such as The LINE, cater to travelers seeking stylish design and a cohesive atmosphere. This sprawling 1964 building underwent renovations and now boasts 388 rooms offering views of either the Hollywood Hills or Wilshire Boulevard. Guests congregate on the sun-soaked pool terrace, dine at the bustling Commissary restaurant, and relax in the hexagonal lobby bar with ample seating and a lively bar program. The rooms are boldly decorated, featuring vibrant colors that contrast with the gray concrete walls adorned with artwork. Accommodations range from standard rooms to studios and suites, all equipped with en-suite bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, work desks, and dining areas. Hotel amenities include a barbershop club, fitness center, and disco club. The location of The LINE is ideal for exploring the city, but guests will find everything they need within reach, whether it's late-night karaoke or exploring Koreatown, with tips conveniently provided in the Here magazine found on bedside tables.
5. Mr. C Beverly Hills
Situated just a mile off Rodeo Drive, this luxury boutique hotel embodies the epitome of Beverly Hills chic, albeit located slightly south of the area. Most rooms and suites in its '60s tower offer city views, many boasting private balconies with stunning vistas of Santa Monica, downtown LA, the Hollywood Hills, and Century City. The hotel's panoramic views are among its standout features, with north-facing rooms offering scenic hill views popular among guests. However, city views are equally captivating, particularly at night. The hotel exudes a sublime atmosphere reminiscent of European luxury, featuring leather sofas, Venetian chandeliers, and marble and chrome accents. Guests can unwind at the yacht club pool decked with teak flooring, complete with a bar and private changing cabanas. Additional amenities include a gourmet Italian restaurant, a verdant courtyard, a lobby bar offering live music on weekends, and bicycles for exploring nearby attractions.
6. Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Targeting creative travelers and late-night revelers, this mid-block hotel on South Broadway boasts two bars, a New American restaurant, and a lobby coffee shop. The colorful 1920s architecture is accentuated by Spanish-Gothic motifs, while the rooms exude an artist's loft ambiance with rough concrete, white bathroom tiles, and eclectic accents like Navajo blankets and acoustic guitars. After lively evenings at the rooftop bar featuring cocktails, panoramic views, and DJ parties, guests can retreat to their rooms for a peaceful respite. Those seeking to extend the festivities can opt for the lofts, equipped with a kitchenette and leather seating—an ideal spot for socializing. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to numerous entertainment venues, the Ace Hotel is a top choice among LA's boutique hotels for nightlife enthusiasts.
7. Hotel Covell
One of Los Angeles' premier independent boutique hotels, Hotel Covell, has rapidly become a top choice for travelers in the entertainment industry, offering a blend of luxurious comfort, style, and serenity. Situated above the renowned Covell bar, a beloved local establishment, the hotel features nine meticulously designed rooms, each resembling individual apartments. Inside, guests are greeted with exquisite furnishings, spacious beds, freestanding bathtubs, dining areas, and cozy reading corners, along with amenities like Crosley turntables and Smeg refrigerators stocked with locally sourced goodies. The interiors of each room are uniquely themed, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as 1950s New York bachelor pads, Parisian classics, or 80s aesthetics. Attention to comfort is evident throughout the experience, from the attentive concierge service and complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival to the offerings at the ground-floor bar and room service. The hotel boasts a stunning rooftop terrace, adorned with vibrant decor, where guests can enjoy starting their day with a cup of coffee, unwinding with a good book in the afternoon, or savoring a glass of wine at sunset. Additionally, all hotel guests receive a 10% discount at select establishments on the Eastside; guests can inquire with the concierge for a comprehensive list of participating venues, such as the Hermosillo Bar and Brewery in Highland Park.