The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles

As unique as the bohemian crowd that flocks to Venice, the Rose Hotel offers a cozy, relaxed stay, only feet from the sandy beach and within walking distance from the myriad dining options found scattered throughout this seaside neighborhood. It’s also close to the famed Venice boardwalk, hosting a crowd of local artisans, throngs of tourists and a dynamic collection of performers. Each of the suites at the Rose Hotel are decorated individually, and guests are invited to choose between seven tastefully furnished rooms. Among these are the “The Abbott Kinney Suite”, complete with an attractive black-stone fireplace, the “Simpson Suite” with its wraparound deck built for sunbathing or the Pacific Penthouse, replete with natural light and wide views of the ocean.

Paying homage to the colorful eccentricities of LA, Mama Shelter is a whimsical abode perched above Hollywood Boulevard. With locations across the globe, Mama Shelter offers a fun and unique stay for travelers looking for something a little different. This location is at the center of LA’s energetic nightlife and entertainment district – arguably some of the best venues, bars and restaurants on the West Coast. Guests are treated to views of the Hollywood Sign and Downtown from the buzzy rooftop bar and pool. The rooms reflect the youthful ambiance, with bright colors and bold patterns mixing and cozy king-sized beds. You’ll leave feeling revived and rejuvenated, ready to dive into your next creative endeavor.

The effortlessly cool crowd of Los Feliz often gathers at Hotel Covell. Bar Covell, on the bottom floor, is perpetually teeming with urbane locals sipping wine and conversing over decadent cheese boards. The rooms upstairs are equally chic: a quiet stay among stylish mid-century furniture, soft beds topped with fluffy down comforters and refined artwork. Los Feliz is adored for its central location (a drive to downtown is only 15 minutes, Hollywood is only 10), its countless notable restaurants and coffee shops and an undeniable neighborhood feel. Visitors at Hotel Covell are only a short distance from two of the city’s best parks, Griffith and Barnsdall, for a morning hike or picnic in the sun.

Those who want to be at the very heart of Hollywood should look no further than the Kimpton Everly Hotel, mere blocks away from landmarks like Capitol Records, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Pantages Theater. Whether you’re looking to network, sightsee or just relax, the Kimpton Everly offers a home base for any type of trip. Guests are invited to lounge by the tranquil pool, grab a snack or drink at the hotel’s bright eatery, Jane Q. You can also experience some much-needed peace and quiet in the impeccably decorated hotel rooms. Amenities include soft Casper mattresses, complimentary bikes and yoga mats and in-room spa treatments.

The Freehand Hotel exudes a distinct energy much like LA itself: charismatic, welcoming and spirited. Groups of travelers can book bunks in the practical and efficient – yet still comfortable – shared rooms, while those seeking a more luxurious stay can choose from the Burroughs Suite with 360-degree views of the DTLA skyline, or the Loft Suite, a romantic retreat far from the noise of city streets. Make sure to try the colorful, quirky cocktails at the rooftop bar, Broken Shaker, and visit the whimsical florist-retail space-creative workshop, Flowerboy, on the bottom floor. There’s plenty to enjoy at the hotel, but you won’t want to miss the other activities downtown has to offer. Visit Grand Central Market and choose from a diverse array of world cuisine, enjoy contemporary art at the Broad Museum, or take a short, albeit charming, ride at Angel’s Flight, deemed the “world’s shortest railway.”

Right at the center of Koreatown – one of LA’s most lively neighborhoods – is the Line Hotel. Its central location (only minutes from both downtown, Hollywood and Silver Lake) makes it an easy favorite for travelers and locals alike. The generous rooms are decked out with desks, locally made art and pillow-top mattresses. Guests can choose from an array of suites and rooms, varying in size and with wide views of the busy city streets below – and provide a quiet sanctuary to rest, get work done or chill out with friends. Notable options include The Speek Suite, inspired by a colorful 1970s Koreatown home and the 600-square-foot Hollywood Hills View Suite, featuring floor-to-ceiling window for taking in the view. If you’re hungry, The Line Hotel’s Openaire restaurant provides a wide selection of both healthy and more indulgent options in a greenhouse space brimming with leafy plants, stretching their vines across the rafters.

Santa Monica has long been a vacation destination for travelers across the world. Palihouse has been in operation since 1927, but the one-of-a-kind lodge was given a modern facelift in 2001. The stunning exterior of the hotel is a pristine example of Moorish-influenced Mediterranean Revival architecture, while the interior is a tasteful combination of textures and patterns: colorfully tiled fountains, deep velvet couches for prolonged conversation and mismatched wallpaper, all creating a sense of intrigue without feeling kitschy. Guests can choose from a selection of rooms and suites, complete with eye-catching wallpaper, tall windows and custom furnishings. Visitors are encouraged to explore the surrounding neighborhood, too: Santa Monica’s renowned Farmer’s Market pops up every Wednesday and Sunday.

Encapsulating the star-studded glamour and history of Beverly Hills, Mr. C offers unparalleled luxury. The stylish rooms are complete with pristine wood flooring, polished, handcrafted furniture and a choice between a view of LA’s sprawling metropolis or the rolling, green horizons of Beverly Hills. Find yourself lounging by the pool through the afternoon, or even catch a poolside movie on a Tuesday evening. The hotel’s restaurant serves up fresh, California-Italian cuisine (try the signature carpaccio or baked tagliolini). Mr. C also hosts a full-service spa, so guests can take on the City of Angels feeling pampered and relaxed.

There’s no doubt about it: the Ace Hotel in downtown LA feels like a true classic. While it has been around for two decades, the Ace still retains a fresh, youthful appeal. Find a crowded rooftop pool and bar any night of the week or check out the impressive lineup of performances at the stunning Ace Hotel Theater. The rooms offer a peaceful sanctuary post-concert: sun streams in from tall bay windows, perfect accent pieces stand sentinel in every corner and fluffy platform beds allow long, serene mornings. The Ace Hotel is right at the center of LA’s downtown, walking distance from the famed Fashion District and lush Grand Park.

Guests are transported to a French Riviera abode only steps away from the Sunset Strip at Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood: striped pool chairs beneath tasseled umbrellas line the turquoise saltwater pool, candelabras cast a warm glow, the suite’s sultry furnishings create a mysterious, romantic appeal. Cozy, dark corners and low mood lighting create a dramatic, mysterious ambiance. This location offers easy access to LA’s buzzy nightlife, from swanky cocktail bars to raucous drag shows. Looking for a more relaxing stay? Petit Ermitage can provide that, too. Guests can swing by a morning yoga class or request in-suite spa treatments.