The Best Hotels to Book Near Los Angeles Union Station, California

Compared with other hotels in Westlake, the Ritz-Carlton is a maverick. This wide 123-room block radiates eccentricity, challenging LA’s Art Deco history. Step inside, and you’ll be staring at futuristic chandeliers shaped like scraggly shrubs – a peculiarity continued in the jumbo-sized suites with feather beds, bath butler service, and TVs integrated into the bathroom mirrors. Need to get a tan? Catch some rays at the heated rooftop pool overlooking the Hollywood Hills and a sea of skyscrapers. All this and you’re part of the LA Live Center restaurant and entertainment complex, revitalizing Downtown LA.

Spy the buzzing Broadway right from your window or the sun-kissed rooftop pool. Artisan ceramics, vintage pieces and plenty of plants adorn rooms and clubby public spaces, while the closet sits empty with plenty of room for your spoils from the local Fashion District. Share coffee and small plates with new friends at Sibling Rival, or head to Pilot on the roof for a solo sampling of chilled seafood and freshly baked pizza.

In town for a series with the Kings, Lakers or Clippers? Live like a local in these apartment-style suites, keeping the city in sight through floor-to-ceiling windows. In-room kitchens cater to home-living, but the sleek mid-century modern vibes and the cabana-lined rooftop pool will constantly remind you that you’re living the good life on vacation. Yoga, art and culinary classes are on the monthly calendar of events, and you can even shoot hoops on the full-sized rooftop basketball court, filling your schedule between every puck drop and jump ball.

LA’s playful spirit collides with Italian pomp at NoMad, particularly in the RWB Suite. A terrazzo floor in the walk-in shower and a freestanding pedestal bathtub make the bathroom alone worth the overnight, as do eclectic artworks and classic LA skyscraper views. The separate library, dining room and living room have ample space for entertaining guests who won’t stop gawking at the sweeping views of Downtown. Such a view deserves a bottle-popping toast, and NoMad just so happens to have more than 750 bottles of Champagne to set the mood perfectly.

The Metric was made for the modern traveler hoping to explore LA with lavish comforts and a smart budget, 2mi (3km) from LA’s iconic Union Station. Rainfall showers, sleep sound machines and functional design are in every minimalist yet magnificent room. You’re welcome to the free coffee, tea and baked goods in the lobby any time of the day or night. Planning to spend every moment possible living it up in LA? Luggage lockers are ready to use before you catch your train.

At Miyako, in the heart of Little Tokyo, Japanese hospitality is but 0.5mi (0.8km) to Union Station, with calligraphy prints hung above the beds and pretty sliding paper screens in your room. You’ll be pleased to find out that a sushi bar, with added noodles, is right below. No need to make plans for the night; the karaoke and sake at Lounge Ohjah will keep you rocking until 2am. If you fancy a different type of cuisine, walk the few blocks to the historic Olvera Street, home to multiple Mexican restaurants that will never disappoint.

Across the road from the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Omni will embrace you in layers of artistic sophistication. The heated outdoor lap pool and river rock massages at the spa keep you relaxed when you aren’t cuddled up in your suite’s plush robe. Bottomless mimosas await you at the Grand Café in the morning, bookended by late-night cocktails at Noé Bar, though with glamorous views of the City of Angels right outside your window, you may not want to leave your room.

Just stepping into the Millennium Biltmore, opposite Pershing Square, offers a walk through LA’s history. You’ll stroll the same ornate hallways as Al Capone, six US presidents, a renowned Italian painter and countless partiers secretly indulging in Prohibition Era libations. High tea in the afternoon, relaxing swims in the indoor pool and fine Italian dining in your classically furnished suite will continually amaze you at this 1920s landmark LA hotel. Your kids might not share the same appreciation of over a century of history, but the Ask Alfred Children’s Program will keep them plenty entertained.

It’s not a stretch to find your fit at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, a 10-minute walk from the historic Grand Central Market. Whether you feel more at home in the Yacht Club, the Country Club or the Polo Club, there’s a luxury suite ready for you, all with clubby leather pieces, dark wallpaper, heavy drapes and access to the athletic facilities. Keep your game tight with rounds of handball, basketball or racquetball. Look and feel like an A-lister, with a haircut, body treatment and massage at the Neptune Spa.

Stand 73 stories high at the InterContinental, and feel like you own the city. VIP is the only way to be in this hotel. From your private Starlight Booth at La Boucherie to the high-floor executive suite with views from the mountains to the Pacific, every moment here will feel elevated beyond belief. Would you love a curated private tour of the city, reservations at the finest restaurants and a night on the town you’ll never forget? The concierge is at your service, but we already know that the Grammy Museum is an 10-minute walk away.