The Best Hotels to Book Near the California Science Center, Los Angeles

Classic Hollywood glamour and beachy California cool collide in this historic downtown Beaux Arts building. As is the case in Hoxton hotels worldwide, the DTLA lobby acts as the neighborhood’s living room, all vintage furniture, houseplants and guests scattered about sipping on coffee from bistro Sibling Rivalry. Every bit as alluring as this space are the rooms – head straight for yours the moment you check in (which is offered on a flexible timeline). They’re Instagram gold, with thoughtful details including Mexican-inspired rugs, retro Smeg kettles and signature House of Hackney prints.

Steps away from the famed Melrose Shopping District and about 9mi (14km) northwest of the California Science Center, this trendy retreat rolls out its own iteration of the city’s noirish drama with bold and moody decor and iron-framed windows, contrasting with plush pink-velvet and leather Chesterfields. The Severance Restaurant and Bar is an upbeat place to settle in for dinner or weekend brunch – savor the Montreal-inspired French and Canadian classics. And for a little light calorie-burning, Palihose Melrose Avenue has complimentary Linus bikes to borrow: a scenic way to enjoy the neighborhood (a shopaholic’s paradise), or take advantage of one of the hotel’s health and fitness partners.

Hollywood’s golden age is preserved in this historic landmark, just 4mi (6.4km) north of the California Science Center. The era’s dreamy elegance is prominent in the classic tiled lobby, striking columns and vintage furniture, including an antique chandelier and a baby grand piano. Clean up before dinner at the Barbershop Club, the hotel’s hip vintage parlor founded by celebrity grooming consultant Woody Lovell. Also located on-site, Cassell’s Hamburgers dishes up famed burgers and handspun milkshakes. For an elevated experience, savor a vegetable-inspired tasting menu at the hotel’s intimate Le Comptoir, led by Michelin-star chef Gary Menes.

Tucked in the Hollywood Hills, this sophisticated and modern retreat channels LA’s indulgent vibes with its lavish restaurants: TAO and Beauty & Essex. Head up to the Highlight Room, a swanky rooftop pool and bar with a booming nightlife scene. And act out your superstar fantasies courtesy of the complimentary Lincoln Continental and Navigator car service. (Just be aware of the city’s infamous traffic and parking issues.) Given those sweeping views of Downtown LA, plus the rainfall showers, in-room massages and room service powered by UberEats, you may just hole up in your bed for the duration of your stay.

With its bare cement walls and garage-style windows overlooking the city, the LINE LA radiates an industrial ambience in the heart of Koreatown, just 4mi (6.4km) from the California Science Center. Michelin-star chef Josiah Citrin takes center stage with fresh seafood in Openaire’s lush poolside greenhouse. For an all-day buzz, head to Alfred Coffee’s outpost in the hotel, and if you are ready to keep the party going, dance floors, DJs and disco vibes are on deck at Break Room 86 and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

This is a fine historic celebrity haunt, frequented by James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable in their heyday. The Hotel Hollywood can lay claim to nearly a century of fascinating history – it’s just one block north of the famed Hollywood Boulevard. This is a modern check-in that prides itself on comfortable and convenient accommodation, within walking distance of top attractions including the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Capitol Records building. For an encounter with the spookier side of old Hollywood, wander the halls for a chance at a ghost sighting – they have been known here.

Something of a landmark in the ever-trendy Arts District, 5mi (8km) northeast of the California Science Center, this history-laced hotel is unmissable, with its iconic exterior brightened by colorful murals. The creative vibes pervade the bedrooms, made sleek with black-and-white decor and red accents. All are adorned with concert posters from Al’s Bar, the famed music venue that once existed on the main floor. The ground floor is now the place for coffee and pie at the Pie Hole, while the Corner Store offers wine, as well as beer and snacks. All in all, a real American beauty.

The Bicycle Hotel & Casino may be located in Southern California, but when you stay here, you’re transported to neon-splashed Las Vegas. That’s mostly due to the high-stake gambling experience, but also the outdoor pool and cocktail lounge as well as the luxurious, relaxing spa. It’s in Bell Gardens, about a 20-minute drive east of the California Science Center, and it’s best loved for its spacious and bright rooms decked out with plush beds. Lashings of L’Occitane en Provence bath amenities help, as does the on-site Bike Brewery, an Asian-fusion restaurant and – when you need a morning kick-start – an outpost of Starbucks.