This is a sponsored post but all opinions expressed within are my own.
I’ve had the good fortune of traveling a lot but one of my favorite places in the world is LA. That’s mostly because it’s home and home always feels good, no matter where it is. But there are a ton of other reasons I love LA (traffic notwithstanding, of course!) There’s the beaches, the weather, the diversity of things to do and places to go … did I mention the weather? It’s like forever summer out here and I love it! If you’re planning a visit to LA, it’s hard to know where to stay. The city is made up of so many different areas and neighborhoods and it’s difficult to determine what’s best if you don’t know the city. Factor in the Greater Los Angeles Area and there are even more options to consider. Traveling for business? A romantic getaway? A family vacation? Here are some of the best Los Angeles hotels to consider depending on what brings you to the City of Angels.
ROMANTIC GETAWAY
Westdrift Manhattan Beach
I have lived in Manhattan Beach and its surrounding area for over 25 years and to me, it’s the perfect place to live. That’s why I’m always encouraging people to come check it out, whether they’re on an extended vacation or even on a long layover. (Check out my top things to do in Manhattan Beach here.) I was excited to see a super stylish hotel open up recently, that gives visitors a great option for accommodations in Manhattan Beach. Westdrift Manhattan Beach is a boutique hotel with gorgeous, beach-inspired rooms (think sand-colored neutrals and blues the color of the sea). It’s not a beachfront property but the soft sand of Manhattan Beach is just a mile away, so you can take a beach cruiser for a spin or catch an Uber to get down there. The hotel itself is in a great location – just four miles from LAX and a short walk to The Point, where you’ll find one of the newest outdoor shopping and dining centers in the area. Try the pizza at North Italia and then head next door to Sugarfina for a sweet treat. You’ll also have easy access to grocery, department and drug stores. The property has 393 luxury guest rooms and suites and a sophisticated dining experience. With a pool, a Crossfit-inspired fitness facility, a golf course and easy access to the beach, you’ll be able to enjoy all that this area has to offer from your homebase at Westdrift.
W Los Angeles
The W Los Angeles is in West Beverly Hills and right around the corner from Westwood, the beaches of Santa Monica, and shopping on the famed Rodeo Drive. This is a great spot for a romantic getaway. It’s a luxury getaway that’s perfect for couples and the vibe here, like most W hotels, is chic and urban. If you’re looking for fun, the pool area is a party scene and a stylish place to sip cocktails in the sun and the adjacent restaurant is a place to see and be seen (keep your eyes peeled for a celebrity sighting). If you and your love are looking for something more low-key, then I suggest room service in your robe (my wife LOVES the robes at W Hotels; you can purchase them here) and a movie.
FAMILY
Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles
I’ve always loved Ritz-Carlton hotels. You can always count on them for an exceptional level of service and a luxury experience that’s unforgettable. And while the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles is great for any kind of traveler, I especially love it when I’m traveling with my family. With Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge access, we can pop in at any time of day to get meals and snacks, which is so convenient when you have kids. We don’t have to look for a grocery store to pick up milk or make a late night dash out for snacks. The hotel is ideally situated for exploring Los Angeles and it’s in the heart of the LA Live entertainment complex so you’re just steps away from shopping, dining and tons of things to do with the kids like visiting the Grammy Museum or catching a game at the adjacent Staples Center. Once you’ve had your fill, you might want to indulge in some peaceful adult time at the spa, while the kids enjoy the hotel’s Ritz Kids program.
Courtyard Los Angeles Westside
Situated in Culver City, the Courtyard Los Angeles Westside is a more affordable, family-friendly option than the Ritz-Carlton. Since it’s close to the 405, you can easily get around the city to visit different neighborhoods like Marina Del Ray and Venice Beach. Take the kids for food, shopping and beach time in Santa Monica or for a more cultural experience at the Getty Museum. From there, Malibu isn’t far for a day spent celeb spotting! Back at your hotel, you’ll find that the Courtyard Los Angeles Westside offers all the comforts and conveniences you’re looking for for your family. Free WiFi means everyone can stay connected to work, play or watch movies and there’s an outdoor pool for everyone to enjoy. The Bistro is the on-site restaurant serving breakfast and dinner (and Starbucks coffee for those of you who can’t start your day without it!) and the kids will love the omelet and waffle stations at the breakfast buffet.
BUSINESS
Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel
Let’s be honest: Business hotels can be kind of … boring. Dull. Perfunctory. That’s why the Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel is so great – it’s none of those things! This chic boutique property isn’t what you’d expect of an airport hotel and that’s what sets it apart from all the others. It has been recently renovated and now boasts a totally hip and creative atmosphere, from the vinyl records on the wall in the lobby and the live music by local emerging artists, to the leather banquette and art covered walls of Studio 12, the hotel restaurant. It’s less than a mile from Los Angeles International Airport (about a three-minute drive and the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport) and only about five miles to the beach. You can check in and check out with their app on your phone and as you’d expect, there’s a fitness facility and an outdoor pool, a whirpool and valet dry cleaning in case you need it for your next business meeting. What more could you want?
JW Marriott at LA Live
If you like to combine business with pleasure (don’t we all?), check into the JW Marriott at LA Live. Like the Ritz-Carlton mentioned above, it’s in the heart of the LA Live entertainment complex (the JW Marriott occupies floors three through 21 and the Ritz-Carlton occupies floors 22 to 26 of the same building), so fun is just steps away. If business has you attending meetings in downtown LA or a conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, you’re perfectly situated; the convention center is a short walk away. The rooms are stylishly appointed and there are lots of terrific dining options right on property, including WP24 by Wolfgang Puck and The Mixing Room, which has a great patio. If you’ve got time to play, take in a game at Dodgers Stadium, about three miles away or catch a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, about two miles away.
