Bel Air's Oasis Retreat
Nestled within 12 acres of lush grounds in the exclusive Bel Air neighborhood, the Hotel Bel-Air offers a tranquil escape. This favored destination among
travelers boasts a heated outdoor pool, complimentary house car service for easy exploration, and attentive turndown service. The hotel's restaurant provides an elegant setting for special occasions, complemented by a bar serving California cuisine and craft cocktails. A standout feature for many is the serene sculpture garden, a peaceful spot to observe resident swans, making it a true urban sanctuary renowned for its refined atmosphere and natural beauty.
Beverly Hills' Iconic Grandeur
The Beverly Hills Hotel, a landmark since 1912, embodies timeless Hollywood glamour across its 12 landscaped acres. It has long been a sanctuary for celebrities and royalty, offering an experience befitting its esteemed guests. The hotel features a comprehensive spa and salon, alongside its famous outdoor pool, shaded by palm trees and accented with vibrant pink cabanas. Accommodations range from elegantly appointed rooms to themed bungalows, each named after iconic figures like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, reflecting their distinct styles. Dining options include the renowned Polo Lounge, a legendary spot for power lunches among industry insiders.
Beverly Hills' Elegant Stay
The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, presents a sophisticated lodging experience in the heart of Beverly Hills. This property features a beautiful Mediterranean-style outdoor pool, two distinct on-site restaurants and lounges for diverse culinary experiences, and convenient overnight valet parking. Its prime location ensures easy access to upscale shopping and attractions, while the hotel itself offers a luxurious retreat with impeccable service and elegant surroundings, making it a preferred choice for discerning travelers seeking refinement.
Downtown's Modern Marvel
Conrad Los Angeles, part of the impressive Grand L.A. development designed by architect Frank Gehry, offers a contemporary urban experience. This hotel features 305 rooms, a striking rooftop pool, and expansive views of the downtown skyline. Guest accommodations vary from comfortable one-bedroom rooms to the lavish Skyline Penthouse Presidential Suite. Interior designer Tara Berner has infused the property with a refined yet accessible ambiance, emphasizing a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces, creating an inviting and stylish environment.
Century City's Revitalized Luxury
The Fairmont Century Plaza, following an extensive $2.5 billion renovation concluded in 2021, now stands as a more magnificent property than ever. This hotel offers 400 guest rooms and suites, each thoughtfully equipped with a private balcony. For enhanced exclusivity, guests can select the Fairmont Gold experience, which includes a private entrance, personalized assistant, complimentary shoe shining, and a dedicated lounge serving breakfast, snacks, and evening canapés. The hotel's 14,000-square-foot spa is a highlight, featuring unique amenities like a Himalayan salt room and aromatherapy steam room, promising a rejuvenating escape.
Downtown's Freeway Inspired Stay
The Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown offers a unique tribute to its vibrant city location, evident in design elements like a twisting light fixture inspired by L.A.'s freeways and neon wall art referencing downtown street names. Guest rooms and suites feature imagery reflecting L.A.'s diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains. The hotel provides a full suite of amenities, including a fitness center, sauna, steam room, and a seventh-floor pool and hot tub area surrounded by cabanas and serviced by the No Dive Bar, all contributing to a distinctive urban lodging experience.
Malibu's Oceanfront Serenity
The Malibu Beach Inn, situated along the exclusive coastline, offers an intimate escape with 47 rooms spread across three floors. The most expansive option is a 600-square-foot one-bedroom suite featuring multiple balconies with breathtaking ocean vistas. Guests can savor meals with ocean views from their rooms or at the Carbon Beach Club. Direct access to the sands of Billionaire's Beach via a private stairway provides a rare opportunity to enjoy the coveted Malibu shoreline, making each stay feel exceptionally exclusive and tranquil.
West Hollywood's Chic Suites
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills masterfully blends European elegance with Californian flair, located just steps from the vibrant Sunset Strip. This hotel provides 226 spacious suites, including the expansive two-story Penthouse suite, featuring a kitchen and media room. The rooftop pool deck offers panoramic views, private cabanas, and firepits, ideal for enjoying sunsets. Guests can dine at the Boxwood Restaurant, which serves complimentary daily breakfast and a popular Sunday Roast, and many enjoy the hotel's posh afternoon tea service.
Santa Monica's Oceanfront Estate
Set on five landscaped acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this hotel, a past World's Best reader favorite, was once a private estate dating back to 1921. It is renowned for its spacious bungalows, including Bungalow One, a 2,500-square-foot residence with three bedrooms and a private patio. The property comprises 176 Ocean Tower rooms and 90 Palisades rooms. Amenities include a spa, fitness studio, and a pool area where summer movie screenings are held, complete with popcorn and refreshments from Fig Restaurant, making it a family-friendly coastal haven.
Santa Monica's Stylish Haven
The Santa Monica Proper Hotel, recognized for its 'looser kind of luxury,' features stunning interiors by designer Kelly Wearstler, characterized by plush textures and earthy tones. The heated rooftop pool area is a prime spot, surrounded by shaded lounge chairs, cabanas, and exclusive alcoves for small groups. The Surya Spa, a 3,000-square-foot sanctuary, is rooted in Ayurvedic principles, offering a range of treatments including therapeutic massage, steam and oil therapies, yoga, and meditation, catering to those seeking holistic wellness.
Santa Monica's Seaside Elegance
Hotel Casa del Mar exudes style with its entertainment spaces and captivating ocean views, day and night. Beyond its grand entrance featuring twin staircases and a striking chandelier, the hotel offers 129 guest rooms and 16 suites, including multi-bedroom options and impressive two-story Penthouse Suites. Amenities such as Italian marble bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, a full-service spa, a pool with cabanas, and three dining venues contribute to its appeal as a premier vacation destination. Patio del Mar provides a casual, al fresco dining experience right by the sand.
Beverly Hills' Quiet Charm
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills captivates with its understated elegance, exceptional service, and relaxed ambiance, earning recognition as a top choice in past World's Best Awards. This all-suite hotel features 116 rooms, some equipped with full kitchens and separate entrances for private chefs. Notable accommodations include the Palm Suite, boasting amenities like a baby grand piano and a dining room for ten, and the signature L'Ermitage suite, a vast 3,700-square-foot space with a private theater, spa treatment room, full kitchen, and sweeping city vistas.
West Hollywood's Rooftop Views
The West Hollywood Edition offers a sophisticated retreat with 140 guest rooms and 48 suites, including villas and penthouses with terraces overlooking the cityscape. The decor features refined neutral tones and pale woods. Guests can enjoy the garden-like setting of Ardor restaurant, which focuses on a vegetable-forward California menu using locally sourced ingredients. The standout feature is the breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop pool and terrace, stretching all the way to the ocean, providing an unparalleled perspective of the Los Angeles basin.
Santa Monica's Modern Suites
Previously known as Oceana Beach Club Hotel, Oceana Santa Monica reopened in 2019 after a significant renovation, now showcasing vibrant modern furnishings, custom art, and 70 light-filled suites. The property is centered around a distinctive heart-shaped pool. As an all-suite property, most accommodations provide ocean views, balconies, and premium amenities like Loro Piana bedding. The suites are described as expansive and feature colorful, chic decor, evoking the feeling of staying in a stylish personal apartment.
Fairmont's Pasadena Gem
While not explicitly detailed with a summary in the source, the Fairmont Century Plaza is highlighted for its comprehensive renovation and luxurious amenities. Its location in Century City places it near major attractions like Westfield Century City and Rodeo Drive. Standout features include private balconies, valet parking, and a rooftop swimming pool with a bar. The hotel also offers a 'hotel-within-a-hotel' experience with Fairmont Gold, providing exclusive access and services for a premium stay. The extensive spa facilities further enhance its appeal.
