The best hotels in Los Angeles for a perfect vacation or staycation

Situated above local-favorite Bar Covell (and owned by the bar’s founder, Dustin Lancaster), Hotel Covell offers nine well-appointed rooms, each meticulously curated with reading nooks and record players, clawfoot tubs and statement furniture, and adorable Smeg refrigerators stocked with locally sourced offerings. Even better? This boutique hotel is so luxurious and contemporary that the suites all have a variety of designs, so you can choose the one that best suits you.

In addition to the A-listers you’ll encounter while staying here (but we're naming no names), this 5-star haunt actually lets you pretend to be one. The lush, secluded Beverly Hills property is designed like a glamorous French chateau and attracts a roster of celebs, jet-setters and bon vivants with its destination spa, 60-foot rooftop pool and signature Afternoon Tea program. Plus it's a pretty coveted wedding spot, so you might catch a glimpse of someone's big day celebrations. 

Welcome to paradise, people. Situated on an oceanside bluff in posh Rancho Palos Verdes, the picturesque resort is a Shangri-la of relaxation and resort life. The 102-acre venue boasts a nine-hole golf course, a lavish spa, four pools (including adult-only), and eight restaurants - where you can nibble and soak up the sea view. There's also access to paddleboarding, snorkeling and horseback riding, so it's pretty perfect if you fancy working up a sweat.

With 1950s-style cabanas and a refreshingly chilled-out pool culture, the retro-fabulous Hollywood Roosevelt offers glamor minus the cheap thrills. There’s also a library-themed cocktail bar, a swank, two-lane bowling alley and a 24-hour burger bar, so despite all the temptations along Hollywood Boulevard, you never really have to leave the building. (But if you do, go hunt for your favourite celebrity's star, of course).

For those who place a priority on edgy design and a sense of communality, the sought-after Line Hotel makes a fine landing spot. With global influences (Korean, Latin and heritage from the good ol' US of A) it's a culturally influenced spot that celebrates diversity. Between the pool, always-packed Commissary restaurant, and quirky art objects displayed in the rooms (think bird sculptures and crystals), this hotel lets its personality do the talking.

Blocks from the Sunset Strip, this luxe Spanish-style villa offers a lush refuge to rock stars (and guests who want to feel like rock stars) with tranquil gardens, fine dining and celeb-endorsed spa treatments. In fact, even the spa menu is influenced by rock n roll, with services named 'body tune, pipe cleaner, pick up, strum and syncopation'. To fully recharge your batteries you can also book a spa package (pricey but worth it).

Formerly a cool retreat for hot Hollywood stars and now a sister to Casa del Mar, Shutters has a chilled but decidedly upscale vibe. Filled with comfortable sofas, club chairs and prints by modern masters such as David Hockney, the lobby mirrors the beach-cottage ambience of the rooms and suites. Guests who prefer gentle pampering to the myriad outdoor beach activities can spend a day at the spa or sit poolside sipping wine and taking in the ocean views.

Hotel Erwin is a meticulously styled boutique hotel with the heart of a surfer bungalow, steps from the ocean and offering amenities like vegan minibars and sunset views, making for a locals-only glimpse into Southern California beach culture. Basically, hanging ten never looked so good.

Night owls, artists, and musicians are the target at the effortlessly trendy Ace Hotel, which counts two bars, a New American restaurant and a lobby coffee kiosk as its public offerings. The striking 1920s architecture adds culture cred, though its occupants are likely to give more attention to the cocktail list than Spanish-Gothic motifs in the masonry. Fun fact: the hotel is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along for the fun.

Don’t let the proximity to L.A.’s most popular tourist attractions trick you into thinking The Garland is a faceless chain—the 1970s bungalow-inspired boutique hotel has plenty of character. Step inside and you'll find kitschy decor, a full-sized pool and an extensive complimentary guest services and amenities. Plus, on warm days there's nothing better than relaxing at the outside bar where you can dine on seasonal dishes and slurp cocktails. Heaven.