1.
Petit Ermitage Rating: 4.0 Pearls
It's true that the bohemianism and purposely-distressed furniture won't appeal to everyone, but we dig it. For half the price of some of its competitors, you get a newly renovated, truly unique boutique with large suites (many with kitchens) and a lovely rooftop pool. If you're not up for a dip, you can have breakfast in a rooftop garden or read by the fireplace in Masters' Lounge.
2.
Maison 140 Beverly Hills Rating: 3.5 Pearls
This tiny, 43-room boutique makes up in style what it lacks in size and amenities. Granted there's no pool or even a restaurant, but the unique Chinoiserie and Parisian-inspired rooms, cozy lobby bar with nightly absinthe happy hours, and central Beverly Hills location lure in a loyal crowd. We love that each guest room is decorated differently, each with bright colors and bold patterns.
3.
Magic Castle Hotel Rating: 3.0 Pearls
Located steps from Hollywood Boulevard, the Magic Castle is a quirky, unpretentious 40-room hotel with simple, spacious rooms, an exhaustive list of free perks (Wi-Fi, breakfast, minibar treats), access to the exclusive Magic Castle club next door, and exceptional service. Plus, it all comes at reasonable rates.
4.
The Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Housed in a charming, yellow four-story building just off Wilshire, this cozy 49-room boutique offers a lot in a little space, including a heated pool, restaurant, bar, and free fitness room. Even though standard rooms can feel cramped, they come luxuriously outfitted with Frette robes and towels, Bulgari toiletries, 37-inch flat-screens, and Bose stereos. This hotel bridges the gap between boutiques and Beverly Hills' mega-hotels, offering quaintness and intimacy but also plenty of amenities.
5.
The Ambrose Rating: 3.5 Pearls
This 77-room, midrange boutique hotel is one of the most environmentally focused hotels in Southern California. While it mostly caters to business travelers, if you're an Earth-loving tourist who doesn't mind staying inland, it's a fantastic, Zen-like alternative to Santa Monica's enormous beachfront hotels, like Loews, Le Merigot, or the Miramar. You'll love the homey landscape and the use of dark wood throughout the hotel.
