Best Hidden Gem Hotels in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has plenty of famous, historic hotels that everyone knows by name: Beverly Hills Hotel, Chateau Marmont, and the Beverly Wilshire, to name a few. And sure, if you want to drop a lot of money and hob nob with celebrities, these are some of the best haunts around. But some of the most charming hotels are ones that fly under the radar. So if you’re looking for something a little more unique or off the beaten path, consider one of these six hidden gems.
Petit Ermitage
West Hollywood, California, United States
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.
Maison 140 Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills/Bel Air, Beverly Hills, California, United States
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.
Magic Castle Hotel
Los Angeles, California, United States
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.
Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills/Bel Air, Beverly Hills, California, United States
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.
The Ambrose Hotel
Santa Monica, California, United States
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.
