The best hotels in Los Angeles, according to GoTravelDaily readers, nail that rare but important balancing act: attracting locals and visitors in equal measure. Residents of the Greater L.A. area often rely on these properties as social hubs, looking for hotels with stellar dining outlets, stylish bars serving killer cocktails, and top-notch amenities like scene-y pools and serene spas that form the building blocks of a perfect staycation. Conversely, travelers crave hotels with features that help them achieve an ideal California getaway, whether that is proximity to the beach or the allure of rubbing elbows with famous clientele.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences globally, sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 GoTravelDaily readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties.
Hotels were classified into resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Once again, the majority of GoTravelDaily readers’ favorite hotels are situated on the Westside, with four located in the affluent enclave of Beverly Hills. Praise for the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel (No. 4) was particularly enthusiastic. “I’d rather be here than anywhere else in the world,” wrote one guest. “The history, the grandeur, privacy, and brunch on the patio at the Polo Lounge can’t be beat. Red-carpet treatment, glorious rooms, impeccable service.” The potential to catch a glimpse of Hollywood royalty also appeals to many visitors; one guest described her experience at the No. 14 Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel: “It was a wonderful site for the red-carpet after-party for the Oscars, which I attended.”
Moreover, Downtown L.A.’s renaissance has brought several standout hotels, including No. 6 Conrad Los Angeles, which opened in July 2022. Named on GoTravelDaily’s 2023 list of the best new hotels, this 305-key property has already impressed readers with both its style and substance. “The design is stunning, and the staff members are very dynamic and friendly,” noted one voter, who also praised the “modern and well laid out” rooms and the dining outlets directed by chef José Andres. Another Downtown L.A. honoree was the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel (No. 9), which excelled in hospitality. “They made us feel so special the entire time,” shared a reader. “I left my laptop charger, and they overnighted it to me. Truly the best service.”
However, in GoTravelDaily readers’ eyes, nothing could beat a seaside location. Below, discover which Santa Monica retreat earned the No. 1 rank among the best hotels in Greater Los Angeles.
The Winner
Oceana Santa Monica: Santa Monica, California
Perched on Ocean Avenue, this all-suite stunner takes full advantage of its prime, ocean-facing location. “We had a beautiful, clean suite with a fantastic ocean view,” noted one WBA voter, who appreciated the “sharp, attentive staff.” On-site amenities highlight the seaside location, offering surf lessons, oceanfront yoga, and beach butler service. The menus at the guests-only bars and restaurants embody a farm-to-table ethos, featuring ingredients sourced from local producers at the nearby Santa Monica Farmers Market. In the evenings, the hotel’s rooftop Sunset Terrace provides a welcoming escape to enjoy drinks and view the scenery.
The Full List
1. Oceana Santa Monica: Santa Monica, California
Reader Score: 96.35
2. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills: Beverly Hills, California
Reader Score: 95.45
3. The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills: West Hollywood, California
Reader Score: 95.10
4. The Beverly Hills Hotel: Beverly Hills, California
Reader Score: 95.09
5. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills: Beverly Hills, California
Reader Score: 94.96
6. Conrad Los Angeles: Los Angeles, California
Reader Score: 94.61
7. Santa Monica Proper Hotel: Santa Monica, California
Reader Score: 94.29
8. The Garland: Los Angeles, California
Reader Score: 93.38
9. Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel: Los Angeles, California
Reader Score: 93.22
10. Shutters on the Beach: Santa Monica, California
Reader Score: 92.38
11. Hotel Bel-Air: Los Angeles, California
Reader Score: 91.30
12. Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: Los Angeles, California
Reader Score: 90.84
13. Pendry West Hollywood: West Hollywood, California
Reader Score: 90.46
14. Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel: Beverly Hills, California
Reader Score: 88.16
15. InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown: Los Angeles, California
Reader Score: 87.16
