Best Hotels in Hollywood, Los Angeles
You’re going to Hollywood! We got you covered. From iconic institutions you’ve seen in the movies to sweet boutiques just around the corner, we’re stacked with the hotels you want for your trip to Hollywood.
Sometimes referred to as Tinseltown, Hollywood has a reputation as the home of the stars and all things movie magic. Whether you’re looking for Marilyn’s hands at the Chinese Theatre, strolling along the Walk of Fame, taking a hike at Runyon, or just keeping your eyes peeled for a celebrity, Hollywood has plenty to offer with hotels to match. From high-end luxury suites to boutique rooms, HotelTonight will hook you up with the top hotels in Hollywood.
Why We Love Hollywood
Los Angeles has endless neighborhoods to explore, but we can agree there’s something special about Hollywood. Here are just a few reasons why we love Hollywood:
- Hot hotels: Duh. We’re flooded with killer hotels in the area. From glamorous luxury complete with sexy nightlife to hip mainstays with saltwater pools, Hollywood has it all.
- Star power: Hollywood pulses with modern celebrity hangouts, and there’s also a ton of history. Just look down. From the seemingly endless stars on the Walk of Fame to the 200 celebrity hand and foot imprints outside the Chinese Theatre, there are plenty of spots to see where our film heroes have made their mark.
- Movie magic: Want to see where the magic happens? Hollywood is full of studio tours that give you the full experience. Recreate scenes from Friends at Warner Bros., check out the prop closet at Paramount, and peep the iconic backlot at Universal Studios — plus, enjoy amusement park rides.
- The hills: The Hollywood hills are iconic. From the Hollywood sign to the Griffith Observatory, there’s a lot to see lurking amongst those rolling greens. Plus, celebrity homes and iconic houses you’ve seen in movies and music videos. Whether self-guided or official, there are lots of ways to check out the mansions of the Hollywood Hills.
- Nightlife: From the clubs of West Hollywood to the oldest restaurant in the city — Musso & Frank — options are endless for nightlife in Hollywood. Try your luck at the legendary Avalon or Chateau Marmont or keep it chill at a rooftop lounge.
What to Do in Hollywood
With a rich blend of culture, some of Los Angeles' hottest venues and a star-studded history, Hollywood is absolutely legendary. The area is continually celebrating the old and the new — in the most fashionable ways, of course. Make the most of your time in Tinseltown and experience the best the city has to offer. Leave room in your schedule to:
1. Take a Tour
Being the historically glamorous neighborhood that it is, Hollywood is full of places to tour and see famous hotspots. One of the best ways to see a little bit of everything is on the Starline Bus Tours. Take a ride in open-sided or air-conditioned vehicles, or sit in the open top deck of the hop-on, hop-off buses for different experiences. You'll see celebrity homes, Beverly Hills, landmarks and some of the best places to eat and drink around town. You might even spot some of your favorite stars.
Since 1912, Paramount Pictures has been a massive part of Hollywood's history and is now its only remaining major film studio. They still make movies and developing new cinematic ideas, and they also offer in-depth studio tours. Guests will get an up-close view of iconic filming locations and sets, production crews, the prop warehouse and the complex that has created some of history's most beloved movies.
If you're less starstruck than other tourists and want to see something off the beaten path, there are still options for you. Those who aren't squeamish might find curiosity leading them to the world-famous Museum of Death. Here, you'll see the most extensive collection of artwork by serial killers, real crime scene photos, antique mortician and coroner tools, memorabilia from the Manson family, taxidermy and a whole lot more. Their exhibitions aren't for the faint of heart, and the no photography rule means you have to visit to find out why.
2. Dance All Night
Want a piece of the Hollywood nightlife scene? Who doesn't! While you're in the area, you'll get to experience some of the hottest clubs out there. Avalon Hollywood and Sound are two of the fashionable local favorites, boasting crazy beats and VIP table experiences. They bring in guest DJs and hold high-energy events most nights of the week, so you never have to stop partying. Both have stellar sound systems and crazy lighting rigs, and Sound even has a few exciting decor draws — wood paneling from one of Sinatra's previous homes, stairway railings made of repurposed Colorado railroad track and a big shark-shaped disco ball, to name a few things.
If you don't want to wait in long lines or adhere to an upscale dress code, there are still plenty of fantastic choices. Inside Boulevard3, housed in the historic Hollywood Athletic Club building, you'll find a mix of 1920s boutique hotel charm and modern upgrades. The three-level ballroom is where guests can dance all evening and enjoy an eclectic mix of music and live performances.
Academy LA hosts some big names in the EDM sphere, including Noizu, SAYMYNAME, Snakehips and Salvatore Ganacci. They have a heavy focus on production quality, with a Funktion One sound system, 55 moving light fixtures and 154 completely customizable LED panels. They certainly know how to put on a show.
3. Enjoy the Celebrity Scene
It's no secret that most of Hollywood's tourism is because of its celebrity population. So why not make the most of the experience? Take a stroll down the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame and browse the over 2,500 stars that grace the sidewalks. You can take pictures in front of — or on top of — your favorite celebrity's tile or just admire the history and impressive size of the project.
While in the area, walk through the Hollywood Wax Museum or Madame Tussauds Hollywood to see lifelike wax statues of some of the biggest stars out there. You can even take a selfie with a few of them. They look real enough that you might be able to prank your friends into thinking you really met an A-lister on your trip.
If you're more interested in seeing real props and costumes from film and TV history, The Hollywood Museum — located in the historic Max Factor building — is the place for you. Their exhibits branch from the classic Marilyn Monroe gallery to legendary superheroes like Adam West's Batman to horror film treasures like Hannibal Lecter's jail cell set. Whatever your interest, this museum has something for everyone.
4. Visit a Few Landmarks
You can't visit Hollywood without seeing a few of its most famous landmarks. Take in the majesty of the iconic Hollywood Bowl, Southern California's premier destination for live music performances. Open and active since 1922, the stage has hosted the likes of Billie Holiday, The Beatles, Yo-Yo Ma and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. See a show or visit the museum to learn more about its history.
For over 75 years, the TCL Chinese Theater has been a staple of Hollywood culture. From the long cinema history and celebrity immortalization to the beautiful architecture and authentic Chinese statues, the building itself is a sight to behold. Grab tickets to an IMAX showing to experience the modern improvements or just peruse the many handprints and footprints of stars in the cement outside.
You may assume a cemetery would not make a great live performance venue, but Hollywood Forever is both of those things and more. With outdoor classic film screenings, concerts, literature events and more, this spot is a center for culture and art. They even hold the biggest Dia de Los Muertos celebration in the U.S., hosting over 40,000 participants each year. You can visit on your own time or catch one of the many lively events.
5. Shop Around
Of course, no trip to Hollywood is complete without a little shopping spree. Treat yourself to a day at Hollywood & Highland, the district with everything from designer stores and restaurants to popular entertainment centers and high-energy events. The multilevel complex sits on the Walk of Fame and includes the landmark Chinese Theater, so you can see a few sights while you shop. There are also boutique and designer stores all over Hollywood Boulevard and on Rodeo Drive in West Hollywood. Wherever you are, there's always a place for fashion.
Want to explore one of the biggest selections of vinyl records and music in California? Head to Sunset Boulevard's famed emporium, Amoeba Music. Their store occupies an entire city block, which means there's plenty to flip through. Dig through a diverse collection of genres, or ask one of the musical veterans who make up the expert staff to help you find a specific album, artist or era. Catch them on a good day and you may even be able to attend one of their live shows.
Where to Eat in Hollywood
Whether you're looking for a high-class dining experience or a casual lunch spot, Hollywood has it all. But with so many different styles of cuisine and restaurants, it might be difficult to choose. We've picked out a variety of the local favorites to help you decide on one — or take on a whole foodie crawl, if that's more your style. You can't go wrong with any of these choices:
1 APL Restaurant & APL BBQ
When a real pitmaster runs a restaurant kitchen, you can tell. Chef Adam Perry Lang — revered member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame — brings his skill to Hollywood in this upscale contemporary steakhouse, also an equally delicious casual BBQ destination. Located in the historic Taft Building, you can enjoy a classy pre-show dinner or a finger-licking lunch. Just be warned, the lunch session ends whenever the barbecue sells out, so if you want brisket, go early.
2. Off Vine
Want to escape the bustling city locations for a little while? Grab a bite at Off Vine, a cozy, craftsman cottage with fireplace and patio seating. Surrounded by picket fencing and foliage to hide the high-rises, stepping into this country-style oasis is a welcoming change. But it's not just the ambiance that makes Off Vine wonderful — their Cal-American lunch and dinner plates are well-portioned and delicious. You're sure to feel right at home.
3. Salt's Cure
This chic and inventive American restaurant is an excellent place for any meal. They even offer an "anti-gridlock" snack menu, for when you need to fight off the midday slump. With a good sense of humor and a stellar variety of classy dishes and drinks, all crafted from local ingredients, you may need to stop back to Salt's Cure for a repeat visit.
4. The Hungry Cat
California loves seafood, and The Hungry Cat dishes it out fresh every day. Their artisan menu changes seasonally, their raw bar is stocked with delicious options, and their cocktails pair perfectly. And east-coast-style seafood isn't all they do — try the popular pork belly buns or French-cut wagyu steak. Enjoy the minimalist space inside or eat al fresco on the outdoor patio.
5. Barkada
Serving up Filipino-style tapas in a sleek and stylish location, Barkada is a great place to bring a group. Here, you can share a few plates with friends, enjoy one of their live performance events or enjoy a specialty drink and a snack before heading out for the night. Whatever mood you're in, the lively and relaxed atmosphere makes Barkada a perfect dinner spot.
6. 25 Degrees
Looking for a little Hollywood glamour with a whole lot of burger goodness? The Hollywood Roosevelt's chic burger bar, 25 Degrees, is the place for you. Open 24 hours a day, every day, you can grab a delicious specialty burger or build your own from lists of toppings, whether it's three in the morning or afternoon. Add fries and one of their spiked milkshakes, and you've got yourself a treat. As a bonus, the Hollywood Walk of Fame passes right outside the front doors.
7. Mashti Malone's Ice Cream
You might not know it from the outside, but Mashti Malone's Ice Cream is one of the best sweet spots Hollywood has to offer. Run by a pair of Persian brothers, this parlor has been creating exotic ice cream and sorbet since the '80s. With delicious flavors like rosewater, saffron, cucumber and ginger that you can only find at Mashti's, it's no wonder this shop is a local favorite.
Grab a Drink in Hollywood
Home to some of the best bars in California, Hollywood has just about every style of ambiance and drink menu. Within the area, you can find places to casually sit and chat with friends, lounge on a lavish rooftop terrace, enjoy live music and performances, or dress up and get a little crazy — pick your poison. Some of the top bars include:
1. Harvard & Stone
With its factory vibe, swing dance tunes and occasional burlesque shows, Harvard & Stone feels like a bar straight out of the '20s. It's grungy and unpretentious, more like a bunker than anything else, but there is a dress code that discourages casual wear. Enjoy a live indie or rock band and sip a specialty cocktail in this one-of-a-kind locale.
2. Genever
Historic Filipinotown's gem of a lounge, Genever is both elegant and warm. It's women-owned and operated and has a motto that the "drink is queen," which resonates in the seasonally themed menu. With an emphasis on house-made syrups and shrubs, local produce and tasty gin drinks, you can sit and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in a friendly atmosphere. The gorgeous gold and black geometric decor among pastel shades, plush couches and soft lighting also make for a great picture opportunity.
3. Ever Bar at the Everly
It wouldn't be a true Hollywood experience without a visit to a rooftop bar. The Kimpton Everly Hotel is home to Ever Bar, a place with playful cocktails and a homey atmosphere. It is at the same time classy and creative, serving up drinks with backstories based on hit TV shows and award-winning films, served in style — their Instagram page says it all. The rooftop terrace and Skyline Sundeck offer breathtaking views and lively events. With so much fun to be had, this one's worth a few trips.
4. The Spare Room
Classy, warm and social, The Spare Room prides itself on creating a comfortable space for friendly interactions. They serve cleverly named cocktails and table game sets side-by-side, so you can enjoy your drink with a rousing round of Jenga, Scrabble, chess, dominoes or one of several other options. If you're lucky, you might be able to play on the two full-length vintage bowling lanes — which explains the play-on-words name of the bar.
5. Sassafrass Saloon
This bar stands out from the rest for its genius concept. The decor and atmosphere of Sassafrass Saloon are from an actual converted Savannah townhouse, broken down and reassembled within this Hollywood location. Every design element brings the bayou to life, as does the cocktail menu. If you want a little slice of Southern hospitality in the heart of Los Angeles, then be sure to visit Sassafrass Saloon.
6. Tramp Stamp Granny's Piano Bar
With a name like Tramp Stamp Granny's, you already know this isn't your mother's bar. Instead, it's branded on art-deco style, retro decor and a self-proclaimed love for "drinks, dancing and upscale debauchery." Two marker-tattooed mannequins grace the front entrance, and the tables have pink sequins embedded in them. Experience the lively energy with a specialty cocktail, catch a high-energy performance, and snag a Tramp Stamp Granny's matchbook as a keepsake.
Where to Find the Best Hotels in Hollywood, Los Angeles
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