Best Hotels in West Hollywood, California
Ready to see and be seen? West Hollywood is the place, and we have just the place to stay. From the ultimate experience on Sunset Strip to chic suites right near the action, we know what’s up in West Hollywood.
Known for its trendsetter culture and high-energy nightlife, West Hollywood is beyond buzzworthy. Whether you’re dancing the night away at the gay bars and dance clubs, shopping up a storm on Melrose, or starring in your own reality show on Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood has plenty to offer with hotels to match. From high-end luxury suites to the boutique rooms to fit your budget, HotelTonight will help you find the top hotels in the West Hollywood area.
Why We Love West Hollywood
Los Angeles has endless neighborhoods to explore, but you can’t miss out on WeHo. Here are just a few reasons why we love West Hollywood:
- Hip hotels: You know we have the best hotels on lock in West Hollywood. From sleek and modern finds serving up cold-pressed-juice in the a.m. (so LA) to hot Strip mainstays serving killer views from the rooftop pool, we have just what you’re looking for.
- Reality nightlife: If you’re a Vanderpump fan, this is the neighborhood for you. All of the reality show bars and restaurants can be found in West Hollywood, from Sur to Pump to the latest TomTom. There's also The Abbey, the legendary, as-seen-on-TV nightclub, complete with outdoor terraces and a wild dance floor.
- Shop it up: Follow Melrose Avenue for the ultimate West Hollywood shopping experience. Filled to the brim with eccentric storefronts and vintage shops, the famous street is also home to some big names like Marc Jacobs and Rebecca Minkoff.
- Hit the strip: The infamous 1.6 mile stretch of roadway known as Sunset Strip is a concentrated hotspot for both glam and grunge in West Hollywood. Get swanky on rooftops like the Skybar, get a little rock-n-roll at clubs like The Roxy, or get your giggle on at the famous Laugh Factory.
- Stylish structures: It’s not all about the party in West Hollywood. There’s also a tucked away icon of modern architecture. Tour the Schindler House at the MAK Center for a taste of where art meets architecture.
What to Do in West Hollywood
If one thing's for sure, it's that you'll never be bored in West Hollywood. With such a broad and vibrant range of culture, it's no wonder this neighborhood is such a popular destination for California locals and tourists alike. While you're in the area, you should:
1. Share a Few Laughs
West Hollywood is home to some of the biggest names in comedy venues. The Comedy Store is well-known for hosting many of the greats, from the 1970s to the present day. The stage has seen the likes of Robin Williams, Jay Leno, Jim Carrey, Dave Chappelle, Whitney Cummings, Chelsea Peretti and many other legends throughout its time. Thanks to Mitzi, the genius and caring heart behind The Comedy Store, it will forever be an entertainment landmark.
A second world-famous comedy spot, WeHo's Laugh Factory is another host of the top stand-up performers. Founder Jaime Masada has helped launch the careers of some of the biggest comics, and his stage has hosted hundreds of stars. Some of these include Kathy Griffin, Jerry Seinfeld, Bernie Mac, Milton Berle, Ray Romano and many others. Catch a show at either of these premiere comedy hotspots.
If you're into improv, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater should be on your list of places to visit. Formed in New York in 1996 by the original four — Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts and Amy Poehler — the Los Angeles extension trains and hosts new and established talent. Their members include Aubrey Plaza, Aziz Ansari, Donald Glover, Nicole Byer, Ed Helms and many others. Check out the new up-and-coming comics here.
2. Explore a Gallery or Two
Art lovers unite in West Hollywood to form a rich culture of music, entertainment and visual masterpieces. The Museum of Contemporary Art is filled with modern exhibitions for you to wander through. With over 7,000 objects in their permanent collection and wide open spaces to ponder, you're bound to find something that strikes you.
More into the rock-n-roll greats and their legendary influences? Then Mr Musichead is where you belong. The walls are packed with original photography, paintings, drawings, sculpture and art from other mediums, as well as rare or limited edition silkscreen prints and original concert posters. Since 1998, the gallery has grown to become a historical collection and a space for live performances. You might even be able to catch a show.
If interior design and the art of creating functional and beautiful spaces is more your speed, you need to see the Pacific Design Center showrooms. While it's typically reserved for professional designers and their clients, you can set up a guided visit in advance. The campus is 1.6 million square feet in size, so wear comfortable shoes.
3. Learn Your History
West Hollywood offers some excellent learning experiences. The Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust is free to visit and hosts an extraordinary collection of preserved artifacts in the name of remembrance. Within the permanent exhibits, you can see photographs, documents and even watch video testimonies of survivors. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
A historical look into the rise of modern architecture, the MAK Center for Art and Architecture gives visitors a look inside one of Rudolph M. Schindler's masterpieces. Schindler designed and built the 1920s marvel based on his wife's interest in revisionist living and the concept of communal space. Take a tour to see one of the earliest examples of modernism in Southern California.
4. Dance All Night
Want to relax and let loose after a long day? Hang out at one of WeHo's most popular music venues and dance to the beat of a live band. World-famous Whisky a Go Go has been around since the beginning of the Los Angeles rock music scene. They've hosted some of the genre's legends, including The Doors, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin. Catch a live rock show or event at this iconic venue.
Or, take a trip to the Troubadour, a music classic since the 1950s. This venue saw some of Bob Dylan's earliest work, Joni Mitchell's debut set in Los Angeles, Elton John's first U.S. show and numerous other career debuts and recording sessions. If you're a fan of rock or any modern music, you don't want to pass up your opportunity to visit the Troubadour or see one of your favorites grace the stage.
If you're into a variety of genres and love the feel of an art deco space, then the El Rey Theater is the venue for you. Located in the heart of Miracle Mile, this movie-house-gone-music-stage hosts artists of all ages and scenes in a grand ballroom space. Discover a new favorite or just drop by to check out the beautiful architecture.
5. Treat Yourself
It wouldn't be West Hollywood without a few shopping hotspots. Take a stroll down Sunset Plaza, a multi-block lifestyle district for all things shopping and dining. From restaurants to fashion labels to beauty care, this strip has it all. Enjoy the evening air and city views as you peruse boutique storefronts, or explore and spend a little money on yourself. It's also a great place to look for gifts.
You can also find some of the biggest names in fashion at The Grove, an upscale promenade mall filled with trendy retailers. It's one of the largest and most stylish shopping destinations in Los Angeles. And, if you get tired, there are plenty of restaurants and a movie theater in the mall. Or if you're up for more, head to the Melrose Avenue Shopping District for an equally chic experience.
If you want something a little more classic, a little less high-end, The Original Farmers Market is a great spot to walk around. Filled with fresh produce stands, bakeries, butchers, restaurants and small stores, this historic shopping center is a taste of everything local.
Where to Eat in West Hollywood
From intimate spaces to opulent rooftop patios, West Hollywood has a taste of every dish and decor you can think of. Fulfill your dinner dreams or grab a bite at a local cafe — just be sure to leave room for something sweet. Some of the best places to eat in the city include:
1. Dialog Cafe
Family-owned with a commitment to supporting other small, local family businesses, Dialog Cafe is all about making you feel at home. Located in a building that was once an internet cafe, this brunch and coffee spot is great for dining in or taking something delicious on the go. Sit and sip a lovingly prepared latte with a photo-worthy foam design to start your day right.
2. Sushi Park
Frequent celebrity sightings aren't the only reason for this Japanese restaurant's popularity. Deceptively tucked in the corner of the second story of a Sunset Boulevard strip mall, Sushi Park is one of the best sushi spots in Los Angeles. They make it clear at the door you won't be finding any California rolls or tempura inside. Sit at the bar and eat fresh sushi omakase style, but be prepared to spend big, especially if you can eat a lot in one sitting.
3. Lucques
A warm, intimate setting with brick and wood accents, this old carriage house now serves up classy Californian dishes. From tasteful vegetable starters to grilled fish and sumptuous steak entrees, Luques is perfect for an upscale lunch or dinner.
4. Tesse
With a French-based menu from Chef Raphael Francois and added inspiration from multiple weekly trips to local farmers markets, the esteemed Tesse is home to creative dishes cooked with finesse. You can indulge in lighter plates like pates, cheeses and cured meats, enjoy one of the many delicious entrees, or be surprised with the chef's selection programs.
5. Laurel Hardware
Don't be fooled by the name or the original building's vintage sign — this is a restaurant. Serving up delightful New American, farm-to-table style, you'll be surprised by the modern, chic decor and peaceful patio space. Laurel Hardware has a varied menu with plenty of choices and a cocktail program to match.
6. E.P. & L.P.
Two parts of one whole, E.P. — the restaurant half — serves family-style Asian dishes, while L.P. — the swanky rooftop bar half — treats guests to specialty cocktails and beautiful views of Sunset Strip and the Hollywood hills. With a blend of Thai, Chinese, Fijian and Vietnamese culture and cuisine, you can have a delicious meal, then head up to the lounge and enjoy a drink and good company.
7. Aburiya Raku
With origins as an industry-loved Vegas locale, this second incarnation of the Japanese restaurant is a favorite spot for cold and hot dishes, robata and house-made tofu. If you enjoy fresh fish, Kobe beef or beautiful plating technique, putAburiya Raku on your list of places to eat.
Grab a Drink in West Hollywood
What better way to end — or kick off — your evening activities than by sipping a handcrafted cocktail or enjoying a glass of local wine? Enjoy the atmosphere of a quiet setting or take in the energy of a nightlife hotspot. Whatever your preference, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as:
1. Employees Only
Postmodern architecture, Art Deco accents, dark tones and amber lighting makes Employees Only feel sophisticated and welcoming at the same time. This stylish hotspot is home to a killer cocktail program, created by two hospitality veterans. Stop in during their Golden Hour for even more selections. Employees Only is an excellent bar for any occasion.
2. The Roger Room
Walls adorned with vintage sideshow photos and posters, circus thematics and red-tinted lighting all in a speakeasy-style bar — sound interesting? Add a polka-dotted cocktail menu, and you've got The Roger Room, a quirky place to sip a specialty drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
3. The Chapel at The Abbey
A few doors down from David Cooley's iconic hotspot The Abbey is its sibling, The Chapel, a lively all-inclusive gay bar. It shares a similar ambiance and gothic flair to its predecessor but, with no menu, focuses solely on drinks and fun. Catch one of their many event nights or share a casual drink and enjoy the friendly crowds.
4. Bibo Ergo Sum
Appropriately named "I drink, therefore I am" in Latin, Bibo Ergo Sum has a flair like no other. Once you step through the red front door, you enter an impressively symmetrical space, complete with a circular bar in the center of the room. The ambiance is warm, with design elements that mimic the '20s, and drinks organized by three different "eras" — Old Style, Neon and Present & Beyond. Equal parts classy and fun, Bibo Ergo Sum is perfect for a casual cocktail or an exclusive evening.
5. Skybar
Looking for a quintessential Hollywood hangout? Poolside lounge by day, relaxed club by night, Skybar is the glamorous rooftop experience every local and visitor needs to have. Enjoy world-class DJs at night or catch a weekend day club event on the terrace of the Mondrian Hotel.
6. TomTom Bar
One of West Hollywood's Vanderpump visions, TomTom Bar is beautifully designed. With a professionally created cocktail program, you can enjoy a new flavor while admiring the floor-to-ceiling brass clock skeleton that moves behind the bar. Accentuated by Edison lightbulbs and a marble bar top, you'll get the feel of being transported back to another time.
Where to Find the Best Hotels in West Hollywood, California
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