The Best Hotels in Los Angeles

It's the creative powerhouse of the United States, where every other person's an aspiring screenwriter, actor, model, or rock star. That's the stereotype, anyway, and it says a lot about the air of glamor that Los Angeles exudes. This is not so much a city as a whole world into itself – from the perfect surfing to be had on the beaches to the dream factory of Hollywood, from the decadent bars and clubs of Sunset Boulevard to the money-hungry buzz of the financial district, every part of LA thrills the senses. There's nowhere else like it.

Things to see

One of the top family-friendly attractions in LA is Santa Monica Pier. This isn't just about sweeping sea views – the pier also boasts Pacific Park, a compact wonderland with thrill rides and a Ferris wheel, and countless stands selling hot dogs and hot glazed nuts. It's also a piece of Los Angeles history, having stood for more than a century. Any visit to LA has to include a day out at Universal Studios, where immersive 3D rides throw you into blockbuster movies, and you can even go on a studio tour of classic film sets (including the house from Psycho). Speaking of the movies, you should also check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame – that constellation of stars engraved with A-list names that spans Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. For an escape from the bustle, head over to the green sprawl of Griffith Park, where you can see the awesome domes of Griffith Observatory. It's a mecca for astronomical research and also features a mind-expanding planetarium. If all of this leaves you thirsty, get yourself over to the Sunset Strip, that notorious section of Sunset Boulevard bedecked with blazing billboards and heaving with some of the liveliest nightspots in the city.

Hotels in Los Angeles

As you might expect from a city synonymous with celebrity, there are hotels in Los Angeles that groan with every possible luxury. Guestrooms with marble bathrooms and four-poster beds, rooftop pools with butler service, private cabanas and full-service spas – there are facilities to suit even the most demanding visitor. That being said, there are Los Angeles hotels to suit more modest budgets as well, with big name chains and cheaper motels also available across this vast West Coast metropolis.

Where to stay

If you're here on business, Downtown Los Angeles may be your best bet in terms of picking a base. This will put you within walking distance of the gleaming blocks of the financial district, not to mention numerous restaurants and cafes to network and socialise. To really soak up the glamor, there's always Beverly Hills – technically a city in its own right, it offers A-list shopping on Rodeo Drive, where fashionistas will be in their element among countless designer outlets. If it's a taste of Tinseltown you're after, you can also seek out a hotel in Hollywood, where you'll have Hollywood Boulevard, as well as landmarks like the TLC Chinese Theatre, on your doorstep.

How to get to

If you're flying into LA, you'll very likely want to land at Los Angeles International Airport – or LAX as everyone calls it. This is a huge hub that's an exhilarating gateway to LA, and is only 16 miles from the city center. A plethora of taxis and buses will get you to your hotel in no time.