Oh, Los Angeles! I’m so excited to tell you all about it. There’s truly no place on earth quite like it. I’ve been so many times, both with my family and for a quick getaway, and every single trip feels like a brand new adventure. It’s a city of amazing, diverse neighborhoods, incredible food, and that light… you know, that golden, cinematic light that just makes everything feel a little bit magical.
I think the secret to a fantastic LA trip is to not try to do it all. It’s just too big! The real joy, I’ve found, is in picking a neighborhood, immersing yourself in it, and using that as your home base for exploration. It’s about creating those core memories—watching the sunset from a rooftop, finding the perfect taco, or laughing with your kids by the ocean.
And, you know, finding that perfect place to stay is everything. It sets the whole tone for the trip. I love to share my favorite finds, and I’m so excited to tell you about some of the most unique, charming, and just plain wonderful places to stay in the City of Angels.
The Glamour Hub: West Hollywood & Beverly Hills
If you’re looking for that “LA” energy—world-class design, amazing restaurants, boutique shopping, and that exciting, glamorous buzz—West Hollywood is the place to be. It’s so central, and I just love the walkability of it. And right on the edge, you have the quiet, tree-lined luxury of Beverly Hills. This area has some of my favorite “hidden gem” hotels, the ones that feel like a real insider’s secret.
If you’re traveling with family or planning a longer stay, I cannot recommend Le Parc Melrose enough. Honestly, this is one of my best-kept secrets. It’s tucked away on a quiet residential street, so it feels so peaceful, but you’re just steps from the amazing design shops and cafes of Melrose Avenue. Every room is an all-suite, which is a lifesaver with kids. Having that extra space, a kitchenette, and a fireplace just makes it feel so much like a home away from home. My favorite part, though, is the rooftop. It has this fantastic, sky-lit pool, cabanas, and even a tennis court! We’ve spent many afternoons up there, just soaking in the sun and the incredible city views, feeling like we were in our own private club.
Another wonderful all-suite option, perfect for that “secret hideaway” feeling, is the Montrose Beverly Hills. This one is truly hidden, located in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood on the edge of Beverly Hills. It feels so discreet and exclusive, like you’re a local. The suites are spacious and stylish, and the hotel has this fantastic, eclectic vibe. Again, the rooftop pool is a total showstopper—it’s a saltwater pool with amazing views, and there’s even a rooftop tennis court. The on-site restaurant is a private lounge just for guests, which adds to that intimate, special feeling. It’s the perfect place to retreat to after a busy day of exploring.
Now, if you’re looking for something incredibly chic and stylish—maybe for a romantic getaway or a solo trip—you absolutely must check out the Chamberlain West Hollywood Hotel. This hotel is just gorgeous. It’s also on a quiet, tree-lined street, but the vibe is pure Hollywood sophistication. It was designed by the amazing David Collins, and you can feel that thoughtful, glamourous touch everywhere. The detail I just love? Almost every suite has its own fireplace. How cozy is that? It’s perfect for a cool LA evening. The rooftop pool is another stunning escape, with panoramic views of the city. It’s just one of those places that feels special from the moment you walk in.
Of course, if you want to be right in the heart of the action, you have to stay on the Sunset Strip. And for that, Hotel Ziggy is pure, unadulterated fun. This hotel is a tribute to the music and rebellious spirit of the Strip. It’s bold, it’s eclectic, and it’s just got this incredible energy. The rooms are a cool mix of folk art and modern rock-and-roll, and the lobby is a destination in itself, with a “shred” room for playing guitars and a fantastic vinyl collection. The pool is LA’s largest saltwater pool—it’s a scene, and it’s so much fun. If you’re looking to dive headfirst into the LA music and nightlife vibe, this is 100% the place.
While you’re in the neighborhood, you have to explore. We love spending a Sunday morning at the Melrose Trading Post (at Fairfax High School). It’s an outdoor market with amazing vintage finds, local art, and great food trucks. For a bit of history, take a drive down the Sunset Strip just to see the legendary venues like The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go. For a fantastic family-friendly (and free!) activity, go to the Greystone Mansion & Gardens. The grounds are beautiful to walk around, and the kids love the fountains. And you can’t miss the “Urban Light“ installation at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)—it’s right on Wilshire Blvd, and walking through those restored street lamps at dusk is just magical.
The Classic California Dream: Santa Monica
When my family pictures “LA,” this is often what they’re thinking of: the wide, sandy beach, the iconic pier, and that amazing ocean breeze. Santa Monica is just a classic, and for good reason!
My absolute favorite place to stay here is the Viceroy Santa Monica. Oh, this hotel is just a dream. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you feel this amazing, sophisticated-yet-relaxed vibe. The design is incredible, and the service is always so warm. But the real stars are the pools. There are two, set in these beautiful, manicured grounds with cabanas. It feels like such a luxurious oasis. The rooms are stunning, many with fantastic ocean views. You’re just steps from the beach, and the hotel has bikes you can borrow. It’s the perfect, elevated home base for a classic California beach vacation. It’s definitely a place you go to create one of those big memories.
The best thing to do in Santa Monica is to just get out and enjoy the fresh air. You absolutely must rent bikes (or grab them from the Viceroy!) and ride the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as “The Strand.” It’s a 22-mile paved path that runs right along the ocean. We love to ride south into Venice Beach to see the street performers and the skate park. Of course, you have to visit the Santa Monica Pier. Get a frozen banana, ride the Ferris wheel, and just soak in the lively, fun atmosphere. For shopping and more great street performers, walk the Third Street Promenade. And at the end of the day, there’s no better place to be than Palisades Park, the grassy bluff that overlooks the ocean. Watching the sunset from there is something I’ll just never get tired of.
LA’s Local Beach Town: The South Bay
If Santa Monica is the classic blockbuster, the South Bay—Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beach—is the charming indie film. This is where the locals live and play. It’s more laid-back, the beaches are fantastic, and it has a completely different, relaxed vibe.
For a truly unique experience, you have to stay at The Portofino Hotel. I am so in love with this place! It’s in Redondo Beach, and it’s literally the only hotel built directly on the water in the King Harbor Marina. Every single room has a private balcony with an incredible view of the marina or the ocean. You can sit out there in the morning with your coffee and watch the boats… and the sea lions! Yes, there’s a colony of sea lions that lives right in the marina, and you can hear their friendly barks. It’s amazing! The hotel feels like a total escape from the hustle of the city. It’s bright, it’s coastal, it’s refreshing, and having that connection to the water is just so restorative.
From The Portofino, you’re in a perfect spot. You can walk right out to the Redondo Beach Pier, which has that wonderful, old-school feel with fresh seafood markets and little shops. For the kids, the Seaside Lagoon (open in the summer) is a fantastic, safe saltwater lagoon for swimming. We also love just walking The Esplanade, the paved path that runs along the oceanfront, watching the surfers. This area is also a major hub for whale watching tours, which sail right from the adjacent marina. It’s a completely different, wonderful side of LA.
The Historic & Cultural Heart: Downtown LA (DTLA)
Downtown LA has had the most incredible transformation. It’s gone from a place people just worked in to one of the most exciting neighborhoods in the city, buzzing with art, culture, and one of the best food scenes in the country.
And it has one of the most unique hotels I’ve ever stayed in: the Los Angeles Athletic Club. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s a piece of LA history. Founded in 1880, it’s a private athletic and social club, and the hotel is on the top floors of this incredible, 12-story historic building. Staying here feels like stepping back in time. The rooms are elegant and classic, with dark wood and vintage touches. But the best part? As a hotel guest, you get full access to the club’s unbelievable athletic facilities. I’m talking a stunning indoor pool, a full basketball court, squash courts, a huge gym… it’s massive! As an active mom, this was heaven for me. After a day of exploring, being able to go for a real swim or use the spa was such a treat. It’s an experience, not just a stay.
And you are in the perfect spot to explore the best of DTLA. You absolutely cannot miss Grand Central Market. It’s a huge, historic food hall that’s been open since 1917, and it’s a sensory delight. You can get everything from pupusas to pasta to amazing Thai food. It’s a must-do for lunch. For art lovers, The Broad is a world-class contemporary art museum (and it’s free, just reserve tickets!). Right next door, you’ll see the stunning, iconic architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Even if you don’t see a show, it’s incredible to walk around. And for a truly unique memory, go to The Last Bookstore, a massive, whimsical bookstore in an old bank building. The “book tunnel” is the perfect photo op!
A Few Helpful Tips from Me to You
The Food: Oh, the food! Besides Grand Central Market, just be adventurous. You’ll find the best tacos of your life from a food truck. Leo’s Tacos Truck (you know, the one famous for its al pastor sliced right off the vertical rotisserie) is a definite must-do for a truly authentic, amazing bite. And if you’re in San Diego, which is right near Estancia La Jolla, try to find Mariscos Germán, famous for their fish tacos and massive carne asada fries—it’s a delightful, unique experience that’s a true local hidden gem.
Explore the incredible food in Koreatown or Little Tokyo. And so many of our hotels have fantastic restaurants—the rooftop at the Montrose, the beautiful dining at the Viceroy, the historic, wood-paneled bars at the LAAC. You will eat very well.
Getting Around: I won’t sugarcoat it: you’ll need a car. The city is just too spread out. But my tip is to plan your days by neighborhood. Don’t try to go from Santa Monica to DTLA in rush hour! Spend one day on the Westside, one day downtown, etc. This will save you so much time and stress.
For the Kids: If you have extra time and the family is in tow, the Griffith Observatory is a must. The views of the city and the Hollywood Sign are unbeatable, and the exhibits are so fun. The La Brea Tar Pits are also fascinating—seeing the mammoths stuck in the tar right in the middle of the city is something my kids still talk about!
Los Angeles is just a wonderful, sprawling, exciting, and inspiring place. It’s a city that invites you to dream, but I think the best part is that it’s a city where you can make the most incredible, lasting memories. I hope you have the most amazing journey!
