Best Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles

If you’re in search of a boutique vibe, but with all of the conveniences that a big chain brand provides, look no further than Kimpton La Peer Hotel. Appropriately located in West Hollywood’s Design District, the property takes style seriously, combining natural materials with custom furnishings and contemporary details like geometric light fixtures and abstract artwork. This aesthetic extends to the 105 accommodations, which are fairly spacious starting at 350 square feet. Some of the rooms even have deep soaking tubs and the staff is more than happy to draw a bath for you upon request.

Between exploring Los Angeles, take some time to unwind at the olive tree-dotted pool or dine next to it in the evening when the deck turns into Issima restaurant with a live DJ. For breakfast and lunch, Light serves up healthful bites that are very LA, but if you happen to be staying here on a Sunday or Monday, check out Tokyo Nights for Japanese-inspired cuisine and cocktails.

If you’re looking to be in the thick of one of Los Angeles’s most famed neighborhoods without having to shell out too much on your digs, Mama Shelter has you covered. Within walking distance to Hollywood’s most popular attractions like the Walk of Fame, TLC Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre, the 70-room property has surprisingly low rates for its convenient location.

Some of the Thierry Gaugain–designed accommodations are fairly tight, but are ideal for young travelers who intend on spending most of their time exploring. The entire hotel is decorated with the full spectrum of the rainbow and to match this jovial vibe there’s a happening rooftop bar and restaurant with nearly 360-degree views of the city.

A far departure from Jeff Klein’s iconic Sunset Tower Hotel just down the road, Hotel 850 SVB is an intimate retreat for the traveler who wants to feel right at home. Taking over a California-style bungalow from the 1900s, the property has been turned into a chic B&B that’s unlike anything offered in Los Angeles. Here, you’ll find 23 carefully curated accommodations with hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, bespoke furniture, and balconies and fireplaces in most rooms.

Quarters can be a bit snug, but if you want to splurge on some extra space the Petit Duplex has a separate sitting area on the first floor while the One Bedroom Suite boasts a furnished outdoor terrace. Enjoy a breakfast spread every morning in the inviting Living Room and don’t forget to head up to the roof deck in the early evening for a complimentary glass of wine and incredible sunset views.

Just because you’re in Hollywood doesn’t mean you need to book a chain hotel. Located at the junction of Los Angeles’s famed neighborhood and Los Feliz, Cara Hotel is just far enough removed from the star-lined road, but close enough if you plan on spending some time in the tourist destination.

Upon entering you’ll be welcomed with an open-air courtyard dotted with century-old olive trees and towering palms with a calming reflection pool in the center, setting the tone for your stay. Rooms are cozy but tastefully minimalist with a white and cream color palette, limestone bathrooms, and comfortable mattresses topped with Frette linens. Check out the restaurant and bar, which shines a light on produce and wines from local vendors with biodynamic practices.

Skip the oceanside resorts and opt for more of a beach house vibe at the Surfrider Malibu. Formerly a 1950s motel, the intimate 20-key property has since been transformed into one of the most visually appealing hotels in the area. Natural materials like teak, limestone, and white oak are plentiful and are complemented by a neutral color palette.

Some of the accommodations are on the smaller side, but the majority of them boast furnished terraces with ocean views and a few even have the added bonus of a hammock. Its crown jewel is arguably the rooftop bar and restaurant. Reserved just for hotel guests, the alfresco venue is complete with a firepit and serves up coastal-Californian dishes showcasing locally sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients. And if you plan on hitting the waves, borrow one of the hotel’s complimentary surfboards or stand-up paddleboards.

Housed in a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival Mansion with wrought-iron gates, a marble fireplace in the lobby, and lush courtyard gardens, you’d never think you were in the heart of Santa Monica. But just a few blocks away are the bustling Third Street Promenade and sandy shores. Nevertheless, Palihouse Santa Monica is a tranquil respite from all of it.

The 38-room hotel offers spacious suites, with Residences providing upwards of 600 square feet of space and fully equipped kitchens, and quirky touches like antlers over the bed and plenty of patterned fabrics. There’s a small, all-day restaurant, but given its prime location, there are plenty of dining options nearby. For a midday break, the staff sets out a candy bar and lemonade every afternoon, which is perhaps best enjoyed after you’ve taken one of the property’s Linus bikes out for a spin.

Upon arrival at Hotel Covell, a 9-key hideaway set atop a buzzy wine bar, you’re greeted by a staff member who gives you a personal tour of the property and your room. Each of the apartment-style accommodations is individually furnished to depict the life of fictional character George Covell. Chapter 2, for instance, mimics that of a New York City flat in the 1950s, with mid-century modern decor and herringbone hardwood floors while Chapter 3 is likened to a Parisian atelier, with modern and minimalist fixtures.

For larger groups, look to Chapter 4, a two-bedroom suite with sumptuous details like emerald hues and a clawfoot soaking tub. To relax outside of your digs, there’s a rooftop sundeck from where you can soak in the sun. And for a quick bite, head downstairs to Bar Covell for some vino and appetizers or next door to HomeState for some Tex-Mex fare.