The Hotel Guru
20 Cool Hotels in California

20 Cool Hotels in California

California is just about the coolest cookie under the hot sun, from San Francisco’s original cool, to Malibu’s vintage cool, the old skool cool of Palm Springs, and L.A.’s cool glamour, there’s not really anywhere cool enough to rival it! So if you’re coming to this cool state then our Hotel gurus figure why not stay in a really cool hotel? They've scoured the region and discoverd some truly unique properties to suit most tastes and budgets, whether you're looking for a stylish beach hotel with a surf vibe, glamping amongst the vines, a romantic desert hideaway or a hip urban hangout perfect for a quick city break. Use our guide and start planning your next trip!

For a Cool Escape

Right by the entrance of the Joshua Tree National Park, Sacred Sands is an incredible, remote desert getaway with just two suites. Both have an outdoor bath and shower, and a daybed on a viewing terrace that allows you to soak up the view as you soak in the water — both day and night — and seriously chic architecture. There’s no restaurant, but there is a kitchenette, and the fridge comes fully stocked.
Treebones Resort is a collection of 16 stylish yurts overlooking an incredible view of Big Sur. In addition to accommodation the resort offers fantastic organic food, yoga sessions and a pool and hot tub.

For Urban Cool

Built in 1929 to a Mediterranean style guide, the Palihouse Santa Monica offers 36 welcoming rooms, with unusual, but homely decor. The family sized suites have self catering facilities, and they can accommodate furry friends too. The location is perfect for Santa Monica’s highlights.
The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is a glamorous resort in rather glamorous Newport Beach. It’s not small, but the scale translates into great facilities, like a gym and spa, and a very California-cool pool. The 240 odd rooms and suites have similar decor — monochrome, with interesting photography and lost of natural light from big windows and balconies — but they feel far from cookie cutter.

For Cool Design

The Galleria Park’s central San Francisco location is difficult to beat: it’s between Union Square and the Financial District. So the location is definitely cool, but we also rate the architecture (a mash-up of Art Nouveau and Art Deco), the art, the roof terrace and the French-style brasserie.
The Hoxton Downtown LA is another cool offering from the Hoxton Group, offering a fantastic L.A. location paired with chic vintage inspired decor many of us would love to have hunted down for our own homes. The roof terrace is one of the hottest destinations in town, and the bar and restaurant are equally popular.

For Something Completely Different

The Squibb Houses can be found on a charming street in Cambria: two beautifully restored houses, dating from the 1800s, turned into a elegant B&B. Each of the nine rooms has been individually decorated in a cosy, period style, which includes home-made quilts, wood beams and elegant beds. The owner also has a local antique store. You’re five minutes drive, or 45 minutes walk from the beach, and equally close to the wineries of Paso Robles.

For Cool Nightlife

If you want to explore downtown Los Angeles after dark the Tuck Hotel is the place to stay. Not only is it in the perfect spot for after-hours bars, clubs and restaurants, its moody, Film Noir-esque decor really gets you ready — think raised beds, black walls and spot lighting that will make you think of Hollywood after parties. There are only 14 rooms, and it’s very well priced.

For Oceanside Cool

The Surfrider is an uber cool boutique hotel right on Malibu beach, mere metres from the pier. Even without all the Scandinavian chic design choices, fascinating coffee table books on beautiful mid-century coffee tables, and farm-to-fork rooftop restaurant, the Pacific views from The Surfrider are so wonderful as to make the hotel cool on their own. These sunsets are unforgettable. And there’s nowhere better if you’re thinking about learning to surf.
The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a luxurious, five suite inn just back from the beach at Encinitas. This property is all about tranquility, with some added spirituality: think minimalist decor, harvesting your own herbs and vegetables, in-room reiki massages and sound therapy machines, and yoga mats for all guests. Encinitas is considered by some to be the birthplace of yoga in the Western world. It’s also a fantastic spot for surfers.

For Luxury Cool

Yountville’s Bardessono Hotel and Spa is a beautiful pairing of eco-friendly values and luxury. It all starts with the hotel’s spa, which is heated by geothermal systems, which also heat the rooms, and the hotel’s other power requirements are met using solar panels on the roof. The bathrooms in each of the the 62 rooms and suites acts as a private spa, and all rooms have a private patio or roof terrace too. You’re within a relaxed stroll of several wine estates and vineyards, and the hotel offers a complimentary weekly wine tasting. The organic restaurant is highly praised, but there are plenty of choices nearby too.

For Cool Couples

Small, chic and in East Hollywood, Gold-Diggers is inspired by music and invites guests in its 11 rooms and suites to create their own personal soundtrack to their stay on vinyl and cassettes. There’s a fantastic choice of bars and restaurants nearby, plenty of shopping opportunities, and many of L.A.’s sights. The decor features velvet in contemporary shades, and large scale art. And it’s affordable too.

For Cool Families

The Carneros Inn is an 86 room hotel converted from farm buildings in the spectacular Napa Valley. The agri-chic aesthetic is slightly upstaged by some of the stunning art and immaculate decor, but that’s part of what makes this a cool experience. The cottages and suites have private furnished patios, and spacious interiors. We love the Napa Valley location and the views — especially from the three restaurants and three pools. And there’s loads to do here, including art, cooking and cheese-making classes.

For Retro Cool

For the real deal in retro cool check out the Monkey Tree Hotel in Palm Springs! This small hotel built by architect Albert Frey, has recently undergone a very sympathetic renovation, and it's now as mid-century chic as it ever was, but more comfortable. The 16 rooms and suites are all different shapes and sizes, and whitewashed, to make the most of the modern art and vintage furniture. There’s a pool a Scandinavian spa too.
Just outside the obvious bit of Palm Springs, the Villa Royale is a Spanish style post-war resort turned quirky boutique hotel. This combination of old Hollywood era glamour and contemporary boutique hotel art and decor feels fresh and lively, but it’s also comfortable! This is epitomised by the chic restaurant with its lavishly stocked cocktail bar, and oil paintings by former resident artists. The views of the San Jacinto Mountains from the three pools and collection of terraces will have you inhaling deeply.
The Hotel Beverly Terrace occupies a white, mid-century building in the 90210 postcode, and has its 39 rooms charmingly decorated with retro and vintage finds. Most of the rooms have a view of the balmy, palmy, sun-trap of a courtyard. The bar is friendly and the restaurant is Italian. It’s not a showstopper, but that’s why we think it’s cool. It’s also friendly, and extremely affordable for the spot.

For Rural Cool

Guerneville’s Autocamp Russian River is definitely glamping, rather than camping — the accommodation available comprising Airstream caravans or beautifully styled permanent tents, on the edge of a Redwood Reserve. If you like to sit out of an evening around your own fire pit, or a communal one, and maybe try some of the wine you’ve purchased from cellars during your daily explorations, then this could be your idea of heaven. There’s no restaurant, but there are plenty close by.
The Senza Hotel is a trendy hotel in the Napa Valley, offering original artwork in its 41 rooms and suites, and private balconies overlooking the vines. The baths are big, as are the wine lists, and you’re close to cooking schools and local nightlife.

For Great Value

The Basecamp Hotel in Heavenly, on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, is perfectly positioned for incredible views of this spectacular area. It’s pretty chic inside, blending rustic chalet style with contemporary design, and resulting in 74 cool minimal rooms and suites featuring both wood and metal. This is a real activity hub, great for families, and outdoors folk.
The Hotel Republic is a high-rise hotel in San Diego, with a fantastic roof terrace and cool city views. The 258 rooms and suites are stylish, minimal and monochrome, with rain showers and window seats-with-a-view. There’s a choice of bars and restaurants on site, but you’re close to the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, so spoilt for nightlife choices.

Still not sure where to book?

You could check out our article on the 15 Coolest Hotels in San Francisco
or refine your search by location and consider our recommendations for cool Miami hotels, cool hotels in Los Angeles or quirky hotels in Healdsburg for example,
you could expand your search to include ALL the best places to stay in California,
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- The Squibb Houses Cambria (California) 9 rooms from £156
  
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  Local exploring - This is a wonderful base to hit the beach, observe wildlife, visit historic sites or simply explore small-town Cambria
  Sights nearby - Visit the extravaganza that is Hearst Castle, built by publishing tycoon William Hearst between between 1919 and 1947
  Full of character
  Adult Only
  
  B&B made up of 2 beautifully restored buildings that date from the 1800s. Located on one of the most pleasant streets in Cambria, the properties feature homely rooms with wood beams and home-made quilts. Relax on a rocking chair on the covered porch or drop into the owner's antique furniture store. See More
  
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- The Carneros Inn Napa 86 rooms from £225
  
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  Country Escape  -  The beautiful Napa Valley is perfect for a rural escape, and any holiday should involve a visit to a vineyard or tasting house
  Active Holiday  -  3 pools, hot tubs, free bikes, extensive gardens, art classes, cheese-making, horse riding and helicopter trips, to name a few
  Back to Nature  -  The Di Rosa Preserve: Art and Nature is a 217-acre estate housing thousands of artworks in a unique natural setting.
  Total relaxation
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Modern take on traditional local farm buildings in the beautiful Napa Valley with an 'agri-chic' aesthetic. The cottages and suites feature private, furnished patios and immaculately stylish rooms. Eat in delicious restaurants, and relax in an award-winning spa, outdoor pools, and grand gardens. See More
  
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- AutoCamp Russian River Guerneville 34 rooms from £202
  
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  Groups  -  With outdoor firepits encouraging evening get togethers, this is a great choice for groups
  Back to Nature  -  Camping (but in serious comfort) at a site near a river in Sonoma County wine country
  Great walks  -  Hike through the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
  
  It's camping, but of the upscale variety. A collection of beautifully styled tents and chic Airstream trailers. Trailers have impressively indulgent bathrooms and a simple white outfit. Tents have queen-sized beds and patios with firepits. A unique base to explore the wine country from. See More
  
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- Inn at Moonlight Beach Encinitas 5 rooms from £222
  
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  Eco break  -  Drink tea with home-grown and harvested herbs or a reiki massage in rooms with the most innovative sustainable technology
  Beach Life  -  Spend a day at the beach; there is excellent surfing, a beautiful white sand beach with volley-ball and equipment rental
  Back to Nature  -  The staff encourage you to get your hands dirty in the vegetable garden; all rooms include a garden basket with shears
  Eco  -  The hotel was the first in the world to be certified WELL Platinum by the International Well Building Institute
  
  One-of-a-kind property located close to the beach in Encinitas with an emphasis on spirituality and tranquillity. Meditate or practise yoga in the water garden, urban farm or private ocean-facing balconies. 5 suites are luxuriously minimalist. Food is locally sourced, organic and vegan on request. See More
  
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- Sacred Sands California 2 rooms from £285
  
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  Back to Nature  -  Soak in the views around you by day and the milky way above by night. Hike to you heart's content from the property
  Hideaway  -  Only 2 suites surrounded by desert landscapes give this a true James Bond villain style hideaway feel
  Weddings  -  For an intimate wedding like no other this is a unique venue. They also offer elopment packages
  Romantic Break  -  From the outdoor bathtub look out over the Mojave Desert into Joshua Tree National Park
  
  One-of-a-kind property located close to the West entrance of California's Joshua Tree National Park. Just 2 suites - Onyx & Jade - make up this desert get-away, each with outdoor bath, shower and day bed to maximise jaw-dropping views at every turn. Check-in with someone special to escape it all. See More
  
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- Bardessono Hotel and Spa Yountville 62 rooms from £403
  
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  Wine tasting  -  Walking distance to a number of estates, vineyards and wineries. Complimentary wine tasting in hotel.
  Restaurant  -  Field to fort cuisine with most ingredients sourced from the property's own kitchen garden
  Private Hot Tub  -  Suites have spa baths in bathrooms
  Swimming Pool  -  Rooftop outdoor pool
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A hotel that proves you can have luxury as well as an eco-friendly ethos. Geothermal systems heat the rooms and spa, whilst solar panels provide almost all of the hotel’s energy. Spacious bathrooms are designed as private spas and the restaurant favours organic ingredients and weekly wine tasting. See More
  
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- Treebones Resort Big Sur 16 rooms from £234
  
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  Great walks  -  Big Sur hike offers canyons, waterfalls, rocky beaches and historic sites.
  Local markets  -  Explore what Big Sur has to offer from local produce and arts and crafts.
  Kayaking  -  Sea Kayaking for 60 miles at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
  Restrictions on children  -  Treebones only accepts children over 6 years
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  Be at one with nature while gorging on oceanic views, glamping in stylish yurts and feasting on organic locally sourced produce for all meals. Put up your own tent or call a yurt a home, a fantastic spot for all the Big Sur offers. Environmentally conscious, a great treat. See More
  
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- Basecamp Hotel Heavenly (South Lake Tahoe) 74 rooms from £95
  
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  Fishing  -  The hotel will happily advise you about the best fishing on the many local lakes.
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
  
  A totally unique boutique hotel right on Lake Tahoe. The perfect mix of modern convenience and rustic-chic. White on white decor with bold splashes of colour and contrasting metal and wood. Craft beers and wholesome food- the perfect après-ski. See More
  
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- Senza Hotel Napa 41 rooms from £202
  
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  Outstanding location
  Great walks  -  Several local State Parks provide ample walking- Alston Park, Skyline Wilderness Park, Westwood Hills Park and many more.
  Cooking classes  -  Brush up on your culinary skills at Cooking with Julie - Napa and The Culinary Institute Academy - St. Helena
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  
  A trendy hotel in the famed Napa Valley Region. Each stylish room features original artworks and a private balcony over looking the local vineyards. Pamper yourself with in room massages, oversized tubs and Molton Brown bath products. Elegant, opulent and fun. See More
  
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- Palihouse Santa Monica Santa Monica (California) 38 rooms from £250
  
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  Great walks  -  Santa Monica Pier is great for an evening stroll or Palisades Park in the day time.
  Sights nearby  -  Third Street Promenade is lively and promises to always have something going on.
  Fishing  -  Just off Santa Monica Pier try your hand at catching some fish.
  Local markets  -  Check out the locals farmers market during your stay.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A cool country house-style hotel in residential Santa Monica offers both long-stay and weekend break suites. Welcomed by a roaring fireplace at reception the rooms mirror this essence of home. Spacious, contemporary and comfortable. It's perfect for local exploring, doing some work and relaxing. See More
  
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- The Surfrider Malibu (CA) 20 rooms from £254
  
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  Beach Life  -  The ultimate beach chic getaway- paired back luxury rooms offering views of the pacific and the best surfing beach in California
  Total relaxation  -  Relax, unwind and enjoy- rooftop cocktails by the firepit and listening to waves crashing on your private terrace
  Surfing  -  Take advantage of your location and hit the beach for some surf (beginners should ask reception for instructors)
  Sights nearby  -  Within a short walk of Malibu Pier, a great place to people watch and grab a bite
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  An uber cool and laid back Malibu boutique. The perfect balance of simplicity and luxury is all in the fine details, scented candles, organic materials and private balconies with Pacific views. The rooftop restaurant is perfect and the staff are as friendly as you will find anywhere. Beach-chic! See More
  
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- Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Newport Beach (Costa Mesa) 238 rooms from £189
  
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  Weddings  -  The property offers a range of flexible spaces for your special day, ranging from lakeside pavilions, leafy groves and ballrooms
  Business meetings  -  Dynamic location for a meeting or conference boasting high-tech meeting rooms, outdoor garden retreats & vibey dining
  Restaurant  -  The glossy restaurant serves contemporary Californian cuisine featuring seasonal, fresh, organic and artisanal ingredients
  Swimming Pool  -  The classic Californian outdoor pool features colourful sunbeds and private cabanas
  
  Glam luxury resort with impressive event spaces and meeting facilities. Super comfortable light-filled rooms boast jazzy monochrome decor, stylish furniture, luxe amenities and roomy granite bathrooms. Enjoy on-site lake, spacious grounds, swimming pool, gym plus fab restaurant with outdoor dining. See More
  
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- Hotel Republic San Diego 258 rooms from £250
  
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  Local exploring  -  Boasting a great downtown location between Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy,
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the oldest church in the city, the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  
  A chic urban base offering great dining options, smart accommodation, and a roof terrace with superb city views. Rooms are simple yet stylish with white and grey tones, window seats, rain showers, and Gilchrist & Soames products. With a choice of bars and restaurants, this central stay has it all. See More
  
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- Tuck Hotel Los Angeles (Downtown) 14 rooms from £110
  
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  Close to nightlife  -  After-hours bars, restaurants and club abound in this part of town. The rooftop bar at The Standard is famous for good reason
  Local exploring  -  Downtown LA is known for its archictectural landmarks, the city's Arts District, cutting-edge restaurants and hip bars
  Sights nearby  -  Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the city’s 1781 birthplace or nearby Walt Disney concert hall, designed by Frank Gehry
  Great walks  -  Wander through Chinatown and Little Tokyo. There are also guided art walks through the area
  
  Moody night-time vibes abound in this downtown haunt. Spacious monochrome rooms with raised beds and spot lighting scream Hollywood after-party; vintage telephones and Bauhaus-style leather couches add Film Noir touches. Will suit independent travellers and those looking for a good time after dark. See More
  
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- Hotel Beverly Terrace Los Angeles (Beverly Hills) 39 rooms from £111
  
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  Value chic  -  Amazing value considering the size of the rooms, amount of outdoor space and wonderful dining on-site in the very heart of LA
  Local exploring  -  A great base whatever you're looking for; trendy restaurants, Hollywood sightseeing, shopping, museums or galleries
  Sights nearby  -  Easily explore all of LA's famous districts from the hotel; Beverly Hills, Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive and Sunset Strip
  Great walks  -  Stretch your legs with a stroll around Greystone Mansion, a Tudor-revival house and garden in Beverly Hills
  
  Contemporary shabby-chic 90210 boutique hotel. Housed in a mid-century building, the white and yellow colour-scheme, palm-strewn white-washed courtyard & laid-back sociable roof terrace could only be Beverley Hills. Cosy rooms have color-pops and ornate gold touches and face the courtyard or city. See More
  
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- Villa Royale Palm Springs (Tahquitz River Estates) 38 rooms from £112
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Stunning rooms in private villas invite romance in the sun at this cosy, adult only resort
  City Style  -  A collection of stylish villas in West Palm Springs, 5 minutes from Downtown
  Retro/Vintage  -  The resort has an air of Hollywood heyday, reminiscient in its design
  Views  -  The resort offers mountain views from windows, terraces and pools
  
  A luxury collection of free-standing villas boasting 3 swimming pools and an on-site restaurant and bar serving Mediterranean/Cali fare, perfect for couples. 5 minutes drive from Downtown, the villas are spacious and comfortable, but it is their bold, arty and vibrant design that really stands out. See More
  
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- Galleria Park San Francisco (Financial District) 177 rooms from £150
  
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  Local exploring  -  Ideally located between the Union Square shopping district and the Financial district and well-connected to the best city sights
  City Style  -  Stylish and chic hotel ideally located and newly renovated, perfect for casual or business visitors.
  Restaurant  -  A Parisian-style brasserie serving classic French dishes alongside a good selection of wines.
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Chic hotel in the very centre of San Francisco, between the Union Square and Financial Districts. The contemporary, designer furnishings in the rooms complement the Art Deco and Art Nouveau heritage of the building also on display, creating a vibrant and colourful self-proclaimed pied-à-terre. See More
  
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- Monkey Tree Hotel Palm Springs 16 rooms from £148
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Surrounded by mountains, complete with a Scandinavian spa and occupying a quiet spot - ideal for a relaxing brak
  Architectural  -  Built in the 1960s by renowned architect Albert Frey and now carefully renovated - ideal for design enthusiasts
  Restrictions on children  -  Children over 14 are welcomed
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  
  A chic design hotel, built by renowned architect Albert Frey, and now having undergone a meticulous renovation. Rooms vary in size but all have whitewashed walls, modern artwork, and vintage furniture. Complete with a large outdoor pool, a Scandinanvian spa, and healthy breakfasts. A relaxing stay. See More
  
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- Gold-Diggers Los Angeles 11 rooms from £148
  
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  City Style  -  With boutique interiors inspired by music and a coveted East Hollywood location, book this hotel for chic LA style
  Romantic Break  -  The beautifully appointed suites at this hotel make an ideal pied-à-terre for a romantic couples' getaway
  Local exploring  -  With the best bars and clubs close by, book this hotel as a base for your Los Angeles exploring
  Sights nearby  -  See the internationally-renowned walk of fame, now comprising more than 2,600 stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  This fantasy pad is tucked away in East Hollywood, a stone's throw from Melrose Avenue. Inspired by the area's love affair with music, guestrooms allow you to create a personalised collection from vinyl and cassettes. Contemporary art and chic, velvet upholstery seals the sense of Hollywood glamour. See More
  
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- The Hoxton Downtown LA Los Angeles 174 rooms from £155
  
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  City Style  -  The Hoxton group are well versed in creating seriously stylish stays and the downtown LA offering is no exception
  Local markets  -  Grand Central Market is a consistent favourite with foodies
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  
  The Hoxton group are well known for crafting urban cool spaces and the downtown LA offering perfectly fits the brief. Elegant rooms have a vintage feel with rattan bed-heads and Mexican rugs. The terrace, complete with a pool and bar, quickly became one of the hottest destinations. A chic choice. See More
  
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