Here are my top hotel recommendations in LA:
Chateau Marmont Hotel and Bungalows: Located at 8221 Sunset Blvd., in Hollywood, this is old Hollywood at its best. From the 1920’s, it was modeled after an elegant Loire Valley chateau in France. You can stay in one of the rooms or bungalows or simply enjoy lunch, coffee or tea in the wonderful outdoor restaurant on the garden terrace. Make sure to drive by the iconic Capitol Records Building, built in 1956, at 1750 Vine St. nearby. Be aware that the hotel ownership is considering making it a private, member-only property by the end of the year, 2020.
Shutters on the Beach: Located right on the beach in Santa Monica, this is a wonderful luxury boutique hotel. I recommend Coast, which is their casual beachfront cafe and bar; it is the perfect place for a great lunch on the beach and people watching at its finest. The hotel is at One Pico Blvd. It’s a short walk along the beach to the famed Santa Monica Pier from 1909. There are rides, a carousel, arcades, food and shopping.