Looking for top-notch Los Angeles hotels in Downtown?
Look no further! As a self-certified expert in LA neighborhoods and a longtime lover of California, I know a thing or 50 about the city. In this post, I have broken down the best Downtown hotels by budget, luxury, overall value, most historical, and even included the stay with the best rooftop pool.
These are the 5 best hotels in Downtown Los Angeles-
- Best Hotel Overall: The Hoxton
- Best Budget Hotel: Aventura Hotel
- Best Luxury Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton
- Best Rooftop Pool: Freehand Los Angeles
- Best Historic Hotel: Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles
The Hoxton
Housed in a 922 Beaux-arts building in the historic Broadway neighborhood of DTLA, The Hoxton is one of the best hotels in downtown Los Angeles for price, value, and location.
All rooms have delightful little details, like cookbook collections curated by LA chefs and sweeping city views. The rooftop pool is a haze of warm beiges and pampas grass.
The Hoxton fits right into the Broadway neighborhood, a subsection of the historic theatre district filled with boutiques and upscale brand-name fashion shops, plus the super cool Alameda Night Market, which is basically a mini street food festival.
Aventura Hotel
When you’re staying in downtown Los Angeles and want to save money but still book a hotel that is safe and close to food, consider Aventura, a mile away.
Ideally situated in Koreatown’s culturally rich (and super fun!) neighborhood, Aventura Hotel is a great place to stay on a budget and still be close to Downtown.
With just a few minutes of scenic walking, you have fantastic food options like Waku Donkasu (killer Japanese) and Yoshinoya Olympic, plus tons of shopping and karaoke bars. And when I say a ton, I mean a ton– there are over 200 places to eat less than a mile from the hotel.
Aventura also has complimentary underground parking so you can store your rental vehicle safely. This hotel is the answer for travelers who want both access to entertainment and a place to wind down in peace.
The Ritz-Carlton
The most luxurious hotel in downtown LA is the Ritz, the hotel that sells itself.
Synonymous with luxury, The Ritz-Carlton is the star of Downtown. The hotel has big ‘Sophisticated California’ energy, with bright splashes of color thrown in via art and floral arrangements.
Rooms include sweeping city views to remind you that you’re in Los Angeles, California, the city of dreams!
Keep the feeling flowing at the hotel’s outdoor, rooftop heated pool and hot tub. Rub elbows with celebs at Leña At Sendero, the hotel’s Argentine steakhouse packed with traditional Latin dishes and more incredible DTLA views.
Freehand Los Angeles
Freehand has, hands down (and pun intended), the best rooftop pool of any hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
This hotel is a unique and charming place to hang out in downtown Los Angeles.
Hugged by skyscrapers, the rooftop pool is lined with Flamingo pink chairs and tons of table space for your phone photoshoot. The hotel has transformed the historic Commercial Exchange building into a trendy hideaway in the center of busy Downtown.
Around the corner, you’ll find the Sakana Sushi Lounge, and nearby on S. Grand is Andante Coffee Shop, home of the most heavenly espresso beans in LA and a handy CVS.
The Biltmore Los Angeles
The Historic Biltmore Los Angeles
Birthplace of The Oscars and LA landmark since 1923, The Biltmore casts a spell that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a long-forgotten era, one where you’d need to own at least a week’s worth of opulent ballgowns.
No detail was spared on this Spanish-Italian masterpiece, with its romantic carved columns and hand-painted murals.
Hosting History: Stars, Politicians, & LA’s Most Famous Unsolved Murder
The Birth of The Oscars
Unsurprisingly, the idea for the Oscars was first sparked under the decadent ceiling of the Blitmore’s Crystal Ballroom in 1927, during a banquet for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. An MGM executive was said to have sketched the original design for the “Oscar” award on a hotel napkin.
Famous Guests
Of all the hotels in the Los Angeles Downtown area, the Biltmore is #1 for witnessing history and hosting absolute legends throughout the years, including:
- Marilyn Monroe
- Frank Sinatra
- Judy Garland
- Walt Disney
- Amelia Earhart
Six US presidents, several members of the British royal family, and big-name criminals like Al Capone have stayed in the Blitmore’s presidential suite.
Filmed at the Biltmore
- The Biltmore Hotel has also served as a filming location for iconic movies and music videos like:
- Chinatown
- Ghostbusters
- Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas”
- Lana Del Rey’s “West Coast”
The Black Dahlia Found at the Biltmore
LA’s famously unresolved crime case, the murder of a 22-year-old aspiring actress, known in death as The Black Dahlia, is also tied to the hotel.
On January 15, 1947, the nude body of a beautiful young woman, sliced in half at the waist, was found in front of the Biltmore. The body belonged to Elizabeth Short, remembered forever as the Black Dahlia. Due to the lack of blood, it’s believed Elizabeth was harmed elsewhere and then left at the hotel.
The crime evolved from tabloid sensation to worldwide legend, partly because of the puzzling way Short’s body had been found and partly due to her beauty and personal life.
In many ways, Elizabeth’s story- a beautiful woman coming to the City of Angels and being literally torn apart- is an ongoing metaphor for all aspiring performers that come to the city and leave devasted by the reality that not all dreams are meant to come true.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cool about Downtown LA?
What’s cool about Downtown LA, you ask? SO much!
Downtown LA is famous for some pretty cool things like the Walk Disney Concert Hall, the Grammy Museum, and the Broad Museum. The Little Tokyo neighborhood (one of only 3 Japantowns in the US), the oldest building in Los Angeles (see below), authentic food spots, and LA-exclusive boutiques are cornered into this section of the city.
Is it worth it to stay in Downtown LA?
Whether it is worth staying in downtown LA really depends on you.
Downtown LA has its advantages, like being located in the heart of the city, making it a convenient base for exploring different neighborhoods and attractions. The Downtown area of LA is also a cultural hub with numerous art galleries, theaters, museums, and music venues.
Yet, like any urban area, downtown LA has its share of crime and requires extra precautions in some parts.
How walkable is Downtown LA?
Downtown LA is pretty walkable, especially compared to other parts of the city. Just like with any urban area, be aware of your surroundings and think twice before walking at night.
What is the most walkable neighborhood in Downtown LA?
The most walkable neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles is the Historic Core, located roughly between 3rd Street, 9th Street, Main Street, and Broadway.
Charming and fun, the Historic Core is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets, vibrant atmosphere, and amenities within walking distance.
What famous people live in Downtown LA?
Famous people who live in Downtown LA include Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Chris Pine, and Fred Armisen, to name a few.
Overall, if you’d like to see where famous people live, you’re better off taking a good Celebrity Home Tour.
What is the oldest building in Downtown LA?
The oldest building in Downtown LA is the Bradbury Building. This building is the oldest commercial structure remaining in the central city and one of LA’s most unique treasures.
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