Hotels: Where to Stay (...in LA)

As expansive as it is exciting, there are a multitude of different neighborhoods and scenery to choose from in Los Angeles.  And a home-away-from-home for every budget.

Speaking only from personal experience/having stayed at these properties, myself, here are some of my recommendations:

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Neighborhood: Westside ‘City’

• Intercontinental Hotel Century City at Beverly Hills  From my newcomer/Texas native’s standpoint, Century City is akin to the neighborhood surrounding the The Galleria in Houston: it’s new-ish, the buildings are tall, the shopping is good, and the restaurants are fun and aplenty.  And, because Century City is adjacent to Beverly Hills, it’s really the ideal neighborhood for my family to stay while visiting.  It certainly made for the ideal “home away from home” during my first 48-hours as a Los Angeles resident.  The rooms are somewhat affordable (think $150-$300/night) – very generous in size – and come with your own private balcony.  Speaking of, make sure to ask for a “Hollywood Hills view” upon check-in.  Trust me, it’s breathtaking and makes all the difference in the world; sure beats the alternative, which is a very unsexy parking structure.  While there is a restaurant in the hotel, the closest we got to dining was imbibing at the bar.  Stick to wine, beer, or straight-forward cocktails; when I requested an ‘Aperol Spritz,’ the bartender must have thought I said an ‘Aperol and Sprite,’ as that is exactly what I received.

Neighborhood: Westside ‘Coastal’

• Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel  Located on, quite possibly, the most prime piece of real estate in Santa Monica (a stone’s throw from the pier!).  Spacious, well-appointed guest rooms (from $300+/night), solid options for on-premise dining and cocktailing, plus an array of amenities (outdoor pool, spa, gym) make this one of Santa Monica’s best.

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Lindsay, Beverly Hills Bites