The Guide to Los Angeles Boutique Hotels

If “location, location, location” is your mantra, then Hotel Élan (French for “spirit”) is prime real estate for you.  Whether you’re in the spirit of shopping, dining or having a little fun around town, the Beverly Center, The Grove Los Angeles and the Sunset Strip are just minutes away. For the ultimate escape, Hotel Élan is quite frankly the sanctuary from the ordinary.

There’s nothing wrong with a little irreverence. For more than 30 years, the Farmer’s Daughter has been an icon in the boutique hotel world for its tongue-in-cheek take on the old “farmer’s daughter” tale. We can’t help but chuckle at the “No Tell Room,” complete with a wet bar and ceiling mirror. Dressed up after a renovation, the hotel still retains its original country charm but now represents a more sophisticated image with fresh new design elements. Central to Museum Row and other attractions, the Farmer’s Daughter certainly isn’t just about sleeping in.

The 127-room Belamar, part of Pacifica Hotel Company, is a boutique retreat in Manhattan Beach that opened in March 2005 and has since unveiled a $2.2 million renovation. The sleek retro-modern property features a remodeled lobby, new restaurant and 7,095 square feet of expanded meeting facilities.

This boutique-style hotel is all about luxury. The restaurant, spa, lounge and tastefully decorated rooms are all as close to perfection as you can get. Bonus: the rooftop offers some of the best views of Downtown, and will soon be home to a new lounge area with fire pits.

After an extensive renovation of the former Orchid Hotel, this historic 1920s hot spot has transformed into O Hotel, upping the ante to become a major player in LA’s dynamic boutique hotel scene. The hotel cultivates a mix of Japanese minimalism and London opulence, catering mainly to a business crowd that wants to be comfortable but not overwhelmed. The result is subtly luxurious, and with an all-star staff attending to the smallest details, a stay here is often a refreshing (and affordable) change of pace.

Old European charm meets modern luxury at Petit Ermitage Los Angeles. Inside the 80-room French Bohemian-styled manor is a refuge that those with a penchant for the finer things in life will certainly enjoy. Remarkable works of art complement the rich, stunning décor. For spectacular city views or a place to rest and relax, check out the rooftop pool.