Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Los Angeles 2023

A place where vibrant neighborhoods lead up to world-famous golden beaches, lingering sunsets can be viewed from spectacular mountain vistas and a place where if you head out to your local corner coffee shop you can find yourself sitting beside your favorite A-lister. This is a city that will always go the extra mile to ensure every experience you have is quirky, cool and unique. 

So, of course, it would be no surprise to learn that their hotels are known for being very hip and trendy too! From plush celebrity haunts to surf-shack-inspired boutique accommodation on Venice Beach here is our collective choice for the best cool and unusual hotels in Los Angeles to suit all budgets (in no particular order)…

1. The Andaz – a hip, sexy and very Instagrammable hotel located on the famous Sunset Strip

Stylish and smart and towering above fashionable Sunset Strip, this chic 4-star exceptionally rated hotel is ideally located to explore this fabulous city. 

Originally opened in the 1960s where it was the preferred hotel du residence of the rock ‘n’ roll set throughout the 60s and 70s. Led Zeppelin once stayed at The Andaz and it has been the setting for numerous films, so begin your own Hollywood story by spending some time in this award-winning hotel.

The hip Los Angeles hotel hasn’t forgotten its rock ‘n’ roll past, with art installations honoring its famous history. The rooftop pool is also a must for both a swim and panoramic views (as well as fabulous sunsets of course).

During the summer, talented DJ’s will help you rock that LA vibe, and lucky guests can enjoy evening wine tastings, eclectic dining, and fusion fare while also finding themselves within walking distance of iconic clubs like The Viper Room, Whiskey A Go-Go and Rainbow Room.

Alternatively, just enjoy a signature cocktail at the aptly named hotel bar – The Riot Room! An LA institution and a seriously cool place to stay in the city!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Andaz Los Angeles 

2. The Kinney Hotel – a colorful, fun and funky boutique hotel located in Venice Beach perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs

The exceptionally rated Kinney Hotel is a way to stay in a hotel while feeling like you are living like a LA local. The Venice Beach located hotel has guest rooms and crash pad suites all arranged around The Quad, an open-air courtyard complete with a fire pit, sun loungers, a hot tub, and even ping pong tables.

Start the day at the Breakfast Club, with made-to-order breakfasts then head to the beach.

Other highlights at this trendsetting Los Angeles abode include a heated dipping pool, a spa, an on-site beach cruiser rentals, a fitness center, and a bar top.

As well as fabulous decor, the bright and funky guest rooms offer Wi-Fi, CO Bigelow bath amenities and the trendy crash pad suites are ideal for larger groups. You won’t want to leave!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Kinney Hotel

3. Freehand Hotel – a cool, trendy and youthful hotel with an arty vibe located in the hip Flatiron District

If you love cool and funky hotels then you’ll totally fall for the 4-star exceptionally rated Freehand Hotel. Housed in the former Commercial Exchange in downtown LA (an 8-minute walk from the nearest metro station), it truly is a one-of-a-kind hotel.

This 1920s icon has been transformed into a fun and sociable hotel/hostel with a mix of shared or private rooms all with a cool retro/chic styling.

The unique LA accommodation experience offers a chance to meet like-minded guests as well as room service, a convenient valet, and an attentive bellman. There’s free Wi-Fi and a guest lounge as well as The Exchange, a modern American/Israeli restaurant and Broken Shaker, the ultra-hip rooftop bar.

There’s even a coffee bar in the hotel for that morning fix. And if you love cocktails, then check out Rudolph’s Bar and Tea where you can get tea-infused cocktails and a full tea service! One of the most popular hotels in Los Angeles, and with good reason!

• To book, check prices or availability for the Freehand Hotel Los Angeles

4. Palihouse Hotel – an elegant and stylish beautiful all-suite LA boutique hotel

In continuous operation since the 1920s, the elegant Revival-style Palihouse Santa Monica brings a little of the sumptuous French Riviera to the American West Coast. The 4-star exceptionally rated Palihouse operates on the philosophy that in order to live a life well-traveled it must be made up of unique experiences, therefore they aim to place their property at the center of that ethos.

In 2001, the European vintage chic all-suite hotel was designated a Santa Monica Historic Landmark owing to its meticulously maintained lush courtyard and ornamental façade.

These coupled with a cool clubhouse feel and uniquely decorated rooms, ensures it provides an inspiring and sophisticated experience in keeping with its mantra.

Colorful, spacious, and with enough quirkiness to keep things interesting, it’s a beautiful Los Angeles gem of a hotel!

• To book, check prices or availability for Pailhouse Santa Monica

5. Mama Shelter – the Los Angeles version of the popular, funky and very Instagrammable hotel brand

Designed by acclaimed Parisian designer Theirry Gaugin, the wonderfully off-the-wall highly rated Mama Shelter Hotel sells itself as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and as something totally different to anything you’ve experienced before in LA. Considering the competition, that’s a very high bar to set!

However, this hip and trendy Los Angeles stay will not disappoint, as well as outrageously funky decor it boasts 360 views from the rooftop terrace, including a spectacular view of the iconic Hollywood sign, proximity to the Chinese Theatre and bustling Hollywood Boulevard.

Just like any good mama’s house, the hotel will shelter you from the urban street madness, offering great food and plenty of facilities to recharge your batteries – literal and metaphorical.

The cool hotel sits comfortably in the ever-changing landscape of LA and is unshackled by it – a true arty icon in the American City of Lights!

• To book, check prices or availability for Mama Shelter Los Angeles 

6. Tommie Hollywood – a popular, hip and Instaworthy new boutique hotel with a fun outdoor rooftop pool and bar

Colorful, vibrant murals, the lobby fireplace, bespoke artwork and a sumptuous pool with jewel lights, palm trees and sweeping views are the highlights of the new Tommie Hollywood boutique hotel. It’s close to all the major Hollywood attractions, including the Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre, and the museums, vintage shops, wine bars, food markets, hiking trails, and the beach.

The rooms are marvels of luxury and simplicity, with comfortable beds, calm, natural earth colors, work-from-home floating desks and local artwork. There’s a gym designed by Beverly Hills celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson and a rooftop pool with some cool murals.

In a city known for its creativity, you can expect no less from the food, and at Kateen by  Angeleno native chef Wes Avila you’ll find cuisine inspired by the ancient Malayan city of Tulum and outdoor seating among palm trees, with the city lights laid out before you.

The rooftop bar at Desert 5 Spot with wood beams and paneling, tapestry throw pillows and flourishing cactus plants evokes another side of California – the luxury of Palm Springs among vintage motels and the ultimate road trip. Along with drinks and food baskets, there are live performances and a weekend DJ.

• To book, check prices or availability for Tommie Hollywood LA

7. Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels – a gorgeous design boutique with a trendy vibe with a great downtown location

The Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel is a design destination in itself, thanks to the stunning interiors inspired by Mexican modern with touches of France and Morocco.

From the intricate Mexican folk art-style paintings in the lobby, guarded by two cacti at the entrance, to the swimming pool in the living room of the presidential suite, it preserves the spirit of Old Hollywood in a style Cecil B. DeMille would have approved of.

The landmark 1920s building is walking distance to the convention center, L.A. Live, Walt Disney Concert Hall, MOCA, The Broad Museum and the boutiques, bars and restaurants for which downtown LA is famous.

Artwork by local artists accents the guest rooms, which have Italian bed linens and large windows with city views. There’s also a rooftop pool, two restaurants by James Beard Award-winning Chef Suzanne Goin, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

• To book, check prices or availability for Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel

8. The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood – a sleek, contemporary and glamorous new boutique hotel located in the heart of Hollywood

A sleek four-star hotel with views of the famous Hollywood sign, The Godfrey is where midwestern hospitality meets contemporary Hollywood style and glamor. Located in the up-and-coming Vinyl District with its music industry associations, it’s close to Sunset Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, CNN Tower, plus shopping and entertainment.

The art deco style is highly Instagrammable, especially the I | O Rooftop with amazing views, a pool and bar, and the stunning geometric stained glass wall. Curated artwork decorates the rooms as well as public spaces.

Many of the rooms also have views of the hills, while others overlook the city or the green courtyard at the center of the building. The retro-chic style offers a contemporary take on sophisticated luxury, with all conveniences like Wi-Fi, soft linens, 55” HDTV with Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth charging stations.

The ground floor restaurant and bar ALK (About Last Knife) features quirky decor and a SoCal menu with fresh local produce.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood

9. Petit Ermitage – an elegant, beautiful and intimate boutique hotel/hideaway located in West Hollywood

A stay at Petit Ermitage is like a visit to a villa owned by a very rich friend, a villa with an extensive art collection including original works by Miró, De Kooning, Rauschenberg, and Dali, European antiques, hand-woven Turkish carpets, and delightful surprises like The Butterfly Bar where you can sip a drink as you take in the panoramic view of the Hollywood Hills.

All of this and more awaits at Petit Ermitage, a sanctuary of bohemian luxury in West Hollywood, located close to attractions like the Rose Bowl, the Getty Museum, Sunset Strip, Melrose Avenue and world-class dining and entertainment.

Or you could choose to just stay in and relax at The Rooftop which has a heated saltwater swimming pool, cabanas, and California-style fusion cuisine at The Garden, which doubles as a sanctuary for hummingbirds and butterflies, or head to the Master’s Lounge for drinks and entertainment.

The rooms and suites are all unique, with selected artwork, ornate bed linens, fireplaces, comfy chairs and potted plants to make you feel at home, and some have private balconies.

• To book, check prices or availability for Petit Ermitage Los Angeles

10. citizenM Los Angeles Downtown – one of the funkiest and most vibrant boutique hotels in LA with a great downtown location

The cool, hip vibe of this citizen M hotel is the perfect match for its downtown Los Angeles location, close to the fashion, toy, art and financial districts.

Designed in collaboration with the Amsterdam studio concrete, the colorful lobby is full of details like a large mural by German-born, Los Angeles-based visual artist Friedrich Kunath, pop art, shelves full of books, objets d’art and whimsical decor.

The rooms are a quiet counterpoint, furnished with king beds, soft Italian linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the city.

Rainforest showers, smart TV, lighting, temperature and blackout blinds all make for a comfortable stay, and you can pick up snacks and drinks at the 24/7 canteenM in the lobby.

• To book, check prices or availability for citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

11. Hotel Erwin – a cool and trendy beachside hotel which overlooks Venice Beach Boardwalk

The unique Hotel Erwin is one of the trendiest accommodation offerings along LA’s famous Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Perfectly reflecting the cool and laid-back Venice beach vibe, the 4-star, and much-loved contemporary Los Angeles accommodation is both reasonably priced (well for a central beach location anyway) and boasts a decor that’s not afraid to be different.

Downstairs you’ll find a restaurant called The OtheЯside which pays homage to Jim Morrison and the Doors and the highest rooftop lounge on the boardwalk named ‘High’ – clever indeed!

Guest rooms have colorful and bright designer schemes adorned with contemporary art and a typical Californian retro-chic style as well as Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. A very hip LA hotel perfect for free spirits aching for a bit of ocean action!

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Erwin Los Angeles

12. The Line Hotel – a hip industrial-chic Los Angeles hotel located in a striking midcentury building

Effortlessly cool and boasting stunning views of LA, the 4-star highly-rated The Line Hotel embodies everything LA has become synonymous with – chic and vibrant.

The 1960s building has been given a wonderfully hip industrial-chic revamp by designer Sean Knibb to slot seamlessly into the downtown Korea Town vibe.

The eclectic LA hotel offers something for every traveler’s needs; sumptuous dishes created by Roy Choi, a shop curated by design duo Poketo which offers workshops ranging from sushi making to meditation, and because of Korea Town’s 24-hour renowned culture – the nightlife offers a stellar nightlife experience.

If you opt for a stay at The Line Hotel, be prepared for a multi-layered, truly urban LA experience!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Line Hotel Los Angeles

13. The Ace Hotel – a hip hotel and cultural hub in Downtown LA

The Ace Hotel is where all the hipsters hang out whenever they’re in town. This 4-star exceptionally rated and very cool LA hotel is always effortlessly trendy (without trying too hard either – which is quite an accomplishment)! It opened its doors early 2014 and is housed in the historic United Artists building in Downtown LA. An ornate, storied and vibrant Los Angeles gem, Downtown is undergoing a renaissance.

Built in 1927 for the maverick film studio, the UA theatre and tower stand as monuments to a group of seminal American artists pushing out on their own.

A fabulous hipster-meets-LA Noir party palace, the ornate building oozes a vibrant history and stands alone as a true diamond within the LA story.

The creative and arty hotel offers a variety of room options from fabulous adjoining terraces (to keep an eye on LA life) to large suites and loft spaces.

Every inch of the hotel is carefully designed and curated with art pieces representing its history-making it a true temple of the arts. A stay here will inspire, fill you with awe, and offer a Los Angeles cultural experience like no other!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Ace Hotel Los Angeles

14. Palihotel Melrose – a chic and unique new boutique with quirky design features located on iconic Melrose Avenue

This 33-room boutique hotel in the trendy Melrose Shopping District is close to Pacific Design Center, CBS Studios, The Grove, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Center and the Sunset Strip.

Designed to feel like a homely inn, the quirky, eclectic interiors have dark wood paneling, random portraits, bookshelves and whimsical vintage accents.

In the rooms at Palihotel Melrose Los Angeles you’ll find comfortable custom-made beds with plush headboards, luxury linens, 43″ HDTV’s, tufted floral sofas, fully stocked minibars, intriguing art, and decor touches that evoke nostalgia for a misplaced past.

Some suites have private terraces and balconies. The Blue Daisy Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner along with craft cocktails and a selection of wines and beer.

• To book, check prices or availability for Palihotel Melrose Los Angeles

15. AIR Venice – this gorgeous beachside gem overlooking Ocean Front Walk is one of the best boutique hotels in Venice Beach

The highly-rated 4-star AIR Venice Hotel takes a historic, early 20th-century building and turns it into a modern and fresh swish hotel with great amenities.

It is located right on the Venice Beach boardwalk, so you can watch the incredible sunset from your room – this trendy Los Angeles hotel is all about the seriously lush views!

The designer furnishings make the bright stylish rooms very comfortable with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and a coffee maker as well as an onsite contemporary restaurant with a bar serving Italian fare.

 The suites are ideal for vacations and even as short-term housing if you need to be in the area for a while or just love to be beside the beach.

The location also means you are ideally placed to explore the area and downtown Santa Monica is less than three miles away – a very popular place to stay in LA and rightly so!

• To book, check prices or availability for AirVenice Los Angeles

16. Hoxton Hotel – a chic and creative club-style hotel from the popular European hotel brand

The super creative European hotel brand has now opened its LA version in a buzzy spot in DownTown Los Angeles. There’s a relaxed sophisticated club-style vibe at the Hoxton Hotel Downtown Los Angeles and the design is cool and trendy with retro/vintage touches – think “beachy California meets old-school Hollywood glamour”.

The decor in the unique guest rooms includes chevron wood floors, statement headboards, and Oaxacan-style rugs, and the majority of the trendy vintage furniture is sourced locally.

Other stand-out amenities include two chic restaurants, complimentary loaner bikes, bars, and a hip rooftop pool all beautifully housed in a very grand historic LA building!

•  To book, check prices or availability for Hoxton Hotel Downtown Los Angeles

17. Figueroa Hotel – a beautiful art-inspired LA upscale design boutique hotel housed in a historic building

The highly-rated Figueroa Hotel is a creative and distinctive Los Angeles accommodation option that mixes modern art with 1920’s Spanish Colonial splendor. 

An elegant oasis in the middle of an urban sprawl the gorgeous boutique hotel complete with an outdoor swimming pool sits opposite the Grammy Museum at the Downtown L.A. Live entertainment complex. 

Head outside to find an atmospheric floodlit swimming pool surrounded by the ornately tiled poolside bar and towering palm trees making it the perfect place to soak up some of those glorious Californian rays. Its artsy vibe also makes it a haven for LA creative types.

• To book, check prices or availability for Figueroa Hotel Los Angeles

20. The W Hotel – a trendy upscale design hotel located in the foothills of Beverly Hills/Bel Air perfect for partying with the locals

Located in a truly prestigious location at the foothills of Bel-Air and adjacent to Beverly Hills is the funky, sumptuous and trendsetting 4-star exceptionally rated W Hotel.

Offering lashings of Cali-glam and famous for its luxurious decor and party atmosphere, the highly-rated hip Los Angeles hotel offers a fabulous range of fine dining, a stunning heated pool, classically decorated bedrooms as well as a renowned 7,000-square-foot spa and wellness center and that’s not forgetting the lobby DJ bar where you could definitely spot a celeb or two.

A great option for a traveler looking to really embrace the glam LA experience.

• To check prices or availability for The W Hotel Los Angeles

21. The Wayfarer DTLA – a fun and funky creative design hotel in Downtown LA with a chic rooftop lounge

For travelers wanting a slice of big-city action, The Wayfarer DTLA in Downtown LA hits the mark beautifully. Situated on Flower Street, the funky LA hotel provides easy access to the nearby Los Angeles Convention Center, Staples Center, L.A. Live, and countless other amenities.

With its historic 1920s exterior, The Wayfarer exudes class and elegance, while the interior is offbeat and funky. Wacky retro-modern decor keeps guests on their toes, whether lounging around the pool or chilling in the hotel’s lounge.

Head to the rooftop bar to test-drive the many cocktails while overlooking Downtown LA’s glittering skyline. Did we mention dogs are also allowed to stay?

• To check prices or availability for The Wayfarer DTLA Los Angeles