World's Best

The Top 15 Hotels in Los Angeles

Published on September 8, 2021

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

There are myriad reasons to love the Greater Los Angeles area, from near-perfect weather to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to a culinary scene that just keeps getting better. But any savvy traveler plans an L.A. trip with one downside in mind: the traffic. To minimize time stuck on the 405 (or 110 or 101…), visitors tend to book a room in the part of town they're most eager to explore, and according to T+L readers, the best hotels in Los Angeles are, once again, the ones found on the metropolitan area's Westside.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

The western portion of the Greater L.A. area — encompassing sought-after neighborhoods like Bel-Air and cities like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood — swept the top 10 spots on the 2021 regional list. In particular, T+L readers felt drawn to several iconic Tinseltown properties, including the Beverly Hills Hotel (No. 7), which holds a special place in many travelers' hearts. "The staff is amazing and they treated us to many extras for our anniversary," one T+L reader recalled. "Nothing else like it!" The storied Beverly Hilton (tied for No. 15) also impressed for its style and value. "Classic location in Beverly Hills with a fun, iconic pool and Midcentury Modern design," wrote a voter. "I also remember being pleasantly surprised with midweek rates for such a big-name hotel in the area."

Over in Santa Monica, three properties delighted travelers with their sophisticated takes on beach getaways. The highest ranking among them: No. 3 Oceana, which became part of Hilton's LXR brand in January. "The recent renovations are spectacular," said a fan. "The staff is exceptional and very much makes you feel at home."

And the Culver Hotel (tied for No. 15) squeaks onto the list for the first time in several years, an achievement that is perhaps indicative of Culver City's recent renaissance. Once a moviemaking hub, it has long flown under the popular radar, but it's finally getting much due recognition for its stellar restaurants and bars, fashionable indie boutiques, and hip design shops. Culver Hotel, for its part, puts visitors in prime position to explore the best of the area. "It's walkable to anything else you want to do in Culver City," enthused one reader. "It's very swanky with a nod to old-school Hollywood. The bar is gorgeous and it's the best place in Culver to grab a martini and people-watch."

But it's the tony Peninsula Beverly Hills that got the most love from T+L readers — and recaptured the top spot after last placing first in 2019. Keep reading to find out why readers named it the best hotel in Los Angeles and to see the full list of properties that made the cut.

1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Exceptional hospitality helped carry this swank 195-room hotel to the top. "Service sets it apart from all other hotels in the area," one devotee wrote. "Staff is so accommodating, friendly, and anticipatory." Another concurred, noting, "We wouldn't stay anywhere else when we visit L.A.! The service is second to none. What other hotel embroiders your initials on the pillowcases even if it's been a year since you last stayed there?" A third reader noted that she keeps in touch with the staff between visits and gave first-name shoutouts to seven team members. The elegant rooms also garnered several compliments ("large and fabulously decorated," as one person put it). Of course, there's plenty to do off site, too, especially with the luxury shopping corridors of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive just minutes away.

Score: 95.52
More information: peninsula.com