Staying in Los Angeles is never quite cheap, but there are super-expensive hotels with all the bells and whistles, and not-quite-so-expensive hotels, with only a few of the bells and whistles (or just great locations). Here, for Hotels Week, we offer options for staying high and staying less-high in five popular neighborhoods.
Hollywood
↑ If you want the classic clubby see-and-be-seen Hollywood experience, and you want it expensive, The Redbury's the spot: Chic, boutiquey, close to the action, and with a doting concierge, loads of amenities, a damn app, a spa, large rooms, trendy restaurant Cleo and lounge The Library. Rates start around $290.
But you're just as likely to spot a celeb at the 101 Coffee Shop in the Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills Hotel as you are at Cleo. It's a little farther from Hollywood Boulevard (which can be a good thing), but it's got its own hipster look and has a pool. Rates start around $190.
South Park
↑ For a luxury stay during your trip to see the Lakers/visit your kid at USC/eat at Hooters, it'll have to be the Ritz-Carlton at LA Live. Guests will get great views, TVs in the bathrooms, a doting concierge, a private lounge, spa, rooftop pool, and Wolfgang Puck food, with rates starting around $370.
The Figueroa Hotel nearby is also a Downtown landmark, but not quite so refined: guests in the 1925 building will get much more imaginative decor, a pool with bar, restaurant, and the option to stay in a "Moroccan suite." Rates start around $150.
Sunset Strip
↑ The Chateau Marmont is the classic celeb hangout on the Sunset Strip, where guests are free to engage in shenanigans and to enjoy the lovely pool, fantastic concierge, valet parking, private trainers, packing/unpacking service, and cashmere throws, all with the highest discretion. That costs: rooms start at $435.
You'll look like you're trying a little harder at The Standard, but if you want to be right in the action on the strip, this is probably your cheapest bet. Guests get access to the pool scene, a trendy all-night diner, and the knowledge that the girls stayed here on Sex & the City that one time. Rooms start at about $195.
Santa Monica
↑ For a stay at the beach, Hotel Casa del Mar is about as swank as you'll get, with great architecture, lush grounds, beach access and views, a fancy restaurant and lounge, and a spa. Rooms start around $425.
The Sea Shore Motel isn't so much to look at, but it's on Main Street just a couple blocks from the beach and rooms come with fridges, cable, and tile floors; there's also free parking, a sun deck, and the well-liked Amelia's cafe (and good reviews!). Rooms start at $110.
Pasadena
↑ For a real posh get-away, the Langham Hotel is pretty much unmatched: it comes with grand old architecture, gorgeous parkish grounds and gardens, The Royce steakhouse, a spa, and pool. Rooms start around $220.
The Westin Pasadena has more of a chain feel (because it is one) and is in a far less relaxing location (but closer to all the Pas action), but it has in-room spa service and a pool. It's also much less fussy. Rooms start around $125.
· Hotels Week 2014 [Curbed LA]
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