Best Hotels in Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

Sitting on the fringes of downtown L.A. just a short walk from the STAPLES Center and The Grammy Museum, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles has what it takes to make it in this town. The hotel's 123 guest rooms and suites exude an aura of "California cool" with wooden and cream-colored furnishings, crisp white linens and bright splashes of color. Meanwhile, in-room amenities such as iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs and large windows with sweeping city views ensure that you'll be living it up L.A.-style (you can also enjoy skyline views from the hotel's 26th-floor outdoor rooftop heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi). To keep you looking fabulous, the Ritz houses a 24-hour fitness center and an 8,000-square-foot spa, not to mention a pool lined with cabanas. And if you're looking to see and be seen, the in-house WP24 Restaurant by Wolfgang Puck provides the trendy atmosphere, as well as plates of contemporary Chinese cuisine. Despite all its modern amenities, visitors insist that the Ritz stands out among its (equally pricey) competition thanks to attentive customer service. Plus, if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can earn or redeem points for choosing to bed down here.

The L.A. LIVE area is a complex of stadiums, open-air plazas and theaters. Some of the best-known tenants include the Microsoft Theater, the Grammy Museum and the STAPLES Center. So this JW Marriott is in a prime spot for sports fanatics and audiophiles. This hotel is also great for business travelers – previous guests recount how they could easily walk to the city's financial district from the hotel, while guest rooms come equipped with wireless internet access (for a fee) and access to the JW Marriott's business center. In terms of decor, rooms here take their inspiration from the California climate, boasting bright yellow and blue hues, along with 42-inch TVs, iPod docking stations and minifridges. And if you'd like to take advantage of the weather, the hotel beasts a rooftop pool (and adjacent bar). When you're ready to grab a bite to eat, you've got three full-service restaurants at your fingertips, including WP24 by Wolfgang Puck. Plus, if you're a member of the Marriott Bonvoy program, you can earn and redeem points while staying here.

The Ace Hotel opened in January 2014 after a complete renovation of the historic United Artists Theater and recent guests describe the look of this downtown Los Angeles hotel as trendy, but true to its past. The hotel nods to its history with a restored 1,600-seat movie theater, but recent guests appreciated its modern amenities, too, like the juice shop, rooftop pool and lounge, and the contemporary L.A. Chapter restaurant. All of the loft-style rooms have an urban, industrial design and feature flat-screen TVs, minibars and free Wi-Fi access. Guests who stayed on lower floors caution that rooms are small and late night noise can seep in from the streets, and suggest opting for an upgraded room or higher floor for more square footage and a private terrace. The majority of visitors applauded the staff's friendliness and note that they're exceptionally knowledgeable of the area. 

This boutique hotel features rooms and suites and is popular with both business and leisure travelers. The Luxe City Center Hotel is located in downtown Los Angeles, near the STAPLES Center, the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Microsoft Theater. While some of LA's more popular spots to peruse, such as Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, are a bit of a trek away, attractions like Runyon Canyon and Griffith Observatory are less than 10 miles north of the hotel. Back at the hotel, those looking to get in a workout can utilize the small fitness suite or enjoy complimentary access to the nearby Gold's Gym less than half a mile from the property. Once you work up an appetite, head to niXon global kitchen + patio for contemporary American fare. Then, retreat to your room. All accommodations feature a neutral color palette, beds with double pillow-top mattresses and Keurig coffee makers. Overall, past visitors described their stays here as pleasant, though some note the room rates are a little high.

This artsy hotel located in downtown Los Angeles is fresh off a two-year renovation, which used its original 1926 Spanish colonial decor as inspiration. Fun touches like locally sourced art in the accommodations, rotating art exhibitions, a coffin-shaped outdoor pool and Spanish-inspired details throughout the property make Hotel Figueroa's personality shine. The 268 rooms and suites feature unique layouts, decorative tiles, hardwood floors, 48-inch smart TVs, free Wi-Fi access and minibars stocked with complimentary water and snacks (a traveler favorite). Meanwhile, suites are equipped with additional sitting areas, espresso makers and iPads for guest use. If you're looking to work up a sweat, you can head to the 24-hour fitness center. When you get hungry, try one of the on-site eateries, both of which serve Mediterranean fare. Three bars are available as well for those looking to linger over libations. While this hotel is convenient for those attending an event at the STAPLES Center or the Los Angeles Convention Center, it is a bit removed from the city's top sightseeing spots. Some visitors also warn that parking here is expensive at nearly $50 a night. Hotel Figueroa is part of The Leading Hotels of the World brand, meaning Leaders Club members can enjoy special perks like upgrades and daily breakfast here.

If you want basic luxury with no frills and no fuss, then travelers would recommend this downtown Los Angeles hotel, which dates back to the 1920s. But if you're looking for special treatment and lodging that exceeds expectations, this should not be your first choice. Guests say the 193 guest rooms are standard and comfortable – if a little small – and contain 42-inch flat-screen TVs, queen or double beds and coffee makers. It's this hotel's location that impresses; you will find that the Hilton Checkers Los Angeles offers convenient access to the STAPLES Center and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Plus, members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program can enjoy extra perks here.

The guest rooms at this hotel in L.A.'s Koreatown get an A-plus for style. Exposed cement walls encompass custom furnishings, local artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows that boast stellar views of downtown Los Angeles. Accommodations here are also tech-friendly, with flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi access and iPod docking stations. The minimalist yet trendy design also finds its way up to the outdoor pool deck and into the on-site restaurants, including Commissary, which is a working greenhouse restaurant. For on-site fun, there's POKETO, a local design shop, and BREAKROOM 86, a popular nightclub. But some recent guests said the ultra modern vibe wasn't right for them and standard rooms are small for the price point. Still, visitors say this location can't be beat. 

This hotel in downtown Los Angeles caters to business travelers with a taste for panache. In addition to plenty of meeting space, free Wi-Fi access and ample work space in the guest rooms lead to productive days, according to recent guests. Meanwhile, the swanky 24/7 Restaurant at The Standard, an on-site Biergarten and The Rooftop lounge lead to more raucous nights. The hotel roof also features a pool accompanied by spectacular city views. However, some guests weren't thrilled with The Standard's trendy atmosphere, saying that the decor was more attractive than it was functional and that late-night noise from the hotel's 24-hour venues impeded a good night's sleep.