Best Hotels near Southern California Institute of Architecture

The Omni Los Angeles Hotel doesn't offer some of the over-the-top amenities that have become fashionable in La La Land lodging. Instead, this 17-story, 453-room hotel excels at the basics. Previous guests describe their stay here as a low-fuss, high-class experience thanks in large part to the property's highly efficient and friendly staff. The Omni brand is also known for its family-friendliness — enroll in the Omni Sensational Kids program to receive a backpack full of educational goodies for your children, along with kid-friendly menus, a card game and crayons. The hotel's spacious rooms can also accommodate larger groups (as well as pets); each room comes decked out in a rich color palate made up of blues, browns and creams, and all rooms feature praise-worthy city views, not to mention flat-screen TVs and Cuisinart coffee makers. Wireless Internet access is free for Omni Select Guest members. You can find this Omni outpost among the skyscrapers of Los Angeles' downtown area. 

One of the more anticipated hotel openings of 2018, the NoMad Los Angeles debuted in January 2018 in downtown LA. Recent guests tossed around adjectives like "sublime perfection," "very stylish" and "decadent" when describing the hotel, saying they enjoyed the elegant rooms and overall decor. The property was originally the headquarters for The Bank of Italy, and architects embraced the building's past when converting it into the NoMad. Guests can admire everything from the blue and gold Italianate lobby ceiling to the bank vault restrooms. When it comes to accommodations, travelers can choose from 241 rooms and suites, all of which include king-sized beds with down comforters, original art, stocked minibars, LCD HD TVs and free Wi-Fi access. Some accommodations also include freestanding pedestal bathtubs. Plus, guests can take advantage of 24-hour room service or reserve a table at the on-site restaurant. Visitors staying here can enjoy the 24-hour fitness center and the rooftop pool as well. While everyone raved about the overall appeal of the NoMad Los Angeles, one detail guests said they wished designers spent a little more time on is soundproofing. Many note that the street noise is loud and can be disruptive.

Whether you plan on attending an event at the Staples Center or conducting business at Los Angeles' convention center, odds are you'll appreciate Freehand Los Angeles' central location. Nestled in downtown's historic Commercial Exchange Building, the property boasts a cool, boutique vibe that complements its setting, according to past visitors. On-site facilities range from a rooftop pool to a fitness center to a retail shop that sells fresh flowers and whimsical wares. What's more, guests have access to four eateries and watering holes, including a coffee shop, a lobby bar with tea-infused cocktails, the traveler-approved (albeit crowded) Broken Shaker pool bar and a restaurant that serves multicultural fare with an Israeli twist. After satiating your appetite or quenching your thirst, retire to your comfortable guest room. Each features handwoven textiles and artwork from local artists, but exact amenities vary by accommodation. Standard shared rooms accommodate up to eight people and offer cedar bunk beds with privacy screens, lockers and private bathrooms, while traditional rooms and suites come equipped with king-sized beds, work desks and LED TVs. All room rates include Wi-Fi access, and if you stay in a shared room, you'll also receive complimentary breakfast daily.

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. 

Occupying prime real estate in downtown Los Angeles – just a few blocks from the Walt Disney Concert Hall – The Westin Bonaventure Hotel houses 1,358 guest rooms and suites, all of which feature flat-screen TVs, floor-to-ceiling windows and the brand's signature Heavenly Beds. Business travelers are especially compatible with this hotel thanks to its high-speed internet access (for an additional fee), ample meeting space and four on-site dining venues. Meanwhile, leisure travelers are quick to praise the property's convenience, reporting that it's an easy commute from the Westin to many of the city's top attractions. Some guests found the rooms to be comfortable yet lackluster, though a good number of guests suggest reserving a room on the higher floors for killer city views. And as a member of the Westin hotel family, this hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

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.

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.