Best Hotels near University of California--Los Angeles

A member of the esteemed Dorchester Hotel collection, Hotel Bel-Air offers Los Angeles lodgers a taste of respite and romance within easy commuting distance of big city sights (though, not much is within walking distance). Sprawling across 12 acres in the Bel Air Estates neighborhood, this luxury hotel adopts the aura of 20th-century glam. With fine Italian linens, expansive terraces, charming gazebos and an actual Swan Lake, the Hotel Bel-Air is better suited to relaxation seekers than meeting-making movers and shakers. Guests appreciate the property's quiet atmosphere and superb customer service, while the guest rooms and suites win visitors over with bright, airy decor and tech-savvy amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and in-room iPads. Also, the Hotel Bel-Air Spa and the outdoor pool ensure that travelers return home refreshed and rested.

With any Kimpton brand property, it's the attention to detail that really keeps lodgers loyal, and the Hotel Palomar Los Angeles – Beverly Hills is no different. Guest rooms are funky yet comfy, draped in bold prints and bright colors, and outfitted in Atelier Bloem toiletries and flat-screen TVs. Kimpton Karma rewards members can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi access in the accommodations. For travelers with dogs, the hotel offers collapsible water dishes, animal beds and complimentary pet-sitting services. And for those with no one to worry about but themselves, recent guests recommend taking advantage of in-room spa treatments or lounging by the outdoor pool. The in-house eatery, Double Take, earns high marks for its locally sourced California cuisine.

This Brentwood hotel has chic, modern furnishings that visitors love and a relaxed staff that's more than willing to entertain the whims of their guests. Need to house your pet? No problem — for a small fee, the Luxe will put up all pets that weigh 50 pounds or less. The Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard also boasts luxury-hotel staples, such as iPod docking stations, complimentary Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs in each of its 162 rooms. And the in-house eatery, On Sunset Restaurant, dishes out California cuisine with a hint of French flair (don't miss the jazz brunch on Sundays). Plus, you can make the most of the hotel's sunny locale by paying a visit to the outdoor heated pool or outdoor fitness area. What's more, many guests refer to this property's rates as a bargain.

Situated near UCLA's campus and between Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, the W Los Angeles - Beverly Hills caters to both business and leisure travelers with a long list of amenities. Working guests can take advantage of high-speed Internet access (for a fee) and designated work spaces found in each room. Accommodations also feature TVs with DVD players, beds with W signature mattresses and minibars. When you're not relaxing in your room, take a load off by the pool, sip cocktails at the Living Room Bar or The Backyard lounge, or treat yourself to a steak at STK Los Angeles. There's also an on-site fitness center and the Bliss Spa. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

So first off, the good stuff: The stately Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel & Spa has a coveted address in the heart of Beverly Hills that's close to both good shopping and great ocean waves (Malibu and Santa Monica are a quick drive away). The hotel also has a gorgeous on-site spa, CURE, that excels in cosmetic treatments like Mesotherapy and Juvederm. But there are the few odd complaints about an unresponsive hotel staff and outdated guestrooms with walls that are far too thin. If you're looking for a luxury hotel in Beverly Hills with many of the same perks, some suggest that you consider the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills instead.