Those who know it only from the silver screen may imagine that Downtown Los Angeles is little more than a backdrop for movies. But in real life, it is a thriving city centre teeming with restaurants, entertainment venues, cultural attractions and plenty more besides.
The choice of hotels here is suitably large, and ranges from the budget to the ultra-decadent. For those seeking something with a dash of luxury, but without spending a fortune, we’ve picked out five of the best options.
Tuck Hotel
From $298
This stylish upscale hotel is just a short hop from renowned entertainment complex L.A. Live, but it’s not short of its own amusements either, including a restaurant and bar. Guest rooms are slickly designed in mellow colours and feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels, while some also have a seating area – ideal for kicking back after a day of exploring the city. There is 24-hour front desk for your convenience, as well as free WIfI throughout the hotel. As well as L.A. Live, the hotel is also within easy reach of popular attractions including Microsoft Theater and Staples Center.
The Los Angeles Athletic Club
From $272
As the name alludes, this Los Angeles hotel also doubles as a sports club, with all guests given free use of its services and facilities, which include an indoor swimming pool, basketball, squash and volleyball courts, and daily fitness classes. Personal training sessions are also available. Guest rooms are decorated in dark colours with bright accents and all come with a flat-screen TV, an iPod dock and a refrigerator. Other hotel amenities include two on-site restaurants and a chic bar serving pre-prohibition style cocktails. The Los Angeles Convention Center is a 5-minute drive away, making it a popular choice with business travellers.
Luxe City Center Hotel
From $260
Situated across from a renowned Los Angeles theatre as well as the LA Live entertainment complex, there’ll be no twiddling of thumbs for guests at Luxe City Center when night falls. There’s plenty to enjoy in the hotel itself, too, including a restaurant open for lunch and dinner, an indulgent spa, and lavish guest rooms featuring flat-screen TVS, and large bathrooms with rain showers, plush bathrobes and premium toiletries. The hotel also offers free WiFi throughout.
Millennium Biltmore Hotel
From $174
Just minutes from a subway station, this hotel is convenient for guests keen to explore beyond the local vicinity – although with The Museum of Contemporary Art and Walt Disney Concert Hall within easy reach by foot, there’s plenty of good reasons to spend time close to the hotel too. Guest rooms here feature rich, warm décor, along with amenities such as a safe, work desk and coffee maker, while marble bathrooms add a dash of luxury. Elsewhere in the hotel, there are several restaurants and bars, with the Gallery Bar and Cognac Room offering live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, plus a Roman-style indoor pool and hot tub, and a gymnasium.
Omni Los Angeles Hotel California Plaza
From $233
Situated at the peak of Los Angeles’ historic Bunker Hill, this lavish hotel is perfectly placed for culture vultures, with the Museum of Contemporary Art just next door. Stylish guest rooms are decorated with deep chocolate browns and striking midnight blue accents, while private bathrooms feature luxurious granite and marble. Other hotel amenities include two on-site restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an outdoor patio offering scenic views of the downtown LA skyline. Notable attractions including the LA Live entertainment complex and Nokia Theatre can be reached by car in just a few minutes.
