Hotel Listings by Porter
Hilton Universal City Los Angeles
Rates start at
$151
On the border between Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley lies Universal City, home of City Walk and Universal Studios, which is also close by to Hollywood and the Hollywood Bowl. On top of the hill that is Universal City sits properties owned by two major hotel chains, one of these being the Hilton Universal City Hotel. In fact, this hotel is directly across from the entrance of the two major attractions in the area.
We pick this hotel every time we have guests from out of town that want to hit some of the tourist highlights. It is convenient to some of the big attractions, clean, and has amazing views of the city.
The Hilton Universal City has 483 rooms and charges just under $200 per night. If you are in the Hilton Honors program, try to get upgraded to the Executive level to take advantage of some of the goodies we enjoy there. First, there is the cocktail hour from 5-7pm with drinks and snacks. In the morning, there is an ample spread of continental breakfast items, such as fruit, cereal, coffee, and toast. Oh, and the restaurant has a really scrumptious seafood buffet. If you stay on the executive level, be sure to ask at their concierge desk for in-room massages and mani/pedis. They use some great local mobile day spa services. Read more »
Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles
Rates start at
$279
Known as a chain that offers excellence and luxury, the Sofitel in Beverly Hills did not disappoint. Among the 295 rooms priced just under $300 per night on average are some of the most spacious you will find in the area. Our room was beyond immaculate and whatever they used in the room smelled like spring flowers.
Everything had a modern and new look to it. There were the most amazing fluffy comforters that I wanted to wrap myself in and a large flat screen television that I think my husband was drooling over. We had an incredible view of the Hollywood Hills and I heard another guest say that they could see the Beverly Center from their room. That was music to my ears as the Beverly Center offers a lot of restaurants and premium shopping. The Grove is within walking distance as well.
The staff was courteous and attentive. Every phone call with room service was handled with efficiency and the housekeeping service brought extra pillows immediately. The front desk, valet staff, and bellhop were all terrific. It made us feel special and welcome. Read more »
Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles
Rates start at
$395
West Hollywood is the place to hear music, dance the night away, catch some comedy, shop, and celebrity watch, so it’s no wonder that there are so many hotels to choose from. Located right on the Sunset Strip is the infamous Mondrian Hotel, which has hosted any number of celebrities. In my previous life as a mobile day spa owner, I sent a nail tech to apply false nails for Amy Winehouse at 5a.m. just prior to a video shoot back in the day when she had herself together!
With so many celebrity clients staying there, I decided to book it in for a friend’s birthday celebration on the town. It is a lively hotel and one that does not disappoint in terms of service, rooms, and location. This was hip, happening and trendy in every way. It just seemed like the place to be if you wanted to be in the midst of the action. That made our party evening start off right! Read more »
Chamberlain West Hollywood Los Angeles
Rates start at
$260
During a recent trip to see a great show at the House of Blues off of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, we booked in to stay at the Chamberlain, which sits off the Sunset Strip but is within walking distance.
It is a true hidden gem of a boutique hotel located in a quiet residential area surrounded by mature trees and apartment buildings. I had first discovered it when I attended an event there atop the hotel by the rooftop pool. The stylish décor and intimate feel attracted me immediately as I prefer smaller hotels over the big boxy chains. Read more »
Farmer’s Daughter Hotel Los Angeles
Rates start at
$189
With a name like Farmer’s Daughter Hotel, you might be afraid that you would be staying in a barn with the cows and horses. Far from it! This hotel is a little bit country but mostly L.A. urban with a dash of humor thrown into the design, making it a quirky – yet comfortable – place to stay.
The location could not be better. The Grove is one of the hottest dining and shopping experiences in L.A. (celebs see this as their Mecca) and it’s just across the street next to the historic Farmer’s Market (go get a beef dip sandwich!!!!!). Hollywood is just minutes away by car. However, everything you may need is right here within walking distance. Read more »
Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive Los Angeles
Rates start at
$309
Hills, offering extraordinary value at between $250 and $350 per night, the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive is for you. In fact, it is actually the only hotel right on Rodeo for you shopping fashionistas!
With only 88 rooms, the Luxe is small on rooms but large on value and location. There are an endless number of choices when it comes to restaurants and shops right outside their doors, so a car is not really necessary in this particular area. That may be good because there is only valet parking at $28 per day. However, there are deals to be had at the Luxe Hotel – from the on-site food to the free Internet access.
Be sure to ask for a Rodeo view so you get the best sights. If you want to splurge, there is a penthouse that is available with an amazing terrace that overlooks the city. We went to an event up in the penthouse and promised ourselves that it would be a treat to stay there for an upcoming special occasion. Read more »
Raffles L’ermitage Beverly Hills Los Angeles
Rates start at
$425
Just for the sake of the fancy name, my husband and I selected Raffles L’Ermitage of Beverly Hills. From the outside, the hotel blends so well into the residential buildings surrounding it on the tree-lined street that we must have driven past two or three times before we realized there was a hotel there.
We picked this hotel for a special occasion so it came with one of the higher price tags at an average of $547 per night. However, Raffles L’Ermitage fits the old adage of “you get what you pay for” because this place delivers style, elegance, premium service, fine dining, and luxurious amenities.
The hotel has a European feel with marble, glass, lots of flowers everywhere, and grand furniture in the spacious lobby. Check-in was a breeze and there was so much help with carrying our luggage and seeing us to our room.
The room offered a mini-bar with free sodas and gourmet room service for those who wanted to dine in rather than try the restaurant that is on-site. The pool is on the roof and offers another quiet sanctuary. Read more »
The Beverly Hilton Hotel Los Angeles
Rates start at
$310
Everything seems bigger in Los Angeles and the Beverly Hilton, home to many award shows and an excellent location in Beverly Hills, personifies that with 579 rooms that start at $310 per night.
This hotel is well-established and appears to have undergone some recent remodeling. Be sure to ask for a Tower Room so that you can get the best views, a large bathroom, spacious room, and massive balcony.
The Beverly Hilton has the world-famous Trader Vic’s on site, offering delicious meals and even better cocktails. We have numerous celebrity-spotting stories here! The next best feature is the pool area where they provide an endless number of free towels and bottled water. We opted to have lunch there and the food was so good. It was such a luxurious experience.
To burn off a few of the drinks and delicious meals, we hit the hotel gym. It always seemed busy. I guess everyone wants to look their best in this city! Read more »
Maison 140 Beverly Hills Los Angeles
Rates start at
$215
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills and within walking distance to Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard, Maison 140 is a boutique Los Angeles hotel with modern touches and European flair amongst its 43 rooms that average $225 per night.
The hotel has the intimate feel that even uses old-fashioned room keys rather than the key cards that seem to be standard in most commercialized hotels. The staff is friendly and seems eager to help in terms of getting guests to their rooms quickly and suggesting restaurants and sights that are nearby.
The rooms are of an average size and contain all the modern amenities with a few extras, including Molton Brown toiletries and bathrobes. The concierge recommended a service that traveled to the room so that my girlfriends and I could get our hair and makeup done before hitting the town that night for a birthday party. We hit their cocktail hour before heading out. Read more »
The Peninsula Beverly Hills Los Angeles
Rates start at
$491
As a nearby resident of Los Angeles, my husband and I often select overnight trips in the city to avoid driving home. One special trip was for our tenth anniversary for an over-the-top, super five-star stay at the Peninsula Hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills. While the average price for a regular room comes close to $600 per night and the secluded luxury suites around $1,200, this hotel is well worth the price. It is a relatively small hotel with only 196 rooms.
From the moment, we walked in we were greeted as though we were celebrities. We felt like they were so happy to have us there. Throughout the stay, everyone who worked there acknowledged us as we walked past. I was sure the paparazzi were around the next corner.
The front desk was so service-oriented and had us checked in immediately where we were then whisked off to our beautifully appointed room with plush robes and luxurious bath amenities. They had put a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in our room. We could opt to go to the spa, but instead chose the in-room couple’s massage option for more serenity. Read more »