When you think of California, what possibly comes to mind? The celebrities? Blockbuster movies? Crazy diets? Well, aside from California’s tourism commercials telling us how we too can “live the dream,” Los Angeles really is one of the dreamiest places to visit. So, it should come as no surprise that you can find some of the best-designed places to stay in every price range, in every neighborhood. Lucky for you, we’ve scouted some of the cutest places in L.A. to help soothe your wanderlust. Ranging from low to high, these picks are sure to provoke a little design envy and have you planning your next visit — or at least, we know we are.
Hollywood Hills
Our Low Pick: Pet-Friendly, Sun-Soaked Abode via Home Away.
$128 a night. 1 bed/1 bath.
Just minutes from the Hollywood sign, this is situated in the heart of Hollywood Hills. With a light feel and subtle colors, this place has all the charm and comfort you could ever want in a home away from home.
Our Medium Pick: Luxury Suite in Hollywood Hills Castle via AirBnB.
$495 a night. 2 bed/1 bath.
If ever you have dreamed of living in a castle, this 1931 architectural delight is here to make all your fantasies come true. Summoning historic comfort, this dreamy home feels plucked from time. So with its outdoor pool and private gardens, this already stunning property feels absolutely serene.
Our High Pick: Modern Jetliner with City Views via AirBnb.
$850 a night. 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths.
This beautiful three-level home, with its breathtaking views and modern design, features a steam room, gorgeous bathtubs, and floor to ceiling glass doors. One look at that view and it’s hard to see why anyone would ever want to leave.
Venice
Our Low Pick: The Kinney Hotel.
Starting at $190 a night.
This boldly designed eclectic hotel is located right next to Santa Monica Pier and is just a short walk to Venice Beach Boardwalk and Muscle Beach Gym. Perfectly situated for exploring the ever-busy life Venice Beach is known for.
Our Medium Pick: Balinese-Inspired Villa with Amazing Outdoor Space via AirBnB.
$380 a night. 1 bed/1 bath.
This little oasis feels as though you’re stepping into rustic paradise. Just a bike ride from the beach, this home feels like the perfect place to relax and recharge by the pool. Stock this cute spot on Instagram.
Our High Pick: Beach House Retreat with Ocean Views via AirBnb.
$800 a night. 3 bedrooms/3.5 baths.
This bright rental feels just how you’d expect a beach rental to feel: light and airy. With its rooftop deck and downstairs patio, this place is everything you’d want to sit back and hangout with friends and family.
Echo Park/Silver Lake
Our Low Pick: Huge Contemporary Unit Next to Sunset & Dodger Stadium via AirBnb.
$125 a night. 3 bedrooms/1 bath.
This large, three-bedroom apartment feels spacious and welcoming. With numerous skylights, light decor, and a clean feel, this apartment is perfect for a dreamy L.A. getaway.
Our Medium Pick: Completely Renovated 1930’s Echo Park Gem via AirBnb.
$295 a night: 3 bedrooms/3 baths.
This bungalow, designed by Beatrice Valenzuela and husband Ramsey Conder, is located in the heart of Echo Park. Its airy design and welcoming charm instantly makes you feel at home. Everything is so meticulously picked, right down to the lighting and bronze work, which was created by Ramsey himself. This house is obviously a labor of love.
Our High Pick: Los Feliz Spanish Getaway via AirBnb.
$650 a night. 3 bedrooms/4 baths.
This Spanish-style sanctuary is everything one could ask for. With its welcoming feel and warm design, this spacious home is everything you’d expect and more from Echo Park.
West Hollywood
Our Low Pick: The Freehand Hotel.
Starting at $60 a night.
Trendy, roomy, and versatile, Freehand Hotel is known for its contemporary feel and comfort. Although this hotel has some enviable designs, its shared bunkbed rooms make sleeping in style super affordable.
Our Medium Pick: Private, Enchanting Home near Chateau Marmont via AirBnb.
$750 a night. 4 bedrooms/3 baths.
This beautifully designed, spacious stay has an elegant feel with a touch of whimsy in an excellent location.
Our High Pick: Luxury Mid-Century via HomeAway.
$1,445 a night. 4 bedrooms/4 baths.
The Lew House, designed by famed architect Richard Neutra, is the epitome of mid-century modern appeal. Almost as though you’re stepping back in time, this impeccably designed home is centered in Old Hollywood glamour.
Downtown
Our Low Pick: The Nomad Hotel.
Starting at $250 a night.
The impeccably designed Nomad Hotel feels absolutely rich and decadent. Being known for its luxe design and enviable clientele, it’s easy to see why this downtown hotel stays on everyone’s mind post visit.
Our Medium Pick: 2-Story Penthouse & Private Deck via HomeAway.
$520 a night. 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms.
This two-story, Downtown L.A. diamond features a spacious, attached patio, warm decor, and an enviable spiral staircase. It’s no wonder its rental dates quickly fill up. Pro tip: Book at least four weeks out.
Our High Pick: 5-Stay Designer Suite via AirBnb.
$1,320 a night. 3 bedrooms/3 baths.
This spacious, three bedroom apartment located in the heart of Downtown is just a quick walk to any hotspot you’d want to go. With its contemporary design, breathtaking views, and outdoor dining on the balcony, this rental is stealing our hearts — plain and simple.
Pacific Palisades
Our Low Pick: Tranquil Palisades House with Garden Patio via AirBnb.
$185 a night. 1 bed/1 bath.
What this home lacks in space, it makes up for in beauty. With its exposed wood design, Murphy bed, and beautiful outdoor patio, this one-of-a-kind studio is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Our Medium Pick: Private Mid-Century Oasis with heated pool via AirBnb.
$600 a night. 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget places like this exist. Owned and designed by an interior designer, it’s no wonder this home with its canyon views, open design, and welcoming turquoise pool is booked for months on end.
Our High Pick: Shabby Chic house with pool in Brentwood via HomeAway.
$850 a night. 4 bedrooms/3 baths.
This spacious home can be characterized by one word: ethereal. With its soft, light design, floral accents, shabby chic-style furniture and enclosed, garden-surrounded pool, this home is something dreams are made of.
Honorable Mentions:
The Proper Hotel opening this summer was designed by Kelly Wearstler. If you’ve never heard of her, she is one of the most eclectic, amazing designers ever. I’ve been obsessed with her for years. Here’s a link of the private home rental she has which rents for $6,700-$10,000 a night, or else I would have included it above.
This John Anson Ford House is absolutely stunning and is currently for sale. I just had to share it!
