A Fun & Chic Guide to Los Angeles by Neighborhood

Los Angeles is near and dear to our hearts, considering most of us live or have lived in the city of dreams. Although lala land is practically in our backyard, an L.A. vacation (or staycation) is always in order! It’s the perfect getaway for any length of time, whether you’ve traveled here or not. With warm weather year-round, trendy restaurants (and coffee shops!), outdoor activities and plenty of shopping – the (blue) sky’s the limit! We teamed up with The Leading Hotels of the World and stayed at some of the best boutique luxury hotels L.A. has to offer. LHW is comprised of more than 375 hotels in 75 countries representing boutique, independent, and uncommon luxury hotels throughout the world. (We can’t wait to try them all! ;)) Without further ado, here is the chic guide to Los Angeles you have all been waiting for, broken up by neighborhood. Focus on one area, or visit them all!

Malibu

Chic Guide to Los Angeles
The Malibu Beach Inn

Where to stay: Malibu is known for some of the prettiest beaches in California. You can imagine our delight when we walked into an oceanfront room at the Malibu Beach Inn complete with a fireplace and private balcony overlooking the shimmering ocean strip along the coast nicknamed “Billionaire’s Beach.” With a room like that it was pretty hard to leave and go exploring, but we managed to get some (salty) fresh air! 

Chic Guide to Los Angeles

What to do: There are so many great outdoor activities such as hiking trails, wine tasting, the beach (of course!) and our personal favorite –  complimentary morning yoga classes on Malibu Beach Inn’s private beach. If you are looking for a scrumptious breakfast spot post-yoga, the Malibu Farm at the end of the pier is the place to go. It offers peaceful outdoor seating, delicious coffee, and a front row seat to watch all of the surfers! And if you are looking to enjoy a chic dinner, you’re in luck, because the Carbon Beach Club Restaurant is located on Malibu Beach Inn’s property. With seasonal land and sea menu options, and oceanfront dining, you are guaranteed to have a dazzling experience. Don’t forget to check out Malibu Wines for a yummy tasting and great atmosphere before you leave!

Chic Guide to Los Angeles
Malibu Farm

Santa Monica:

Chic Guide to Los Angeles
Hotel Casa Del Mar

Where to Stay: Moving a little bit further down the coast to sunny Santa Monica, California. Shutters On The Beach is known for their “laid-back California elegance” and they really nailed it! All of the rooms make you feel right at home with wall art and built in entertainment centers that are filled with beachy-chic decor and thoughtfully chosen books. Being the “sister” hotel to Shutters, Hotel Casa Del Mar is literally right next door! This spot use to be a 1920’s exclusive beach club, so you can only imagine the soaring ceiling and dramatic windows that still remain. The decor definitely emulates seaside chic and like its sister hotel, Casa Del Mar also has the built in entertainment centers that give off the comforting homey feel.

Chic Guide to Los AngelesChic Guide to Los Angeles Chic Guide to Los Angeles
Shutters on the Beach

What to do: During your stay at Shutters on the Beach, you can’t miss out on the bicycle rentals, yoga on the beach, and surf lessons that this property offers! We got to enjoy a guided bicycle tour lead by Santa Monica Travel and Tourism up the Santa Monica strand on the cutest blue and orange beach cruisers. To refresh afterwards, pop in to the lobby cocktail area at Shutters for some delicious ceviche.

Dining wise, with dining options like Catch, 1 Pico and the Terrazza Lounge there is something delicious for everyone. Catch Restaurant is as vibrant as the coast it sits on and has the freshest seafood in town! Chef Gemma Gray incorporates her Spanish heritage into the modern American seafood to bring out flavors like you’ve never tasted before! Don’t forget to visit the Terrazza lounge and its panoramic ocean views. We personally loved this spot for breakfast, but it’s busy all day and night. Finish off your evening with some refreshing cocktails at The Bungalow at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel ;).

Chic Guide to Los Angeles Chic Guide to Los Angeles
Terazza Lounge 

Beverly Hills:

Chic Guide to Los Angeles
Mr. C Beverly Hills

Where to Stay: You didn’t think we would end this guide without suggesting a great spot in Beverly Hills, did you? If you have been dying for a trip to Italy, but aren’t ready to venture that far, then Mr. C Beverly Hills is as far as you need to go! Mr. C is filled with Italian history (being owned by the famous Cipriani family) and old European glamour that gives it its modern elegance and Venetian-inspired design. Plus, enjoy incredible views of all of L.A. out your balcony! 

The Leading Hotels of the World is also re-opening Hotel Figueroa in L.A. which was just completely renovated and will be open within the next few months! Make sure to keep an eye out 😉

Chic Guide to Los Angeles Chic Guide to Los Angeles
Mr. C Beverly Hills

What to do: There is much to do in Beverly Hills, but start your adventure right at the hotel! One of our favorite parts about Mr. C is that it is home to the original Bellini cocktail (so it’s safe to say we had to try it!). To pair with your Bellini, Mr. C offers some of the best Italian cuisine in the states. They host countless events throughout the year in their ballroom space, which includes 360 degree views of L.A. (and yes the Hollywood sign). Enjoy the pool area in a relaxing cabana or come back at nighttime for a great film during their poolside evening cinema screening series! You can’t leave the 90210 without checking out Rodeo Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills and doing a little shopping (or window shopping) at one of the most famous streets on the globe. Here, high-end designers like Louis Vuitton and Chanel share sidewalks with more budget friendly stores like Pottery Barn and Planet Blue. And don’t forget to cash out with a cupcake from the Sprinkles ATM

Where are your favorite places to go and stay in L.A.?

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