Heading to LA? Here's our pick of the city's best hotels

The Garland: If visiting Universal Studios is on your brood's bucket list, then you can't beat the convenience of this property, which not only offers free transfers to the theme park, but also features rooms perfect for families (with privacy screens separating queen beds from bunk beds). There's a 24/7 gym and a massive outdoor pool, but our favourite spot is The Courtyard, where adults can kick back with a cocktail, while kids enjoy games such as foosball. From $299 per room, per night; thegarland.com

The Hoxton, Downtown LA: No trip to LA is complete without an exploration of its Downtown area, where you can check out the twisted facade of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, feast on tacos at Grand Central Market and lose track of time at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Best then to check in to the Hoxton, located close to all the action, with light-filled rooms, two eateries and a rooftop pool from where you can soak up Downtown views. From $303 per room, per night; thehoxton.com/downtown-la

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel: Even if you can't stay in the rooftop suite where a wealthy businessman called Edward Lewis once took a working girl called Vivian Ward, there are plenty of ways to live your Pretty Woman fantasy at this iconic Beverly Hills property. Nab a spot at the illuminated onyx bar in the BLVD Lounge where several famous scenes of the movie were shot, or grab a table outside under the one of the hotel's distinctive awnings for excellent people-watching and food. Just don't forget to hit Rodeo Drive, right in front of the hotel. Forgetting to shop there would be a big mistake. Big. Huge. Rates from $1405; fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire

The Georgian: If the olive-green facade of the Georgian - complete with art deco flourishes - doesn't stop you in your tracks, the gorgeous spaces inside with splashes of rich maroons and mustards will certainly do the trick. The property dates back to 1933 and has - over the decades - hosted the who's who of Hollywood: from Clark Gable and Charlie Chaplin to Marilyn Monroe. But it reopened last year after a complete refurb, meaning you can stay in one of the 84 rooms that are almost a century old but with cutting-edge comforts at your fingertips. From $673 per room, per night; thegeorgian.com

Chateau Marmont: Two types of people frequent this legendary hotel, which looks like a castle: celebrities and those who want to spot them. And if - like us - you fall into the latter category, make sure you leave your phone behind, because they're strictly not allowed in common areas such as the restaurant. How else will the hotel keep the Lady Gagas and the Leonardo DiCaprios of this world coming back? From $1126 per room, per night; chateaumarmont.com

Hotel Bel-Air: Dorchester Collection owns some of the world's most exquisite hotels - from Plaza Athenee in Paris to the London grande dame, The Dorchester. But perhaps the finest feather in the hospitality group's cap is this pink-hued Beverly Hills establishment, dating back to 1946 and set on an almost five-hectare property. Soak up the old Hollywood grandeur by the pool, then head to the onsite restaurant to feast on delicious American fare - from Colorado lamb chops to Maine scallops. From $1626 per room, per night; dorchestercollection.com

The Hollywood Roosevelt: You're within minutes of Hollywood's top attractions here - both Dolby Theatre where the Oscars are held and the Hollywood Walk of Fame are right outside this hotel. But you may not even have to go that far. On Explore's last visit to this property, Colin Farrell was having a drink with his mates at the poolside bar. Even the iconic Hollywood sign can be spotted from many rooms. From $300 per room, per night; thehollywoodroosevelt.com

1 Hotel West Hollywood: WeHo is the epicentre of cool, with chic boutiques, top-notch eateries, and impossibly fit locals often on their way to impossibly swank fitness studios. And 1 Hotel - with its sophisticated interiors and eco credentials - is a fitting address to check in to. From $767 per room, per night; 1hotels.com/west-hollywood

Read more on Explore:

Hollywood, West Hollywood and Santa Monica are LA neighbourhoods on everyone's list. But if you want to go off the beaten track, put these precincts on your radar.

1. Arts District: Historic buildings and head-turning street art meets Michelin-starred restaurants such as Hayato and Camphor in Downtown LA's Arts District, which was named the 13th best neighbourhood in the world by Time Out in 2023. Check out contemporary artworks at Hauser & Wirth (housed in a former flour mill), then drop in at a local brewery, such as Boomtown, to soak up the local craft-brew scene.

2. Los Feliz: The birthplace of Mickey Mouse (Walt Disney drew the cartoon character for the first time when he was living in Los Feliz in his uncle's garage) has much to offer - from refined bars, markets and restaurants to staggering views of the city from Griffith Park.

3. Silver Lake: What can you expect from a neighbourhood often referred to as the Brooklyn of LA? World-class farmers markets, chic boutiques and wide open spaces such as the Silver Lake Reservoir. And we're pleased to confirm, this nook of LA delivers all of that and then some.

4. Pasadena: Located at the foot of San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena is best known for architectural landmarks, chief among them the Gamble House, designed by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908.