Los Angeles is a city sprawl composed of diverse neighborhoods, each with their own unique character. If you are looking to drop in to a hotel bar for a happy hour cocktail or an appetizer, you will find the choices just as varied. From beachfront properties to downtown high rises or classic Hollywood hotspots, here is your guide to the best boutique hotel bars in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles' Best Hotel Bars
1. The Rooftop at The Standard Downtown
There are a lot of great views in Los Angeles, but it is hard to beat the panoramic one from the top of The Standard Downtown. Sip your cocktail from a poolside waterbed pod or hit the dance floor to a live deejay; bar patrons can live the high life day or night, seven days a week.
Don’t miss the Bellini Martini, a sweet martini with champagne and peach schnapps.
Location: 550 S. Flower St.
2. Bar Marmont at Chateau Marmont
Bar Marmont is one of the best places to go in Los Angeles to experience both classic and modern day Hollywood. This has been a great place to have a celebrity sighting since the 1940s. Chateau Marmont has a rich, if not troubled, history and has hosted guests such as Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe, and Robert De Niro. It is also an elegant place to have a drink right on Sunset Blvd.
Don’t miss the Ginger Rogers starlet cocktail made with gin, apple liqueur, orange juice and sugar.
Location: 8171 Sunset Blvd.
3. The Lobby Bar at The Garland
If you are in the Valley, the best hotel bar is at The Garland, located in the North Hollywood neighborhood of L.A. You can expect a lot of vintage, 70’s décor at The Lobby Bar, which is a very bright and welcoming space. It is also pool-adjacent if you step outside, and in the summer they even screen movies there.
Don’t miss the Adobo French Fries, seasoned with dried chilies and Mexican oregano.
Location: 506 S Grand Ave
4. The Spare Room at The Roosevelt
You would be hard-pressed to find another bar like The Spare Room. In addition to being an upscale lounge, it also features two vintage bowling lanes. When you rent a lane, a bar employee even keeps score by hand; but be prepared to shell out some cash, as reservations are $100 per hour. This is not your typical neighborhood bowling alley.
Don’t miss trying one of their “fizzy,” signature cocktails like the Fizzy Lifting Drink or the Ammunition Sunrise.
Locations: 7000 Hollywood Blvd
5. Living Room at Shutters on the Beach
This Santa Monica hotel bar comes complete with comfortable seating and an ocean view. You will enjoy the luxurious beach décor, but really it is mostly about the location. If you want an even better look at the Pacific, you can take your drink outside on the heated terrace.
Don’t miss out on the extensive wine list, or watch the sun set with an Island Margarita.
Location: 1 Pico Blvd.
6. Grand Lobby at The Culver Hotel
Originally opening in 1924, The Culver Hotel, is a National Historic Landmark, and a visit to its Grand Lobby will have you feeling like you have traveled back in time. Entertainment ranges from piano bar to live jazz. This is a great place to go to feel both classic and classy for a night.
You may recognize the hotel from various movies and television shows. Due to its close proximity to multiple studios and classic look, The Culver Hotel is a popular filming location.
Don’t miss the Garden Mule, a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with fresh lime juice and muddled cucumber.
Location: 9400 Culver Blvd
7. Skybar at Mondrian
Skybar is one of the comfiest open-air bars with lounge chair beds for seating options. However, the best thing about this bar is that it serves as a fantastic event space. It frequently doubles as a Dive In Theatre that shows classic movies for free around the pool, or hosts musical artists.
Don’t miss snacking on an appetizer from their rotating menu, such as the hummus with pickled garden vegetables.
Location: 8440 Sunset Blvd
8. Lobby Lounge at Palihouse West Hollywood
Palihouse is a popular nightlife destination for Los Angeles locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere of the Lobby Lounge bar varies depending on the crowd that night. Its bohemian living room-style can be a relaxing place to drink fancy cocktails or, if the mood and deejay is right, can erupt in to a full-blown dance party until closing time.
Make sure to dress appropriately as the dress code here is enforced.
Don’t miss the Rock City Sangria, which is made in house.
Location: 8465 Holloway Dr.
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This article was written by Paula Ashlee Berg.