See what’s fresh on the Los Angeles hotel scene

By Abby Samler

JW Marriott at L.A. Live

In Los Angeles, hotels are not just for tourists. Locals like me lounge at the pools, sample the restaurants, hang out at the bars, relax at spas, and stay overnight every once in a while.

This spring, the City of Angels is celebrating new hotels, renovated ones and perennial favorites. Here’s the dish on properties and nearby events:

Diggin’ Downtown Los Angeles

The newest addition to downtown Los Angeles hotels is the JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton, with opening rates starting at $179 through May. These hotels are located in the L.A. Live complex, which boasts the Conga Room, GRAMMY Museum, Nokia Theater,  Lucky Strike Lanes, and restaurants like Rock ‘n Fish.

A mile away is Dodger Stadium, with opening day slated for April 13. Budget tip: Grab the Dodgers Coca-Cola Family Pack, which includes four tickets, four Dodger Dogs and four Coca-Cola fountain products for as little as $68.

Cabanas at Hotel Maya

Longing for Long Beach

Long Beach has a number of new hotel options, including Hotel Maya, which just completed a multi-million dollar renovation.

It offers four-star hotel service and amenities, with striking ocean and skyline views of downtown Long Beach and the Historic Queen Mary cruise liner.

Sports fans (and star stalkers) may want to catch the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, April 16-18. See Dario Franchitti and Danica Patrick in the IZOD IndyCar Series race, plus Keanu Reeves, Tony Hawk and other stars in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity race.

Urban life meets the Santa Monica Beach

Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica

Hotel Shangri-La, Santa Monica’s newest boutique hotel, also went through a $30 million renovation. Only steps from the beach, this four-star property offers ocean views and a fantastic outdoor pool with cabanas. Even this past season’s “Bachelor” contenders made this hotel their home. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica also offers a luxury stay, giving the feeling of a garden oasis far awayfrom the hustle and bustle.

Stay under the radar at South Bay Beaches

Explore the city’s South Bay Beaches, a hidden treasure located just a few miles south of Los Angeles International Airport. Located on the “Strand,” the Beach House at Hermosa Beach is a charming boutique hotel within walking distance to the many small and unique boutiques and eateries in Hermosa Beach.  Bike and roller blade rentals available.

Looking to catch a glimpse of  sea lions or dolphins? Try the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club inRedondo Beach, a local favorite located on the oceanfront and the Marina.

Related resources

• Los Angeles hotels

Abby Samler is a senior market manager for Los Angeles and mother of three girls ages 9, 7 and 5. Her family looks forward to an action-packed travel schedule, and she treasures the memories their trips create.

Tagged: California