3* The Queen Mary, Long Beach

The former Mondrian has entered a new chapter as The Valorian Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton, keeping its prime Sunset Strip address but giving the whole property a fresh identity. White Rabbit Sky Lounge now takes over the famous rooftop, with a pool, DJs, cocktails and huge views across Los Angeles. There’s also Casa Madera downstairs, while the hotel’s complimentary house car can drop guests within two miles — particularly useful when you’re heading down to the gay bars on Santa Monica Boulevard. You can walk to much of West Hollywood, but that car service makes evenings considerably easier after a long day. GayMapper tip: a strong option if you want the social energy of a Sunset Strip hotel and quick access to the gay scene rather than actually sleeping above it.

Chamberlain West Hollywood hides on a residential street between Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard, which gives you a surprisingly peaceful base for somewhere so close to the action. The LGBTQ+ bars around the Rainbow District are an easy walk away, but at the hotel the mood is much calmer. Every room is a suite, with proper sitting space and private balconies, while the rooftop pool and bar come with sweeping views across LA and the Hollywood Hills. You can also walk to the Sunset Strip, with plenty of restaurants and cafés scattered around this part of WeHo. GayMapper tip: a particularly good choice if you want to walk to gay nightlife but would rather not hear it through the bedroom wall when you finally call it a night.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is for the full LA luxury experience: huge rooms with terraces, a rooftop pool overlooking the city and Rodeo Drive just a few minutes away. This is Beverly Hills rather than West Hollywood, so you won’t walk from here to the gay bars. The upside is a much calmer, more polished setting, excellent service and a location that works beautifully for shopping, restaurants and a special-occasion trip. The La Prairie Spa adds another reason to linger, while the rooftop is one of the better places in Beverly Hills for sunset views. There are some properly Beverly Hills touches too: the concierge can arrange the hotel’s complimentary local house car, while selected Suite Ride packages even include use of a Bentley or Rolls-Royce during your stay. GayMapper tip: choose it when the hotel itself is part of the occasion and you’re perfectly happy taking a car to WeHo when it’s time to go out.

Sitting right where Beverly Hills meets West Hollywood, Hotel Beverly Terrace gives you a quieter neighbourhood base without putting the gay bars too far away. Santa Monica Boulevard and the western end of the WeHo scene are comfortably walkable, while Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills lie in the other direction. This is a small mid-century hotel rather than a glossy resort, with just 39 rooms wrapped around a leafy courtyard. Café Amici downstairs is a popular neighbourhood Italian restaurant, and the roof terrace is a pleasant spot when you want some LA sunshine without committing to a full pool day. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops around Doheny and nearby Robertson too. GayMapper tip: particularly good if you want gay nightlife within walking distance but prefer a small, relaxed hotel rather than staying right in the middle of the party.

Petit Ermitage has always been one of West Hollywood’s more eccentric hotels, and thankfully nobody seems interested in sanding off the edges. The all-suite property is packed with artwork, fireplaces and richly layered interiors that feel much more private club than corporate hotel. Upstairs is the real attraction: a secluded rooftop garden, saltwater pool, cabanas and guest-only dining create a little world of their own above the city. You’re still firmly in West Hollywood, with the Santa Monica Boulevard gay scene comfortably walkable when you decide to rejoin civilisation. GayMapper tip: ideal for a romantic or slightly decadent weekend when you want nightlife nearby but also a hotel tempting enough to cancel some plans.

Hotel 850 SVB feels more like staying in an exceptionally stylish West Hollywood guesthouse than checking into a conventional four-star hotel. There are just 23 rooms, with a shared living room, kitchen and rooftop terrace creating a much more residential atmosphere. The location is excellent for LGBTQ+ travellers. You’re on San Vicente Boulevard, with the main Santa Monica Boulevard gay bars close enough to walk to, while Beverly Hills begins only a few streets away. Continental breakfast is served each morning and there’s a complimentary wine hour in the evening, which gives the place a friendly social element without turning it into a party hotel. GayMapper tip: a lovely couples’ choice if you want intimate boutique style and gay WeHo practically on the doorstep.