4* The Delphi Hotel

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.

Kimpton La Peer West Hollywood sits in the Design District, where Melrose Avenue, galleries, restaurants and West Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ nightlife are all close enough to make this one of LA’s more pleasantly walkable stays. The mood is stylish without being intimidating, with a heated pool, Mediterranean dining and a lively cocktail bar. Kimpton’s social approach also helps: the evening wine hour gives the hotel a friendly energy that can be particularly welcome for solo travellers. The Abbey, Micky’s and the rest of the Santa Monica Boulevard strip are only a short walk north. GayMapper tip: still our favourite LA all-rounder — smart enough for a special trip, relaxed enough to feel comfortable, and brilliantly positioned for gay WeHo.

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.

Silver Lake offers a very different version of queer Los Angeles from West Hollywood, and Silver Lake Pool & Inn puts you right in the middle of that more neighbourhood-based scene. Akbar is only around a seven-minute walk away, while Sunset Junction is full of independent cafés, restaurants, bars and shops. The Vermont/Santa Monica Metro station is also within walking distance when you want to head further across the city. The hotel itself is small and relaxed, with just over 50 rooms arranged around a leafy outdoor pool. Marco Polo serves Italian food and cocktails beside the pool, giving the place enough of a local following that it never feels sealed off from the neighbourhood. GayMapper tip: a great choice if you want LA with more Silver Lake attitude and considerably less West Hollywood gloss.

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.

Behind the gates of The Charlie Hotel, Los Angeles suddenly feels oddly English. The collection of Tudor-style bungalows and gardens was once owned by Charlie Chaplin and still feels more like a private Hollywood hideaway than a hotel. The individually named suites are unusually spacious, with full kitchens, living areas and washer-dryers, which makes this a particularly comfortable choice for a longer stay. Melrose and plenty of West Hollywood restaurants are close by, while the LGBTQ+ bars along Santa Monica Boulevard are walkable. There’s no big lobby scene or rooftop DJ here — privacy is very much the point. GayMapper tip: a charming alternative if you want gay West Hollywood nearby but prefer your LA fantasy to involve gardens, history and your own little bungalow.