4* The Hoxton, Downtown LA

Staying aboard The Queen Mary is really a trip within a trip. The historic ocean liner remains permanently moored on the Long Beach waterfront, with original Art Deco details, wood-panelled staterooms, exhibitions and guided tours bringing its transatlantic history to life. Long Beach has its own LGBTQ+ community and nightlife, so there’s plenty to do without heading north every evening. Just remember that this is not a sensible base for West Hollywood or central LA sightseeing — Los Angeles distances are very real, and you’re a long way south. Restaurants, bars and events aboard the ship mean you can quite happily make the Queen Mary part of the destination rather than simply somewhere to sleep. GayMapper tip: perfect if the ship itself appeals, or you’re combining Long Beach with a cruise — less perfect if your holiday revolves around WeHo.

The Delphi Hotel occupies one of Downtown LA’s best-known mid-century buildings, formerly The Standard, and still carries some of that slightly cooler-than-average DTLA attitude. You’re in the Financial District, close to museums, restaurants and several Metro lines, with Bunker Hill and the Broad easily reached. The rooftop pool and bar give you somewhere to escape the streets below, while the building’s 1950s architecture adds far more character than most downtown hotels. This is a central-LA choice rather than a WeHo nightlife choice, so expect to travel when heading to the main gay strip. GayMapper tip: a good base if your plans involve Downtown culture, restaurants and events — with West Hollywood saved for selected nights rather than every evening.

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.

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.

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.

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.