5* Shutters on the Beach

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.

Space is one of the big luxuries at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. Even the entry-level accommodation is suite-sized, and many rooms have balconies looking across Los Angeles or towards the Hollywood Hills. You’re at the western end of the Sunset Strip, with the gay bars around Santa Monica Boulevard an easy walk downhill. Beverly Hills lies just beyond the neighbourhood, so Rodeo Drive, WeHo restaurants and nightlife can all fit comfortably into the same stay. The rooftop pool has some excellent views, while breakfast is included — still surprisingly unusual at this end of the hotel market. GayMapper tip: particularly good for couples who want proper five-star space and service while keeping West Hollywood nightlife close enough to reach on foot.

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.

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.

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.

Ocean Lodge Santa Monica Beach Hotel has been sitting on Ocean Avenue since the 1950s, and its retro motel-style character is part of the appeal. More importantly, you’re just a few minutes from Santa Monica Pier and the sand. Rooms have been refreshed but remain fairly simple, with fridges and coffee makers rather than luxury-hotel extras. Restaurants line the surrounding streets, Venice is an easy trip south and the beachfront location means you can enjoy plenty of LA without getting into a car every morning. West Hollywood is another matter entirely, so don’t choose this expecting spontaneous nights on Santa Monica Boulevard. GayMapper tip: one of the better-value options if you want to wake up beside the Pacific and would rather spend your budget on the rest of the trip.