Photo: Pool terrace / Courtesy of Loews Hollywood Hotel
A stay at Loews Hollywood Hotel may leave you wondering about all that notorious LA sprawl. Contrary to what you’d expect, every sight — including the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame — is seemingly within walking distance of this bustling hotel. At the intersection of Hollywood and Highland and part of the complex with the same name, the Loews Hollywood Hotel has rooms with views of the Hollywood sign, as well as a pool overlooking the Hollywood Hills, restaurant, lobby lounge, and easy access to an entertainment complex with more than 60 shops, restaurants, and a bowling alley.
The Look
With massive cement elephants perched on sky-high columns and ancient artwork carved into a soaring gate — the aesthetic here is certainly a standout. The Hollywood & Highland complex is modeled to look like the Babylon set from D.W. Griffith’s 1916 film Intolerance, and the structures are even built to the same scale. Soak up a bit of cinema history just by wandering around the hotel, especially at the rooftop pool, where you’ll get a view of the gate of Babylon. Preston’s, the hotel’s in-house restaurant for breakfast and lunch is much more modern, with contemporary California-inspired cuisine. For lunch and dinner, there’s H2 Kitchen & Bar, a recently-renovated lobby lounge where the aesthetic is equally contemporary, the cocktails are creative nods to the movie biz, and the bites will keep you satiated for all your sightseeing.
In contrast to all the activity outside the hotel, rooms are outfitted in calming slate gray with pops of purple and orange. Conveniently, the digs here are divided by view, so you can book based on the vista you’re most excited to see each morning. Choose from City View, Hollywood Sign, Capital View (as in the iconic Capital Records building), and Skyline Rooms. There are also suites — some of which feature 80-degree views, a wet bar, a private terrace, and even a baby grand piano.
The Vibe
The crowd here is a Hollywood hodgepodge. Hang in the lobby in the morning and you’ll likely spot families heading off for a full day of amusement park fun. In the afternoon, you’ll see shoppers returning from Hollywood & Highland’s many retail spots; Dodger fans gathering before a game; and conference attendees (the hotel has ample meeting space). Evenings bring in the nightlife-loving crowd, who pregame at H2 before hitting the town.
Who Will Love It
Anyone with a list of must-see LA landmarks will appreciate the location. The same is true for concertgoers — the famed Hollywood Bowl is within walking distance. Additionally, Loews Hollywood is ideal for families, with kid-friendly restaurants as well as board games and video game consoles (PlayStation 4, Xbox, and Wii) to borrow. Plus, staying here has amusement park perks — but more on that later.
Who Might Not
Travelers who try to steer clear of crowds might find this buzzy location overwhelming. If you had a meditative retreat in mind, this is not that.
Best Amenity
The fifth-floor (heated!) pool and terrace is a sanctuary in the truest sense of the word. One moment, you’re down on Hollywood Boulevard weaving through throngs of curious visitors and costumed characters. The next, you’re lazing in a rooftop lounger with a glass of rosé in hand.
What’s Included
Guests have access to the pool and terrace, fitness center, business center, as well as the knowledgeable concierge staff. There's also free wifi in common areas and rooms. Cribs and baby bath kits are both complimentary.
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About
Self-parking is $18 plus tax per vehicle, per day (does not include in-and-out access). Valet parking is $46 plus tax per vehicle, per day (includes in-and-out access). Two pets under 75 pounds each are welcome per room for a fee of $100 for the stay; learn more about Loews' pet policy — and perks for furry friends — here.
How to Get a Deal
Rates start at around $229 per night. September seems to be the least expensive time to stay, but there are a number of bundles and packages on offer. For example, if you book a three-night stay, you may be able to score a 20% discount. Meanwhile, the "Weekend Perks" package (rates from $334 per night), includes a daily breakfast credit, parking, and premium wifi. Also, AAA members get 15% discounts on rates.
In the Neighborhood
As mentioned above, this neighborhood is really a who’s who of LA attractions. The Hollywood Walk of Fame — with its 2,600 stars — is here, as are some of the most iconic movie palaces in the world: the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, which is home to the Academy Awards. Across the street, El Capitan Theatre was built in the 1920s as Hollywood’s first playhouse, and today hosts many of Disney’s movie premieres. All three theaters offer tours. If you’re a fan of Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, you’ll recognize the interior of Musso and Frank Grill. The famous eatery, which made an appearance in the Tarantino film, is just a six-minute stroll away from the property. Universal Studios Hollywood — which is home to both Jurassic World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — is also nearby (about a 10-minute drive). In fact, the property has a partnership with Universal, and, when you buy tickets through the hotel, you’ll gain early admission to the park.
Nearest Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport is just seven miles from the hotel and the drive can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. A ride-share will cost about $20. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 25 miles from the hotel and, depending on traffic, is anywhere from 45 minutes to one-hour away from the property. A ride-share to or from LAX will run you roughly $45.
Nearest Public Transit
The Metro's Hollywood & Highland subway station is just below the hotel. This line runs from North Hollywood to Union Station. Take the train one stop north to Universal Studios, or head in the opposite direction to Downtown Los Angeles and explore Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Olvera Street — a historic Mexican district in the heart of the city.
Comfy and consistent rooms combined with a can’t-be-beat location make this hotel the ideal launchpad for sightseers of all ages.