I recently had the opportunity to escape the cold winter weather and spend five days in Los Angeles at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, right in the heart of Hollywood. I spent many years living in and around Los Angeles, but this was my first time staying at a hotel there. I chose the Loews in Hollywood not only because it is an AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel, but also because its location is ideal.
In Southern California, there is so much to do, but you generally need a car to get to everything because it is all so spread out, but with the way this hotel is perfectly situated, you are just steps away from Hollywood and Highland, where you can eat, drink, or be merry in just about any way that you can imagine.
ARRIVAL AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arrival and check-in were a breeze. I took an Uber from LAX, and the hotel has its own drop-off circle with valet parking for self-drivers. Because it is LA, it is always easy to hail an Uber or Lyft if you need to get anywhere outside walking distance.
The check-in is in the lobby, between the bar and lounge area, and a small store where you can pick up snacks, drinks, or essentials. The staff greeted me and got me keys, and I was on my way in less than a minute.
The elevators are across from check-in. I did have a funny moment in the elevator. On one side, the access point for your room key card is at eye level, but on the side of the elevator I gravitated toward at first, it was closer to knee level, and it took me several moments to find it.
ROOMS AND AMENITIES
My room had a nice view of Highland Avenue and the front of the hotel, and even the famous Hollywood Sign in the distance. I can confirm that none of the apartments I have ever lived in Los Angeles had a view like this one. I did not expect to care about the pool in February, but the fifth-floor pool terrace is the kind of place you end up lingering, even if you never fully commit to a swim, because it is such a cool vibe. The gym being open 24 hours is not a flashy perk, but it is the kind of detail that makes a stay feel smooth, especially when you are on East Coast time and wake up earlier than planned.
Like most hotels in tourist-heavy areas, this property charges a daily destination fee of $35. The good news is that it is not a random charge; the hotel ties it to a bundle of perks. It includes premium Wi Fi, plus a few classic Hollywood tourist extras, such as discounts and admission to nearby attractions. Whether you love that kind of thing or ignore it completely, it is worth knowing it is there, so you are not surprised at checkout.
HOTEL AMENITIES
Rooftop Pool Terrace is 10,000 square feet, located on the fifth floor, with views that include the Hollywood Sign. On-site dining includes H2 Kitchen and Bar, Prestons, and in-room dining. H2 Kitchen and Bar hours are listed as daily from 4 PM to 12 AM.
Fitness center on the fifth floor, open 24 hours, with lots of windows and views, and free access during your stay
ROOM AMENITIES
55-inch flat screen TV plus a connectivity panel that lets you charge devices and use them through the TV Free Wi Fi for up to three devices, and it worked across the hotel spaces, not just the room
Mini refrigerator and coffee maker with coffee and tea for a quick morning reset before heading out
Pet fee is $100 per stay, non-refundable. Up to two pets per room, under 75 pounds each. Pets receive gifts such as bowls and treats.
DINING AND DRINKS ON PREMISES AND NEARBY
Look, you are right in the heart of Hollywood, and whether you want to eat at the hotel or hit the street, everything is all around you within walking distance. Or if you want to explore something in Venice Beach or Downtown Los Angeles, you can either grab a ride share (they are everywhere) or you can hop on the subway. The station is right around the corner from the hotel at the corner of Hollywood and Highland.
I ate breakfast at the hotel buffet twice and left full and happy both times. There are also so many fine drinking and dining options just footsteps from the hotel on Hollywood Boulevard, the World Famous Walk of Fame. We are talking about the infamous Musso and Frank Grill, a true old-Hollywood time capsule: dark wood, martinis, and steakhouse classics. Or perhaps you want to check out Yamashiro for hilltop dining, breathtaking panoramic views of the city, amazing Japanese food, and cocktails.
If you want one quick food detour that is not on Hollywood Boulevard, Max and Helen’s is a fun move. It is a neighborhood diner in Larchmont Village from Phil Rosenthal of Somebody Feed Phil (and creator of Everybody Loves Raymond), with Nancy Silverton, and it is the kind of place a lot of people actively search for when they are in LA. I went classic and was glad I did. Helen’s matzoh ball soup hit the spot, and the dry-aged patty melt with mashed potatoes felt like the right kind of indulgence after a long day walking around Hollywood. I washed it down with iced tea and left happy. Larchmont Village is also a great little pocket to wander, with plenty of other spots to eat and a bunch of easy shopping up and down the same stretch.
STUFF TO DO NEARBY
It is all just outside your door. Whether you want to hike Runyon Canyon, where you have likely seen many of your favorite TV show and movie characters hiking, or catch a film at the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre, it is just a few minutes on foot. Let us not forget the Magic Castle, where you can witness the world’s greatest magicians, or if you are into seeing a live TV show, you get in line for the Jimmy Kimmel Live show right across the street.
CONCIERGE AND BELL STAFF
There were always at least two people at the front desk when I was in the lobby, and there are plenty of other employees moving about and helping you, whether it is getting a ride or getting your bags up to your room. Everyone I interacted with at the hotel was very friendly and helpful.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
Awesome Location
Fantastic views, including the Hollywood Sign.
Solid Amenities
CONS
If you are looking for something close to the beach, this is not your vibe.
If you are looking for a middle-of-nowhere type of quiet getaway, this is definitely not your vibe.
Weird placement of the card key device in the elevator (my personal pet peeve)
FINAL VERDICT AND WHO SHOULD STAY HERE
If you are coming to Los Angeles for Hollywood, I cannot think of a better place to stay. This on the strip spot is in the heart of just about anything you could ask for, and it is one of the rare LA hotels where you can actually experience the neighborhood without needing a car. Whether it is a fancy new cocktail, a spur-of-the-moment tattoo after the aforementioned cold frosty beverage, or simply a late-night walk past the theatres and the Walk of Fame, it is all right outside your door. If your goal is to be in the middle of the action and soak up classic Hollywood energy from morning to midnight, Loews Hollywood absolutely delivers.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered travel or consumer advice. Hotel amenities, prices, policies, and availability may change. Readers should verify all details independently and use their own judgment when planning travel.