Southern California residents know a thing or two about what makes a great hotel, whether for a quick staycation or for hosting out-of-towners with discerning tastes. This week, two institutions in Los Angeles received international recognition, landing spots on the World's 50 Best Hotels longlist for properties ranked 51-100 globally.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels organization, which identifies what it calls the absolute best places to stay around the globe, recently unveiled its extended selection, highlighting top establishments beyond the initial top 50. Out of glamorous hotels featured from destinations including Paris, Tokyo, London, and the Maldives, only a handful of U.S. hotels made the coveted list, with two of them being local Southern California landmarks.
Leading the way for Los Angeles, the Hotel Bel-Air secured the number 57 spot. Spanning across a sprawling 12 acres, the Hotel Bel-Air is nestled within lush subtropical gardens right in the heart of Los Angeles. More than just a hotel, this storied estate is often cited as the true embodiment of Old Hollywood glamour, a legacy it maintains with understated elegance. The property itself is a botanical marvel, boasting over 1,200 plant species, from fragrant jasmine and fruit trees to the striking purple lonchocarpus that gracefully drapes over the restaurant’s al fresco terrace. Guests can discover secluded rooms and villas featuring a mix of retro-glamour interiors and modern hi-fi sound systems, or take a peaceful stroll past the tranquil Swan Lake, a serene spot once admired by Grace Kelly.
Close behind at number 65 is The Beverly Hills Hotel. A true fixture on Sunset Boulevard since 1912, this landmark, affectionately known as the "Pink Palace," remains an effortlessly chic favorite for the Hollywood set. The hotel holds a special place in music history, having been immortalized on the cover of the Eagles' iconic 1976 album, *Hotel California*. It retains its famous salmon-pink exterior and country-club charm, welcoming visitors with a sense of timeless luxury. Inside, guests are greeted by classic 1940s Hollywood decor and the hotel's signature green banana-leaf wallpaper. For those seeking ultimate privacy, the property offers twenty-three standalone bungalows, including one that was formerly Marilyn Monroe’s residence, all providing dedicated, on-tap butler service. The Beverly Hills Hotel has also been recognized on other lists of the world's most beautiful hotels.
Beyond these two Southern California gems, the only other U.S. hotels to make the longlist are all located in New York City: The Fifth Avenue Hotel, Aman New York, and The Greenwich Hotel. Together, these elite properties showcase the pinnacle of American hospitality on the world stage, proving that Southern California’s classic destinations continue to hold their own among the best globally.
