Curator’s statement
One of the most popular cities in the United States, Los Angeles can seem vast and overwhelming to first (or even second) time visitors. Behind the glitz and glamour of 'Hollywood' is an eclectic and cool artistic spirit — fashion, design, culinary delights and matcha! Below is a rundown of culture and cool in my favorite locale, West Los Angeles: the area known as Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Culver City and West Hollywood.
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Where to stay in Los Angeles
Shutters on the Beach
The classic Santa Monica beach experience, the lobby makes this property feel more intimate, but the pool is a great scene.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel
A luxury lifestyle hotel on sun-drenched Wilshire Boulevard where guests will have a front-row seat to sunsets over the Pacific.
Fora Perks
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
- ★
Complimentary bottle of wine in room on arrival.
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Complimentary welcome gift on arrival.
Palihouse Santa Monica
An enchanting boutique hotel that captures a blend of classic Californian charm with modern luxury, situated moments away from the sun-kissed beach.
Fora Perks
- ★
Welcome amenity.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Surfrider
Located at Surfrider Beach, a great pick for easy access to the Malibu Pier, featuring rooms with a sophisticated, yet laid-back Californian feel.
Fora Perks
- ★
Complimentary wetsuit rentals.
- ★
Welcome amenity.
- ★
Upgrade whenever possible.
1 Hotel West Hollywood
Contemporary property on Sunset Boulevard with sleek rooms and suites.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Experience coastal luxury at Oceana Santa Monica, where stylish accommodations, oceanfront views and impeccable service come together to create a memorable stay in the vibrant beachside community of Santa Monica, California.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 resort credit (per day for suites and per stay for rooms and junior suites).
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Jessica to book your trip.
Things to do in Los Angeles
Shopping Precincts
Montana Ave (Santa Monica)
Main St (Santa Monica)
Abbot Kinney Blvd (Venice)
Brentwood Country Mart (Brentwood)
Platform (Culver City)
Palisades Village (Pacific Palisades)
Malibu Country Martountrymart.com/ (Malibu)
Melrose Place & Ave (West Hollywood)
Sunset Blvd (West Hollywood)
Art & Culture
The Getty Museum (Brentwood)
Hammer Museum (Westwood)
The Eames House (Pacific Palisades)
Palisades Park (Santa Monica)
Venice Canals (Venice)
Venice Skate Park (Venice)
Places to eat & drink in Los Angeles
Coffee & Matcha
Intelligentsia Coffee (Venice)
La La Land Kind Cafe (Santa Monica)
Alfred Coffee (Brentwood)
Maru Espresso Bar (Beverly Hills)
Blue Bottle Coffee (Venice)
La Colombe Coffee Roasters (Century City)
Smoothies & Drinks
Erewhon (Santa Monica, Venice & Beverly Hills)
Earthbar (Brentwood & Century City)
Moon Juice (Venice)
Casual Eats & Dining Spots
Night + Market Sahm (Venice)
Gjusta (Venice)
Great White (Venice)
Tartine Bakery (Santa Monica)
Butchers Daughter (Venice)
Farmshop (Brentwood)
Gjelina (Venice)
R&D Kitchen (Santa Monica)
Malibu Farm Restaurant (Malibu)
Felix Trattoria (Venice)
Elephante (Santa Monica)
Calabra Restaurant & Bar (Santa Monica)
Chulita (Venice)
Jon & Vinny’s (Brentwood)
Milo & Olive (Santa Monica)
Sweet Treats
Salt & Straw (Venice)
Erin McKenna’s Bakery (Santa Monica)
Sweet Laurel Bakery (Pacific Palisades)
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Venice)
Travel Advisor
Jessica Preston
Get in touch with Jessica
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Looking for more travel inspo? Check out Eunice Kindred's guide, 72 Hours in LA & Dana Point. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to California.