Los Angeles is blessed with a bounty of hotels and inns luxurious enough for movie stars, rock stars and those who want to live like them. So how do you choose the best place to woo your beloved for Valentine’s Day? Plan a getaway tailored to your sweetheart’s unique personality. Does your Valentine love the nightlife, the city, or nature? Here are several hotel suggestions to get you started. After all, there is nothing more romantic than a gesture straight from the heart.
The Club Hopper
Sunset Marquis, West Hollywood
Bring the phrase “party like a rock star” to life at this secluded boutique hotel off of the Sunset Strip. Take your date dancing and clubbing on Sunset Blvd., then retreat to the hip but low-key luxury of the Sunset Marquis. Chances are good that you will be in the company of rock stars and celebrities who use this as a secret hideaway. But you many never see them, since the hotel prides itself on discretion for its guests. If your budget allows, splurge on a villa. You may find yourself lounging at the private villa pool next to a rock band recovering from a late-night party. Just keep it between you and the poolside butler. Junior suites start at $287 on travel websites; villas are around $440.
The City Sophisticate
The Ritz Carlton, Los Angeles
Feel the buzz of the renaissance of the downtown area at the Ritz Carlton at L.A. Live. This sleek and sophisticated skyscraper is at the pulse of the new downtown nightlife scene. Walk downstairs to take in a concert at L.A. Live or across the street to a sporting event at Staples Center. The Disney Concert Hall and Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) are just blocks away. Take in breathtaking views of the city from your modern room, or from the 26th floor outdoor pool area and the rooftop restaurant and lounge. You’ll feel invigorated by this new “downtown” vibe. Rooms start at $399 on the hotel website, or $2,900 for a suite with lounge privileges.
The Relaxation Seeker
Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
Terranea is the oceanfront resort that L.A. has been longing for. Hotel designers marvelously integrated this property into the seaside cliffs that were once home to Sea World. Meander walking paths overlooking the Pacific for glimpses of dolphins and migrating whales. You will never want to leave Nelson’s, a casual restaurant and bar with the ultimate in patio dining: perfect ocean breezes, fire pits and wraparound ocean views. Visit the Spa at Terranea for serene seaside facials and massages. Enjoy the private spa pool or the separate family and adult pools, or walk to a private beach. Bungalows, casitas and villas give you more options than the standard rooms, which start at around $400. Discount travel websites like SniqueAway and Vacationist frequently offer lower rates on this property.
The Beach Bunny
Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach
If your Valentine savors walks on the beach and likes to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves, this romantic spot on prime Laguna beachfront offers the ultimate in casual-chic beach relaxation. Meander the art galleries and gift shops along Pacific Coast Highway, sit at the pool overlooking the Pacific, or visit the resort’s spa. Enjoy a candlelit dinner at the Surf and Sand’s Splashes, where open windows 25 feet above the sea create an unforgettable beachside dining experience. Rooms start at $425 .
The Nature Lover
The Inn at Playa del Rey, Playa del Rey
Nurture the nature lover at The Inn at Playa del Rey. The owners of this small bed and breakfast will pamper you with their homemade breakfasts and wine and hors d’oeuvres at sunset. The inn is literally seeped in nature, surrounded by the Ballona Wetlands nature preserve and bird sanctuary. You can hike the wetlands or borrow a bike to cycle the beach, just three blocks away from this unique urban retreat. Sit outside on the patio, sip a glass of wine in front of the fire and watch the boats come in to Marina del Rey. Charming, Cape-Cod like rooms start at $200.