Where to stay - Fairfax/Beverly Hills/West Hollywood

Question

Hi all,

I am travelling for 5 nights to the area with my 20yr old son. We want to be closer to restaurants, shopping, farmers market and anywhere else that might be good!

I have looked at Sofitel, SLS, Short Stories and Palihouse. Does anyone have a recommendation? Budget not as important as the vibe. I would like decent rooms with good hotel amenities - pool, restaurant, gym etc.

We won't have a car! Happy to walk, uber and or bus. Thank you in advance :)

Answer

For a five-night stay in Los Angeles without a car, focusing on areas like Beverly Hills and West Hollywood will give you the best combination of walkability, restaurants, shopping, and iconic LA vibes. Fairfax is more residential and trendy with the farmers market, but it’s less centrally located for broader sightseeing and nightlife unless you plan to Uber frequently.

Considering your preferences—good rooms, amenities like a pool, restaurant, and gym, and a lively atmosphere—here’s a breakdown of your options:

Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: Classic luxury hotel, great for amenities, pool, and service. Excellent if you want a more upscale, resort-like experience. Close to Rodeo Drive for shopping and a short Uber to West Hollywood and Fairfax.
SLS Beverly Hills: Trendy, modern, and fun vibe. Pool and rooftop bar are a plus. Good for younger travelers who enjoy design-focused hotels. Also near shopping and restaurants in Beverly Hills, with easy Uber access to nightlife and markets.
Palihouse West Hollywood: Boutique hotel with a charming, homey vibe. Smaller than Sofitel or SLS but with stylish rooms and good location in West Hollywood. Perfect for walking to local cafes, shops, and nightlife. Pool and gym are available, but on a smaller scale.
Short Story Hotel (West Hollywood): Smaller boutique property. Less about full-service amenities and more about quirky, design-driven stays. Great for walkable access to Melrose Avenue and West Hollywood nightlife, but amenities like pool or gym are limited compared to the others.

Recommendations:

If you want a classic luxury stay with full amenities and easy access to Beverly Hills shopping: Sofitel.
If you prefer a trendier, vibrant hotel with a younger, social vibe and rooftop pool: SLS Beverly Hills.
If you want to be fully immersed in the walkable West Hollywood area with boutique charm: Palihouse West Hollywood.

Additional tips:

Uber and rideshare are easy in both Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, so even without a car, you can reach Griffith Park, Santa Monica, or Downtown LA fairly easily.
If you plan to visit the Original Farmers Market and The Grove often, staying closer to Fairfax or West Hollywood is convenient, but keep in mind that walking from Beverly Hills is possible but a bit long (~2-3 miles).
For nightlife and young-adult friendly vibes, West Hollywood has more options within walking distance, while Beverly Hills is quieter in the evenings.

Overall, for your priorities of vibe, amenities, and walkability without a car, I would lean toward SLS Beverly Hills or Palihouse West Hollywood depending on whether you prefer more luxury amenities or boutique local charm.

Where to stay - Fairfax/Beverly Hills/West Hollywood

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