The hotel scene in Los Angeles was relatively stagnant for a number of years. But recently, there’s been a healthy explosion of boutiques and brands alike, offering an unprecedented number of selections. Pick a Haute 5? Well, if I absolutely must…

Montage Beverly Hills

Classic European style highlights the Montage (above), where service is paramount and amenities plentiful, from Agraria bath products to use of a Mercedes-Benz for suite visitors. Dining options include a well-regarded afternoon tea and the elegant Parq restaurant. The reputations of the spa, Kim Vo salon, and rooftop pool are all well known.

Montage Beverly Hills is located at 225 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.860.7800

The Huntley, Santa Monica Beach

This sophisticated-hip beachside boutique hotel is best known for the Penthouse, it’s top floor viewtastic restaurant-lounge (above). But the bright, airy Thomas Schoos-designed rooms, highlighted by deep soaking tubs, Frette bathrobes and Egyptian cotton sheets, will also impress.

The Huntley Hotel is located at 1111 Second Street,  310.394.5454

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

Visiting downtown LA’s new nightlife scene, Staples Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, or the financial district? This is where you want to stay. The brand new LA Live-set hotel is home to Wolfgang Puck’s new well-regarded WP24 Asian restaurant, Kerry Simon’s LA Market, a gorgeous rooftop pool and spa, and 123 sleek, modern accommodations redefining the Ritz-Carlton brand. Consider the amenity-laden Club Level.

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is located at 900 West Olympic Boulevard, 213.743.8800

Miyako Hybrid Hotel

So what’s in Torrance? Possibly the most well-appointed “business” hotel you’d ever experience. This 200-room outpost of the well-regarded Japanese chain is set in proximity to several Japanese-American corporate headquarters, but it also offers a fantastic Asian-inspired staycation opportunity for the rest of us. Rooms (above) are highlighted by deep Japanese soaking tubs, heated bidets, down comforters and pillows, and similar details. The well-regarded Gonpachi restaurant and Relaken spa add to the experience, all of which, by the way, is LEED-silver certified and thoroughly eco-friendly.

Miyako Hybrid Hotel is located at 21381 South Western Avenue, Torrance,  310.212.5111

Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes

Though less than 30 miles from Beverly Hills, Terranea, set on the breathtaking bluffs of Palos Verdes over 102 acres, feels like a real escape, with comfortably appointed suites, casitas, bungalows and villas, three pools, a fully appointed spa and salon, challenging 9-hole par-3 golf course, fine dining at Mar’sel…and amazingly, all pet friendly (with some restrictions).

Terranea is located at 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, 310.265.2800