The Standard’s Rooftop
Photo Courtesy of Standard International Management Inc
Los Angeles properties may not be able compete with J.W. Marriott Marquis Dubai for the title of world’s tallest hotel, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on hotel bars with expansive views. In fact, the city is home to prime peeps of ocean scenes and cityscapes.
When an adult beverage paired with inspiring vistas is what you need, here’s where to find the best views in L.A.’s hotel bars.
Nest at WP24
Located on the 24th floor of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, this luxe lounge offers 180-degree views of downtown L.A. Snag a seat on one of the couches facing the floor-to-ceiling windows for the best vantage point.
If you’re a Ritz-Carlton Club member, the scenery gets sweeter; head to the 23rd floor with your Canned Heat (bourbon, jalapeño and lime) to check out cool panoramas of west L.A. — from the Hollywood sign to the Santa Monica Mountains and even the ocean on a clear day. It’s one of the top spots in the city to watch the sunset.
Terrazza Lounge, Photo Courtesy of The Leading Hotels of the World Ltd
Terrazza Lounge
Once you get inside this coastal Italy-inspired lounge at Four-Star Casa Del Mar, settle into one of the tables by the floor-to-ceiling windows for the best sunset views of the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Ocean coastline. In the nearby lobby, there’s live music nearly every night except Sunday.
Another sweet-sounding thing about Terrazza is its market-fresh cocktail menu. Sip on seasonal libations like the Earl Grey Tea-Ni (infused gin, lemon and egg white) in one of the indoor cabanas; the space seats up to eight and serves as a great place to enjoy the tunes with a group of friends.
The Rooftop
Scenic looks onto the city are par for the course at this open-air hot spot at The Standard. Add in a biergarten, an animal-shaped topiary, AstroTurf, funky waterbed seating and a swimming pool, and you’ve got a party just waiting to happen. And they often do.
Before going, though, make sure there are no private parties scheduled, otherwise you won’t be able to get in. The space is usually open and free to the public during the weekdays, but there is a small cover charge on the weekends.
The Roof on Wilshire, Photo Courtesy of Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC
The Roof on Wilshire
The Kimpton Hotel Wilshire in Mid-City is the perfect stop-off after a dose of culture at nearby Museum Row. The property’s rooftop bar is a sleek, poolside affair. Dive, drink or dine under the stars — or do all three in the same evening.
Bartenders handle the seasonal cocktails with ease. Food is masterfully prepared by famed chef Eric Greenspan. Views are compliments of the sparkling Hollywood Hills.
The Penthouse
Perched on the 18th floor of The Huntley Hotel, The Penthouse restaurant, conceived by designer Thomas Schoos, is a dramatic showstopper offering wall-to-wall windows and 360-degree shots of the Malibu Mountains, Pacific coastline and Santa Monica cityscape.
The bar, located in the center of the restaurant, is the sweet spot for sunset seekers. Try one of the signature cocktails to finish setting the mood. We recommend the Blackberry Pineapple Sidecar or Watermelon Cucumber Mojito.
