Despite the devastating impact of the recent fires, Los Angeles is proving its resilience, bouncing back stronger than ever with Awards Season.

Oscar Award via unsplash samuel-ramos

Los Angeles via unplash cedric-letsch

The west coast city remains the epicentre of film and glamour, as seen in the dazzling Grammy Awards and the unrelenting buzz of Oscar Season. With Emilia Perez (starring Selena Gomez) leading with 13 nominations, Hollywood’s top hotels, restaurants, and hangouts are once again abuzz with A-list activity.

From five-star luxury hotels that cater to the elite to Michelin-starred restaurants where Hollywood royalty dines, these are the must-visit destinations this Awards Season. Whether you're looking to rub shoulders with Oscar nominees, indulge in world-class cuisine, or experience the magic of Hollywood firsthand - here’s your guide to LA’s most exclusive spots:

The Hotels

Maybourne Beverly Hills

Maybourne Hotel Beverley Hills 2

Maybourne Hotel Beverley Hills 4

This exceptional Saudi-friendly 5-star hotel has been known to personalise suites and even whole floors to cater to Middle Eastern tastes and preferences. Recently, at the request of one prominent Saudi family, the third-floor terrace was converted to a padel court.

Perfectly located close to the shopping Mecca of Rodeo Drive, this stunning hotel offers private shopping experiences at nearby Saks. The exquisite spa has male and female-only saunas and steam rooms. The gorgeous heated swimming pool is an Instagram favourite. The chef has a special Arab menu to cater to all tastes.

The Terrace serves the best breakfast in Beverly Hills, with fluffy pancakes and whipped cream being a standout. Oscar winner Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez) was at a nearby table - very sadly, without said Oscar. The hotel was a hive of activity when I was there, with Jennifer Lawrence hosting a press junket, while Ariana Grande and Pamela Anderson attended the Golden Globes Nominees’ Luncheon.

I promise you, once you check in here, you won’t want to leave!

From SAR4500 per night
@themaybournebh
maybournebeverlyhills.com

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Beverly Wilshire Hotel Los Angeles 6

Beverly Wilshire Hotel Los Angeles 5

Located in Beverly Hills' Golden Triangle, the stupendous Beverly Wilshire is steeped in Hollywood history. Warren Beatty and Elvis Presley even lived here! Oscar winner Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) was checking in when I was leaving.

The hotel’s CUT by Wolfgang Puck is the place for star-spotting. Demi Moore (The Substance) was being honoured with the Courage Award at a charity dinner attended by Tom Hanks and Sting. Pretty Woman was famously filmed in this exquisitely designed hotel. Be sure to have the Feeling Pretty cocktail (garnished with raspberries and a rose petal) in the buzzy hotel restaurant THE Blvd — the burger there (with the BW imprint burnt into the bun) is to die for. Unmissable.

Star-spotting is guaranteed at the rooftop pool, which is modelled after the one in Sophia Loren’s Italian villa. To channel Elvis, book the breathtaking 5,000-square-foot Penthouse Suite, complete with 270-degree views of the city, including Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Hills. Divine.

From SAR4100 per night
@beverlywilshire
fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire

The London West Hollywood, Beverly Hills

The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills 2

The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills 1

The wonderful London West Hollywood on San Vicente Boulevard has sumptuous suites with oversized bathrooms, walk-in showers, and private balconies with unforgettable views. Located just off the Sunset Strip, it is across the road from the legendary live music venue Whisky A Go Go (where Cindy Crawford was recently spotted rocking out to Mötley Crüe).

The London’s expansive rooftop pool (with splendid private cabanas) is British-themed with a bulldog motif. John Legend and Christy Teigen were holding a launch event here for their new wine brand LVE. When I stayed, I managed to spot Oscar winner Anora star Mikey Madison in the lobby on her way into the hotel’s private screening room, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled when you visit.

From SAR1900 per night
@thelondonweho
thelondonwesthollywood.com

The Restaurants

Meteora

Meteora Los Angeles 1

Meteora Los Angeles 4

Meteora, from acclaimed chef Jordan Kahn, is one of the all-time great LA restaurants and deserving of its one Michelin star. No wonder it is so hard to get a booking. With a nest-like entrance, the tropical themed setting of Meteora works well for a restaurant that has a sensational seasonal 4- and 7-course menu, including mouth-watering flame-seared oysters with flaming beef fat. The courses are paired with inventive non-alcoholic drinks that really enhance the senses, all served by knowledgeable staff.

Make a reservation here
@meteora.la meteora.la

Shirley Brasserie

Shirley Brasserie Los Angeles 1

Shirley Brasserie Los Angeles 3

There is a timeless sense of splendour from the Golden Era at the exceptional Shirley Brasserie, named after child star Shirley Temple, who famously danced on the steps here. Situated in the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt (where the first Oscars were held in 1929), it is conveniently located on Hollywood Boulevard, making it the perfect dinner spot after visiting nearby attractions like Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Margot Robbie famously took over the space for the epic Once Upon a Time in Hollywood premiere party.

Make a reservation here
@shirleybrasserie shirleybrasserie.com

AVRA Beverly Hills

AVRA Beverly Hills 2

AVRA Beverly Hills 1

With locations across the hottest cities in the USA, the AVRA Group know how to do easy, breezy, high-end eats. AVRA Beverly Hills is a marvellous hotspot serving delicious Greek cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Ashton Kutcher and Sofia Vergara have been spotted here in the last couple of months. It is conveniently close to Erewhon, the organic grocer & café beloved by the Kardashians.

Make a reservation here
@avraestiatorio theavragroup.com

Dante

Dante Maybourne Beverly Hills 2

Dante Maybourne Beverly Hills 1

The spectacular rooftop restaurant Dante is one of LA’s buzziest places, offering a stunning city view of the twinkling lights of the Hollywood Hills. Jennifer Lopez is a regular. Try the delicious lamb chops with crispy potato and caviar. Further away is Terrazza at the Hotel Casa del Mar, and 1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach, both locations are superb brunch spots that have to be on your list.

Make a reservation here
@dantebeverlyhills dantebeverlyhills.com

Become a Hollywood Star (if, but for a moment!)

Academy Museum

The beautiful Academy Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, is a must-see. Their amazing Oscars Experience transports you to the Dolby Theatre on Oscar night. Hear your name called, accept the Oscar on stage, and receive a video capturing your iconic Hollywood moment. And the Oscar goes to…

Inside the Oscars 2025

As Bob Dylan might have said, “the times they are a changin’,” as independent cinema triumphed over studio movies at this year’s Oscars.

The big winners were two low budget features - the $6m Anora with five Oscars including Best Picture and the $10m The Brutalist with three, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody. Brody surprised everyone by having the stage presence to stop the music playing when his speech over-ran. Emilia Perez, starring Selena Gomez, led with 13 nominations, but apart from a teary-eyed Zoe Saldana winning Best Supporting Actress, it almost left empty-handed, even losing the Best International Film award to its Brazilian rival, I’m Still Here.

Oscar Winners 2025

Of course, the Oscars were not short on star-power, led by the Oscar nominated Timothee Chalamet, in a butter-yellow leather Givenchy suit, seated in the front row with Kylie Jenner. The biggest surprise of the night was Mikey Madison triumphing over a dejected Demi Moore who had been expected to take the golden statuette for her bravura performance in The Substance. The loss was even more surprising as the show started with a tribute to The Substance with host Conan O’Brien appearing on stage by climbing out of Demi Moore’s body.

Arab cinema was well represented with the Palestinian film No Other Land winning the Best Documentary Prize, whilst Arab designers had a moment, as high profile celebrities sashayed down the red carpet in incredible designs. At the ceremony itself, Lebanese designer Elie Saab dressed both Gladiator star Connie Nielsen and Peaky Blinders star Annabelle Wallis, TV presenter Kelly Ripa looked stunning in a gorgeous orange dress by another famous Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

But, it was the Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi of Ashi Studios who landed a coup by dressing When Harry Met Sally star Meg Ryan, who presented the coveted Best Actress award to Anora’s Mikey Madison.

Dr. Frank Mannion is a film director and academic.
When curating this list, Frank was in Los Angeles to film his feature documentary 'Making it in the Movies.'

Read more of Frank's pieces here

@theacademy