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The best credit card for hotels in Los Angeles.

Updated

Why this card

Hilton Honors Aspire for hotels in Los Angeles.

LA is a Marriott town at the high end. The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey, Beverly Hills Marriott, JW LA Live, and W Hollywood are the major chain properties. Hilton has the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and Conrad Downtown.

Annual fee

$550

Best earn rate

14 points per dollar at Hiltons, automatic Diamond, $400 in annual credits

Signup bonus

Currently 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and Conrad LA Downtown are both Diamond-friendly properties. Diamond breakfast at the Waldorf saves $80 per day in food. The Aspire's annual free weekend night cert covers a $700 cash room at the Waldorf, which more than recovers the annual fee in one trip. Conrad LA's location near Walt Disney Concert Hall is a strong base for a downtown stay.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant.

Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey and JW Marriott LA Live both prices around 70K to 85K points off-peak. The 85K free night cert covers a Friday night at either, and Platinum upgrades at the Beverly Hills Marriott can move you into a junior suite.

American ExpressAnnual fee $650

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecHilton Honors AspireMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Annual fee$550$650
Best earn rate14 points per dollar at Hiltons, automatic Diamond, $400 in annual creditsSee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Most LA luxury hotels include valet-only parking at $50 to $70 per night. This is rarely waived even with elite status. Factor it into your stay cost. Self-park alternatives are limited in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, so weekend rates matter.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Los Angeles?

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Hilton Honors Aspire from American Express. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and Conrad LA Downtown are both Diamond-friendly properties. Annual fee is $550.

How many points do you need for a free night in Los Angeles?

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Roughly 80,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Los Angeles. Cash rate is around $420 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant a better choice for hotels in Los Angeles?

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Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey and JW Marriott LA Live both prices around 70K to 85K points off-peak. The 85K free night cert covers a Friday night at either, and Platinum upgrades at the Beverly Hills Marriott can move you into a junior suite. Annual fee is $650.