Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [122]
MIDRANGE
Hollywood Celebrity Hotel (Map; 323-850-6464, 800- 222-7017; www.hotelcelebrity.com; 1775 Orchid Ave; r incl breakfast $110-190; wi-fi) The art deco–style lobby is a sleek overture to this good-value property behind Hollywood & Highland. Rooms, while large and comfortable, can’t quite carry the tune, but the bend-over-backwards-to-help staff, free breakfast and clean steam room still get our thumbs-up. No wheelchair access.
Highland Gardens Hotel (Map; 323-850-0536, 800-404-5472; www.highlandgardenshotel.com; 7047 Franklin Ave; r $110-120, ste $140-330, child under 10 free; wi-fi) This ’50s residential-style motel is retro without even trying, but its heart-of-Hollywood location makes it quite a steal. Some rooms are still awaiting their date with a paint bucket, so if this matters have a look before checking in. All have a balcony or patio overlooking the courtyard with a groovy pool and tropical landscaping. And for all you trivia buffs: Janis Joplin overdosed in room 105.
Hollywood Hills Hotel & Apartments (Map; 323-874-5089, 800-615-2224; www.hollywoodhillshotel.com; 1999 N Sycamore Ave; r incl breakfast $130-200, child free; ) Breathtaking city views, a curvy pool guarded by a pagoda, and roomy digs with balcony and kitchen are among the assets at this older but well-kept property. It’s up in the hills yet still within walking distance of the Hollywood Blvd madness. Check-in is at the Magic Castle Hotel (opposite). Parking costs $9.
Best Western Hollywood Hills Hotel (Map; 323-464-5181, 800-287-1700; www.bestwestern.com; 6141 Franklin Ave; r $150-225, child under 17yr free; wi-fi) Not all rooms are created equal at this family-run hotel with colorful retro touches; for more space and quiet get one in the back facing the sparkling tiled pool. Self-caterers will welcome the refrigerator and microwave, although the on-site coffee shop serves some pretty good comfort food and is open late; service, though, can be glacial. The hotel is pet-friendly.
Villa delle Stelle (Map; 323-876-8100; www.villadellestelle.com; 6087 Harold Way; ste 150-210; wi-fi) Designer-to-the-stars Brogan Lane has infused her quiet four-suite gem with effusive Golden Age glamour. You’ll have plenty of space to stretch out in full-kitchen units with decor inspired by such icons as Humphrey Bogart, Grace Kelly and Lane’s late husband Dudley Moore. Wine, cheese and a cheerful live-in manager greet your arrival. Pet-friendly.
Magic Castle Hotel (Map; 323-851-0800, 800-741-4915; www.magiccastlehotel.com; 7025 Franklin Ave; r incl breakfast $160-330; wi-fi) Walls at this perennial pleaser are a bit thin (bring earplugs), but otherwise it’s a charming base of operation with large, modern rooms (the full-kitchen suites sleep up to six), exceptional staff and a petite courtyard pool where days start with fresh pastries and gourmet coffee. Ask about access to the Magic Castle, a fabled members-only magic club in an adjacent Victorian mansion. (Say hi to the owl…). Parking costs $9.
TOP END
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (Map; 323-466-7000, 800-950-7667; www.hollywoodroosevelt.com; 7000 Hollywood Blvd; r $200-400; wi-fi) Despite its uncanny resemblance to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s California Adventure, the spooky-cool, revamped Roosevelt is again currying favor with Hollywood beauties. Staying here means you can hang with the kool kids but don’t expect to be treated like one. Also Click here. Parking is $28.
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel (Map; 323-856-1200, 888-236-2427; www.renaissancehollywood.com; 1755 N Highland Ave; r $270-400; wi-fi) Fancy sipping your mojito poolside with a view of the Hollywood Sign? Then this all-star behemoth behind Hollywood