Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [124]
Le Montrose Suite Hotel (Map; 310-855-1115, 800-776-0666; www.lemontrose.com; 900 Hammond St; ste $165-450; wi-fi) It’s a hop, skip and jump from anything that matters, yet this stylish hideaway still manages to feel like a cocoon of quiet and sophistication. The spruced-up suites are sheathed in an easy-on-the-eye palette of earth tones and lavender, and are popular with clued-in Industry folk. Bonus: the rooftop pool and tennis court. Parking costs $24.
Hotel Elan (Map; 323-658-6663, 888-203-2212; www.elanhotel.com; 8435 Beverly Blvd; r $195-260; wi-fi) Close to great restaurants and boutiques, the Elan flaunts an uncluttered urban feel and offers reliably good service and cloud-soft goose-down bedding. Standard rooms may be a bit too snug to fit tons of luggage, so opt for a junior lounge if space is an issue. Parking is $19.
Best Western Sunset Plaza Hotel (Map; 323-654- 0750, 800-421-3652; www.bestwestern.com; 8400 W Sunset Blvd; r incl breakfast $200-300, child under 18 free; wi-fi) Granted, the name doesn’t spell glamour, but the reasonable rates will take the sting out of paying $20 for that mojito at Skybar later that night. Even if you’re not a party animal, you’ll appreciate the central location, Melrose Place–like courtyard and handy freebies, including breakfast and local calls. Parking costs $12.
Orlando (Map; 323-658-6600, 800-624-6835; www.theorlando.com; 8384 W 3rd St; $220-340; wi-fi) This fashionista favorite is smack-dab on boutique-lined W 3rd St and just a five-minute walk from the Beverly Center mall. Natural woods, earth-tones and votive candles provide a soothing antidote to an exhausting shopping spree, as do the heated saltwater pool and pocket-sized gym. Chic eateries abound, or stay at the hotel for top-rated Italian at La Terza. Parking is $24.
Chamberlain West Hollywood (Map; 310-657-7400, 800-201-9637; www.chamberlainwesthollywood.com; 1000 Westmount Dr; r $260-290; wi-fi) This sassy lifestyle hotel scores points with trendy, design-minded travelers, even though it’s not quite as edgy as other Kor Group outposts like the Avalon or Maison 140. The 112 gadget-filled studios and suites are draped in icy blues and dusky greys and come with gas fireplace, balcony and sumptuous bedding perfect after a night of cavorting on the nearby Sunset Strip. Nice rooftop pool, too. Parking costs $24.
TOP END
Sofitel Los Angeles (Map; 310-278-5444, 800-521-7772; www.sofitella.com; 8555 Beverly Blvd; r $300-425, ste $575-1200; wi-fi) The Sofitel is the latest comeback kid among LA’s luxe lodges, thanks to a $40 million cash infusion that created a place of sleek sophistication and unfussy ambience. Rooms have got ivory laquered chests and premium beds, and the restaurant and Rande Gerber’s slick Stone Rose Lounge have become the new darlings of the in-crowd. Rooms on the upper floors facing north have the best views. Parking costs $26.
Sunset Tower Hotel (Map; 323-654-7100, 800-225-2637; www.sunsettowerhotel.com; 8358 W Sunset Blvd; r $345-375, ste $445-695; wi-fi) Connect to the magic of yesterday when Errol Flynn, Truman Capote and Marilyn Monroe resided at this art deco marvel. Fully renovated, this classy boutique hotel with a historic pedigree spells romance in soothing rooms, a flirty bar (in Bugsy Siegel’s former apartment) and a top-notch spa with Turkish hammam (steam bath). Expect famous faces but not of the Spears variety. Parking costs $28.
Chateau Marmont (Map; 323-656-1010, 800-242-8328; www.chateaumarmont.com; 8221 W Sunset Blvd; r $350-785; wi-fi) Its French-flavored indulgence may look dated, but this faux-castle has long lured A-listers with its five-star mystique and legendary discretion. Howard Hughes used to spy on bikini beauties from the same balcony suite that today is Bono’s favorite. The garden cottages are