Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [131]
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Beach House at Hermosa (Map; 310-374-3001, 888-895-4559; www.beach-house.com; 1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach; r incl breakfast $290-460, child free; wi-fi) Whatever you’ve heard about California’s laid-back lifestyle, this sparkling beachfront inn epitomizes it. Open up the balcony door of your lofty ocean-view suite to let in the ocean breezes or fall asleep to the soft crackling of a wood-burning fireplace. The paved bikeway is right outside and restaurants and nightlife are a quick stroll away. Parking will cost you $22.
Shade Hotel (Map; 310-546-4995, 866-987-4233; 1221 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach; r $300-400, ste $445-1000; wi-fi) Manhattan Beach goes Hollywood – with all the sass but sans attitude – at this mod luxury boutique hotel where rooms are jammed with lifestyle essentials (iPod docking stations, margarita blender) and even have color-therapy spa tubs big enough for two. The service is inspired, the beach is just three blocks away and the Zinc Lounge bar is buzzy with cool sea urchin chandeliers (Click here).
Long Beach
Long Beach is a handy for those planning on devoting equal amounts of time to both LA and Orange County. Home to the Queen Mary ocean liner and family-friendly Aquarium of the Pacific, it also has plenty to recommend it by itself.
Turret House (Map; 562-624-1991, 888-488-7738; www.turrethouse.com; 556 Chestnut Ave; r incl breakfast $80-120; wi-fi) Owners Brian and Jeff (and their adorable dogs) have poured their hearts and cash into turning their butter-yellow B&B into an oasis of charm. The stately Victorian home has five cozy rooms, each with a fireplace, a TV and a bathroom complete with a clawfoot tub. Rates include passes to a nearby gym, and there’s a hot tub on the premises, too. Pet-friendly.
Hotel Queen Mary (Map; 562-435-3511, 800-437-2934; www.queenmary.com; 1126 Queens Hwy; r $110-220, ste $450-650, child under 17 free; wi-fi) There’s an irresistible romance to ocean liners like the Queen Mary, a nostalgic retreat that time-warps you back to a long-gone, slower-paced era. The 1st-class staterooms are nicely refurbished and brim with original art deco details, but they’re rather small and not for amenity hounds. Avoid the cheapest cabins on the inside – claustrophobic! Staying overnight gives you the full run of the ship and a self-guided tour. Parking costs $19. Also Click here.
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BEDDING DOWN BEFORE TAKE-OFF
If you get into LAX late or have to catch an early flight, you’ll probably want to stay near the airport. But how to avoid generic, beige-box–blandness? We’ve cased the area and found these stylish shut-eye zones. All have free shuttle buses to the airport.
Custom Hotel (off Map; 310-645-0400; www.customhotel.com; 8639 Lincoln Blvd; r $120-390; wi-fi) This hip new kid in town occupies a mid-century tower by Welton Beckett (who also drafted the crafty Capital Records Tower in Hollywood). The streamlined design scheme and poolside tapas bar might just radiate enough urban poshness to appeal to the style patrol. Just like plane tickets, the cheapest rates must be booked 21 days in advance. Parking costs $20.
Renaissance Montura Hotel (Map; 310-337-2800, 800-228-9290; www.marriott.com; 9620 Airport Blvd; r $120-260; ) European sophistication combines with American amenities at this recently overhauled haven whose soothing, art-filled design, ultracomfy bedding and smiling staff may just be the perfect jet-lag antidote. Parking is $18.
Sheraton Gateway (Map; 310-642-1111, 800-325-3535; www.sheratonlosangeles.com; 6101 W Century Blvd; r $140-290; wi-fi) Almost like a self-contained resort, this chain stands out for its eye-candy design, intimate, boutique-style service and above-average eateries, including a sushi bar.