EXCLUSIVE | Los Angeles: Where to Stay Part Three

Best For Style continued...

BEVERLY HILLS
The Avalon Hotel (9400 W. Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills; 310-277-5221 or 800-670-6183, fax 310-277-4928; $280+) highlights the glamorous mid-century origins of the hotel's previous incarnation as the Beverly Carlton Hotel, which Marilyn Monroe once called home. Kelly Wearstler's $4 million update brought the property fully into the 21st century while preserving the hotel's classic '50s organic/atomic style.

The Avalon's sister hotel, Maison 140 (140 N. Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills; 310-281-4000 or 800-670-6182, fax 310-281-4001; $169+) offers dark, almost eerie corridors leading to small, brightly decorated rooms with an exotic Asian flavor. Amenities include 300-thread count Frette linens and robes, high-speed, minibar, and complimentary continental breakfast.

Across from the Beverly Center (see shopping), the Sofitel Los Angeles (8555 Beverly Blvd; 310-278-5444 or 800-521-7772; $300+) has been around for decades, but a $40 million renovation has left it sleek and slick. The Stone Rose is a super-in restaurant and lounge. Book an upper floor room facing the Hollywood Hills.

DOWNTOWN
Surrounded by skyscrapers, the Standard Downtown (550 S. Flower St; 213-892-8080, fax 213-892-8686; $245+) merits a visit, even if just for a Key Lime martini on the surreal, much-hyped rooftop lounge. Rooms simultaneously recall '50s mid-century modern and '70s space age bachelor pad aesthetics, and many have glass walled showers (yes, into the bedroom).

SANTA MONICA
The Viceroy Santa Monica (1819 Ocean Ave; 310-260-7500 or 800-670-6185, fax 310-260-7515; $390+) brings the high hip of an urban boutique hotel to the beach. Look for fabulous poolside cabanas, oversize showers, spa service from Fred Segal Beauty, and the latest techie updates, a block from the Pacific.

VALUE

WEST HOLLYWOOD
The Ramada Plaza Hotel West Hollywood (8585 Santa Monica Blvd; 310-652-6400 or 800-845-8585; $130+), mixes pop-art decor and gay-central location. There's an outdoor heated pool and sundeck and four styles of guestrooms (including duplexes which, during Pride week, have been host to some wild parties).

Le Montrose Suite Hotel (900 Hammond St; 310-855-1115 or 800-776-0666, fax 310-657-9192; $165+) is noted for its spacious, plush suites in stylish neutral palette. Room amenities include kitchenettes, fireplaces and large-screen TVs, privacy, and convenience. Popular with music industry types who, with the rest of us, enjoy stunning views from the rooftop pool, tennis court, and Jacuzzi.

DOWNTOWN
The historic and ornate, Southwestern-style Figueroa Hotel (939 S. Figueroa St; 213-627-8971 or 800-421-9092; $134+) has been rediscovered by entertainment hipsters as a favorite spot for parties and photo shoots. And it's near the Convention Center, Staples Center, and the L.A. Live performance venue.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Related Articles:
Los Angeles: Introduction
Los Angeles: Where to Eat
Los Angeles: Where to Play/Meet
Los Angeles: What to See and Do
Los Angeles: Resources