Los Angeles is instantly recognizable even if you’ve never been. LA is the entertainment center of the globe, home to the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and Venice Beach skaters. However, La-La Land goes beyond its big-budget films. This large southern California county includes Malibu, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Los Angeles. Distances are huge, and it’s nearly hard to go about without a car, so choose a base before booking.

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel is legendary for its Sunset Boulevard location (five minutes from Rodeo Drive) and A-list clientele. Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned with six of her eight husbands, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were regulars, and Faye Dunaway learnt to swim here. From its banana-leaf decor to its candy-striped sun loungers, the Pink Palace exudes old-school glamor. The Polo Lounge, its upmarket restaurant, has hosted several A-list deals. All rooms have marble baths, soaking tubs, and at least one Bang & Olufsen TV, but the bungalows, initially intended for guests who wanted to bring their staff, are the most luxurious and exclusive.

Bel Air Hotel

Hidden amid Bel Air’s verdant hills, this hotel whispers luxury discreetly. A swan-filled moat protects it, and its oval-shaped swimming pool, which was formerly a riding ring and one of Marilyn Monroe’s last photographed locations, is popular with celebrities who want to relax in private. The on-site Wolfgang Puck restaurant delivers ice cream sundaes and fruit sorbet to poolside guests hourly, and dogs can be treated for a fee. From the Valmont Spa to the free car service for guests, this property is all pleasure and exclusivity, a taste of Hollywood royalty.

Freehand Los Angeles Downtown

This stylish downtown Los Angeles hotel breaks the rules with everything from all-embracing luxury suites to hostel-style bunk rooms. The quirky Roman and Williams art deco design and engaging social mood bring everything together. The rooftop pool with DJ performances, yoga sessions, and Broken Shaker, a tropical cocktail bar, carries that vibe to the ground-floor collaborative workstation and café. Apart from the price, the hotel’s location is its biggest draw. Its prime location under a neon sign at 8th Street and South Olive makes it ideal for walking downtown LA, a rare find.

The Malibu Beach Inn

Malibu has few hotels, maybe because the cozy, boutique Beach Inn has beaten off much of the competition. This sleek, family-friendly oceanfront villa off the Pacific Coast Highway and 20 minutes from LAX is hard to criticize. Guests can enjoy a complete menu on its gorgeous private beach, and the Carbon Beach Club serves premium coastal cuisine. Malibu Farms, Nobu, and Little Beach House Malibu all within walking distance for those staying longer than two nights.