Chateau Marmont, 8221 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood
The view: This is one of the most iconic buildings on Sunset Boulevard, that infamous strip running right through the heart of Hollywood, where dreams have been made - and shattered - for countless young hopefuls. From the outside, the Chateau looks like a European castle, with turrets and lush gardens, and a huge, classic sign.
On the inside, it's like a comfortable country club crossed with a celebrity's living room - lots of plush sofas and armchairs, huge arched windows, discreet lighting and a distinct old Hollywood vibe. Built in the 1920s first as an apartment building, the Chateau became the hotel favoured by celebrities - this is the place Howard Hughes, Greta Garbo and, erm, Lindsay Lohan liked to hide away, and the list of famous names who have some kind of link to the hotel is too long to list here.
As well as the compact yet classy lobby bar, there's also a beautiful partially-covered patio outside, where you can enjoy table service drinks and food.
The vibe: People talking in hushed tones, couples on romantic dates, glamorous types who may or may not be celebrities (don't stare too long - you'll give yourself away as one of the normal folk).
