Mondrian Los Angeles

When it opened back in 1996, the 237-room Mondrian hotel was the enfant terrible of the West Hollywood strip; now it’s one of the grandest dames of Hollywood. Redesigned in 2008, the hotel still has all the Alice in Wonderland ingenuity of the original — like the imposing 30-foot mahogany doors at the entrance — but now with a new measure of comfort.

The spacious guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city, hills or the sexy infinity pool. You’ll spot a huge mirror hanging opposite your bed, but don’t be fooled: It’s actually your flat-screen TV. Oversize daybeds in the guestrooms are perfect for a nap after a day of shopping. 


Dual-head rain showers are energizing before a night out.
The best amenity at the Mondrian, though, is its location. Stroll around the shops on 3rd Street or Melrose, then lunch at Koi. Downstairs, outdoor nightspot Skybar attracts the rich and famous, with folks queuing up early to get in. There may be a line, but with a stay here, you’re already in.


The views of L.A. are still unrivaled, and the scene at Skybar is hot as ever. And while you still might see a star sipping a cocktail at the bar, it's more likely to be a confident leading lady than a striving supporting actress.