Nicknamed Hotel of the Stars, this Sheraton is popular with celebrities, creative types doing business with the film and TV industry, and leisure travelers who appreciate being close to Universal Studios attractions. Its wide, elegant lobby offers comfortable seating areas where guests enjoy the view of the tropical garden surrounding the expansive pool area.

Located high on a hillside, the 23-story Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is set back from the Universal Studios Hollywood thoroughfare, with a private entrance that overlooks the Hollywood Hills. Valets await arriving guests, who enter a light-filled, marble-clad lobby with crystal chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling.

• This hotel is within 15 miles of the LA Convention Center, Dodger Stadium, UCLA, and Staples Center.
• Guestrooms have balconies, cable TV with HBO and pay movies, voice mail, and complimentary newspapers.
• The hotel offers discounted tickets and complimentary transportation to Universal Studios Hollywood.

A longtime Sunset Strip fixture, this retro Hyatt is known as the rock and roll hotel for its 50-year history of hosting musical entertainers from around the world. Its also rich with modern accoutrements and continues to be popular with both corporate and leisure visitors. Often a film location, guests might find themselves in the middle of some cinematic action.

This 14-story hotel attracts primarily conventioneers and corporate travelers, headed to or from meetings. Two restaurants and a bar are located adjacent to the lobby, and a step-down lounge beckons guests for informal drinks and snacks. Though located within the financial whirl, this hotel manages to evoke serenity.

What to expect:

With a prestigious location on Rodeo Drive, the Luxe offers refuge for well-heeled shoppers and high-powered executives. A long, curtained hallway leads to the intimate lobby, where fresh fruit and bottled water are provided at check-in. Guests unwind in the quiet lobby-side restaurant or on the beautifully appointed terrace.

Amenity highlights:

The Luxe Hotel's public areas are highlighted with muted colors and exotic-wood touches conceived by New York designer Vicente Wolf. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel. The on-site Caf Rodeo serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features California cuisine and specialty cocktails. On warmer days, caf seating flows outside onto the sidewalk.

Insider tip:

Within two blocks of this Beverly Hills hotel are the boutiques of Armani, Cartier, Dior, Chanel, Fendi, Gucci, Lauren, and Tiffany. At Bijan, an advance appointment is required, and the average customer spends about $100,000 per visit.

Guests enjoy all the wonderful things the Ritz-Carlton name conjures upGracious public areas, luxury amenities, and attentive serviceall overlooking one of the worlds largest man-made marinas. The dcor colors of rich marine and subdued blues, refreshed with soft gold and white accents reflect the hotels marina location. Business and leisure travelers blend with numerous newlyweds (and accompanying wedding parties) at this romantic hotel.

The hotels brightly colored lobby, featuring modern artwork and rocket-shaped trash cans, bustles with business travelers, vacationers, and conference attendees. Guests mingle in the lobby lounge, the airy restaurant, or by the rooftop splash pool overlooking the Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex. Families enjoy the proximity to Universal Studios and the Hollywood Bowl.

Located 1.5 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, with complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service, the Westin attracts business and leisure travelers with late-night or early-morning flights. Conference attendees congregate in the marble-columned Lobby Court lounge or outside the hotels large meeting rooms.