Chateau Marmont
What's so special
If walls could talk, this Hollywood institution would tell some explosive stories. James Dean once hopped through a window to audition for Rebel Without A Cause, Judy Garland sang by the piano in the lobby, and John Belushi overdosed in bungalow number three. The hotel's reputation for protecting its guest's privacy means there are few celebrities who haven't stayed here at one time or another.
How they rate it
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"Despite being steeped in rock 'n' roll notoriety, it can actually offer much tranquillity," says Greg Simmons in The Guardian. The pool area is "serene" while the various garden cottages, hillside and poolside bungalows, and penthouse, all "offer their guests total anonymity". If you can afford it, book room 64. This two-bedroom penthouse was used by Howard Hughes as "he could spy on starlets down at the pool". It has a wrap-around terrace overlooking the Strip.
The menu
Bar Marmont is a favourite with celebrities. You can enjoy a fantastic steak and portobello mushroom salad or one of LA's best burgers while you spot celebrities.
The cost
A double room costs from $415 plus taxes. See www.chateaumarmont.com or call 00 1 323 656 1010.
Villa Delle Stelle
What's so special
Owned by Brogan Lane the former wife of Dudley Moore this is a small but charming hotel made up of six houses situated on a quiet residential street in Hollywood. Like the Chateau Marmont (above), it's popular with the film industry's elite. The main building was once owned by a set designer for Columbia Pictures and the oldest building, which was built in 1911, used to house silent movie stars while they were working at the studios.
How they rate it
Lane is an interior designer to the stars clients have included Jennifer Aniston and her "decorating chops show in the luxurious antique-filled interiors", says Lucie Young in The Daily Telegraph. Each of the rooms is "very subtly themed to conjure up a glamorous era from the past of a particular country". The English suite contains some of Moore's memorabilia, including his piano. The hotel "offers a slice of old Hollywood charm in a historic neighbourhood that is back in vogue".
The menu
Each room has a kitchen, but you can hire a private chef or grocery shopping can be arranged and delivered to your room. The hotel does not have a restaurant, but there are plenty on the doorstep.
The cost
Rooms start from £86. Find out more at www.villadellestelle.com or call 00 1 323 876 8100.
What the travel writers are saying
If you have ever fancied stepping in the footsteps of rock giants, then buy Greg Simmons' Rock & Roll Hotels. It's a guide to the hotels that rock stars have made infamous. Here's a round up of the best, as featured in The Guardian.
Throughout the 1970s Led Zeppelin stayed at the Andaz West Hollywood (pictured) and "held court over as many as six floors at a time, from which TVs and bottles of Dom Perignon were dropped from windows while motorcycles were driven down hallways". The hotel became known as the Riot House. Decades may have passed since then, but the Andaz still attracts rock stars including Slipknot's Corey Taylor. Rooms cost from £145 plus tax (See www.westhollywood.andaz.hyatt.com).
Closer to home lies the Portobello in London. Stars from the Banshees to Marc Almond have been spotted at this hotel. Tina Turner was so enamoured by it she bought the house next door. There are only 24 rooms, but "each one evinces the possibility of unbridled indulgence". Johnny Depp and Kate Moss reportedly bathed together in champagne at the hotel. Prices start at £234 (www.portobellohotel.com).
Everyone from Jim Morrison to Oscar Wilde has checked in to L'Hotel in Paris. When Wilde first visited in 1899 he found it "less than a bastion of sophistication" and declared: "Either the wallpaper goes, or I do." Since then, Al Pacino, Lenny Kravitz and Frank Sinatra have "passed through the lavish lobby". Rooms start at £245 (www.l-hotel.com).
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