The Hollywood Roosevelt, Los Angeles, USA

If you're wanting to be in the heart of Hollywood, you can't beat this location. On the busy Hollywood Boulevard, there are numerous dining, entertainment and shopping options, although these may not be to everyone's taste. However, attractions further afield, such as Rodeo Drive shopping in Beverly Hills is a comparatively short drive. The Dolby Theater (formerly the Kodak Theater), home of the Academy Awards, Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, the Chinese Theater, the Knitting Factory nightclub and El Capitan Theater are all close by.

By plane: flights to Los Angeles from London take 11 hours. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from LAX airport. On-site parking costs $45 per day. Book flights to Los Angeles.

This luxurious 1927 hotel has loads of character. Its interior is of Spanish Colonial Revival style, with extensive tiling, terracotta walls, wrought-iron chandeliers and leather sofas. The ground-floor lounge is spectacular, boasting an intricately painted ceiling, palm trees, a fountain and a gallery. The pool, a scene of many a photo shoot - including one by Marilyn Monroe - features an underwater mural by David Hockney.

There's lots here, including three bars, a cocktail lounge, a small vintage bowling alley, two restaurants, a pool and a high-quality fitness centre. Service is impeccable, as would be expected of a luxury hotel like this. That the occasional Hollywood celeb can be seen in the bars or famous DJs fronting pool parties just adds to the glamour.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Terrace
• Gym
• Spa
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The majority of the rooms and suites are in the original tower. Renovated to a high standard in 2015 by design firm Yabu Pushelberg, they are a good balance of contemporary and classic, with features like rugs over hardwood floors and tall Spanish leather armchairs. There are some more modern, minimalist, neutrally-decorated poolside cabanas too.

Room types: Cabana Garden, Cabana Balcony, Cabana Poolside, Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Suites, Gable & Lobard Penthouse

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Malin & Goetz toiletries, bathrobe, TV, desk, free Wi-Fi

The restaurants and bars here are all delightful. Barish Restaurant is the jewel in the crown. It describes itself as an Italian steak house but offers much more: not just chefs Nancy Silverton and Armen Ayvazyan's wonderful food, but character and cosiness in spades. Rosy Café has a gorgeous setting by the pool, and the clubby Library Bar and The Spare Room are fantastic spots for a drink.

The Barish: Italian steakhouse. Open Sun, Weds & Thurs 5-9pm, Fri & Sat 5-10pm.

25 degrees: breakfasts and burgers. Open daily for all-day dining.