The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, USA

The hotel is on Sunset Boulevard but located well away from the street. It is within the coveted 90210 zip code and it's relatively easy to get to other business and entertainment centres of the city. Los Angeles International Airport and the Pacific coast are around 40 minutes away. Nearby, there's Rodeo Drive for the ultimate in upscale shopping, as well as Melrose Avenue, with its shopping and restaurants. The nightlife of West Hollywood isn't much further.

By plane: flights to Los Angeles from London take 11 hours. The hotel is a 40-minute drive from LAX airport. Parking costs $55 per day. Book flights to Los Angeles.

You feel like a movie star the moment you arrive here: stepping onto the red carpet past the iconic signage into the grand lobby, everything is immaculate. The famous banana leaf wallpaper adorns the corridors and public areas and guest rooms are suitably sumptuous too. There's always a feeling of expectation that a Hollywood star may appear at any moment, which adds to the thrill.

Service is efficient and professional, and a number of the staff have been at the hotel for many years. As well as the discreetly private pool, there's a gym and complimentary Linus banana leaf bicycles. There are a couple of in-house shops and a hairdressing salon.

• Restaurants
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Wellness suite
• Beauty treatments
• Terrace
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Nine room categories extend from the guest rooms and suites in the main building to the 23 tranquil private bungalows, beloved by celebrities and families. Some at the top end may have features like a grand piano or private pool. Pale greens, pinks, yellows, creams and bronze, and soft velvet and gold lacquered furniture, all conspire to create very cosy, comfortable guest accommodation.

Room types: Superior, Deluxe, Bungalow rooms, Presidential suites, Bungalows

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, desk, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

The Polo Lounge is renowned for being the site of many a Hollywood deal. It's surprisingly small, although there's a bougainvillaea-draped courtyard adjacent, and serves modern Californian dishes. The poolside Cabana Café serves sandwiches, pizzas and the like, while the Fountain Coffee Room on the lower-ground floor of the hotel dates back to 1949 and has milkshakes and all-day breakfasts. Lastly, Bar Nineteen12 has an indoor bar and a terrace, ideal for a sunset cocktail.

Polo Lounge: Californian dining. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sundays for brunch. Mains from $49.