The Tangerine

With its retro-chic, motel-style grounds and bright tangerine color scheme, this family-owned hotel has an upbeat and fun atmosphere. A waterfall, with a cascade spilling over an orange ball, fits in nicely with the orange and gray exterior, and throughout the hotel there is a light, fresh tangerine scent. Dark wood floors, large windows, and a white leather couch decorate the bright, contemporary lobby. Flat-screen TVs are affixed to the walls and flanked by funky, faux tree trunks and white orchids in a tall, translucent pot. There are free newspapers available, as well as a microwave and a coffee machine from which guests can help themselves to free drinks -- including lattes, espressos, and hot chocolate -- around the clock. 

Open-air hallways have orange railings and views of the refreshingly modern landscaping, which is mainly drought-resistant plants, including rock gardens filled with succulents. There are no elevators at the property and the only common area is the cozy lobby. However, guests -- typically couples and families on vacation -- can also relax around the stylish pool deck lined with white sun-loungers and umbrellas. 

The Tangerine Hotel is adjacent to Ventura freeway (134) with restaurants and Warner Brothers Studio less than a 10-minute walk away. This is a great spot for travelers keen on visiting the studios -- it's within a five to 10 minutes' drive to Burbank Studios, Walt Disney Studios, and Universal Studios Hollywood. A slew of other sights are a within five to 10 minutes' drive (without traffic) as well; these include Griffith Park, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Bowl, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Los Angeles Zoo. The iconic Hollywood Sign is around 20 minutes away. 

Each of the clean, eclectic-modern rooms has a light tangerine scent and is decorated with a one-of-a-kind, Los Angeles-meets-Tibet mural created by a Hollywood set artist. Pale green bedspreads and orange and gray pillows add color to the funky rooms, while dark carpeting or polished concrete covers the floors. Seating areas have orange leather chairs and mural-topped tables, and rooms are nicely lit by pod-like ceiling lights. iPod docking stations reside on wooden bedside shelves, while 32-inch flat-screen TVs with HBO are mounted to the walls. Each room has a mini-fridge, coffeemaker with Lavazza coffee, safe, and ironing facilities. Stylish bathrooms combine bright orange doors with fresh, white tile and dark floors; each has a shower/tub combo, lighted makeup mirror, hairdryer, and Bulgari toiletries.

The uniquely curved, heated outdoor pool offers pretty mountain views -- but no hot tub. Free pastries from Porto’s Bakery are available for breakfast each morning in the lobby, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout. The front desk is staffed around the clock, and there are concierge services and free outdoor parking. There is no business center, though, and the parking spaces are limited and cramped.