Chamberlain West Hollywood

Given the Chamberlain's boxy, functional architecture, it will come as little surprise that the building was originally constructed in the early '70s as an apartment block. A discreet, marble-stepped entrance, however, leads to a lobby with chic and glitzy interiors, which stand in striking contrast to the steel-gray, uniform facade. Delicate gold chairs stand primly on arresting herringbone tile floors, while numerous mirrored surfaces reflect gilt-framed artworks and neoclassical touches that include a row of black basalt portrait plaques. Despite the traditional accents and high-end decor, the vibe feels unstuffy and unpretentious. The hotel attracts a mix of young professionals, trendy couples, and vacationing families -- many of whom can be found hanging out around the hotel's popular rooftop pool.

The hotel is located on a quiet tree-lined road in a pleasant residential neighborhood of West Hollywood. Despite its relatively sedate setting, it's just a five-minute walk from the Sunset Strip, the mile-and-a-half stretch of Sunset Boulevard known for its cutting-edge rock clubs and nightspots, and its collection of premier boutiques and restaurants. Famed clubs like Whiskey A Go-Go, the Roxy, and Viper Room are within 10 minutes on foot, while the Touristy Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the celebrity footsteps at Grauman's Chinese Theatre are a 10-minute drive. Universal Studios Hollywood, a movie-themed amusement park, is a 20-minute drive, and it's at least a 30-minute drive to Santa Monica and L.A.'s beaches. Depending on traffic, the drive to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can take up to an hour-and-a-half.

The hotel has 114 suites, all of which feature high-design interiors that combine striking monochrome patterned carpets, checkered tables, and pop-art inspired wall prints. All rooms have a living area (sometimes on a raised mezzanine overlooking the bed), and all rooms have gas fireplaces and balconies. In-room tech is solid, and includes iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and 42-inch HD TVs; larger suites have two TVs and some Premier One-Bedroom Suites also feature wet bars with sinks and microwaves. Entry-level Deluxe Suites start at 350 square feet; upgrading to any other category buys you at least 200 more square feet. Smart bathrooms are finished in gray and black marble, and offer quality toiletries, walk-in showers, and bathrobes. While upper-floor rooms tend to have vistas over the city, most tend to have uninteresting views, often of an internal courtyard. Some rooms on the ground floor are lacking in natural light from the tree-lined road.

Interiors of the hotel's eatery, Bistro, is inspired by a traditional French bistro; the restaurant serves up modern interpretations of classic American cooking. Breakfast and dinner menus are extensive and impressive, though breakfast is not included in the standard rate. An outdoor garden patio provides alfresco dining, and guests can order room service from the rooftop terrace. The rooftop also features a (small) heated pool surrounded by loungers and daybeds, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Hollywood Hills. Fun fact: an episode of Paris Hilton's "My New BFF" was filmed here. There's also a sleek gym with modern machines, plus a small business center. Parking is available, though expensive, and pets are welcome for a fee.