VIBE

Rarified luxury in a fabulously flight-of-fancy setting. Using blueprints from a French chateau, 1920s developers constructed a magic castle in the Hollywood Hills, and fantastically theatrical Hollywood événements have been unfolding here ever since: Garbo hid herself away for years in a garden bungalow, Vivian Leigh wallpapered her suite in photos of lost love Lawrence Olivier, and Led Zeppelin rode motorbikes through the lobby. Though the arched stone terraces call to mind Old World retreats, ultra-luxe updates and a hotter-than-thou Hollywood crowd keep Chateau Marmont at the forefront of this town’s fashion scene. Note that rooms here vary greatly; quirky features include grand pianos and fireplaces.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other – for a one-of-a-kind retreat in the Hollywood Hills; party of friends – for an unforgettable L.A. stay

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s quirky and cool–a very unique Hollywood experience.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The itsy-bitsy old school wooden elevators–very atmospheric, if a little squishy. And Bar Marmont is exceptional and celeb clad, with priority offered to hotel guests.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It’s just a little old, and the rooms feel a bit creepy. You miss out on lots of the modern elegance and “polish” that the same money can buy elsewhere–you are paying for the history and the scene more than the room. So if true modern elegance is your thing, go elsewhere.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re in town to collect an Oscar, it might be worth making use of their special red carpet prep and styling service. The hotel belongs to Andre Balazs’ property portfolio, which also includes The Mercer (New York), The Standard (New York, Miami, Downtown LA, Hollywood), and Sunset Beach (Shelter Island).

CLOSEST COMPS

Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows (Los Angeles)

Read more about Chateau Marmont in The Diary

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles