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Los Angeles TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

As the frontier of the American Dream, laid-back Los Angeles allows you to be a pampered star, an earnest culture vulture, a die-hard foodie, and anything else your heart desires. Plan your perfect L.A. vacation with our exclusive recommendations and tips.

Why Go

 For celebrity sightings, super shopping, and the chance to mix with the beautiful people.

Los Angeles Travel Deals

Los Angeles Hotels

Los Angeles boasts a full spectrum of lodging options to suit almost any budget, from boutique bungalows to grand beachside hotels to refurbished '60s motels. Your toughest choice will involve deciding which neighborhood you want to stay in – if you want the beach, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or downtown. We've outlined our favorites in luxury, moderate, and budget categories.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn
Kids 12 and under stay and eat free at this 255-room family-friendly property near Universal Studios (with free park shuttle). family

Maison 140
The secret’s out on this Beverly Hills hideaway. Its discernable exterior will no longer mask the splendorous luxury... design | boutique | editor pick

The Georgian
Built in 1933, Santa Monica’s majestic “Lady,” as she was fondly dubbed by the golden-age Hollywood elite... boutique | historic | landmark

The Standard
For the young and the hip, the Standard is the hot place to stay, see, and be seen. Set smack dab in the middle of Sunset, the... moderate | great value

Casa Del Mar
The impressive seven-story building features a brick and sandstone facade, wrought-iron balconies, and elaborate... smart splurge | expensive

Chateau Marmont
Up a narrow drive off Sunset Boulevard rises Hollywood’s famous celebrity-rich hotel. This landmark hotel is the place... smart splurge | expensive | editor pick

Sunset Tower Hotel
This recently-restored Art Deco jewel maintains the understated glamour of its golden-era heyday. Head for the Terrace bar for... luxury | expensive | great value

Viceroy
Santa Monica's Viceroy is loaded with such tantalizing eye-candy, even non-designer enthusiasts will be impressed. The... luxury | smart splurge | design | editor pick

Farmer's Daughter
Expect a farmhouse vibe and country hospitality at this revamped motel located right across from the Farmer’s Market and... family | budget

La Figueroa
The eclectic and whimsical hotel is bound to charm from the moment you enter the lobby, where stone columns are bathed in... budget

Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn
Kids 12 and under stay and eat free at this 255-room family-friendly property near Universal Studios (with free park shuttle). family

Maison 140
The secret’s out on this Beverly Hills hideaway. Its discernable exterior will no longer mask the splendorous luxury... design | boutique | editor pick

The Georgian
Built in 1933, Santa Monica’s majestic “Lady,” as she was fondly dubbed by the golden-age Hollywood elite... boutique | historic | landmark

The Standard
For the young and the hip, the Standard is the hot place to stay, see, and be seen. Set smack dab in the middle of Sunset, the... trendy | great value

Casa Del Mar
The impressive seven-story building features a brick and sandstone facade, wrought-iron balconies, and elaborate... smart splurge | expensive

Chateau Marmont
Up a narrow drive off Sunset Boulevard rises Hollywood’s famous celebrity-rich hotel. This landmark hotel is the place... smart splurge | expensive | editor pick

Sunset Tower Hotel
This recently-restored Art Deco jewel maintains the understated glamour of its golden-era heyday. Head for the Terrace bar for... trendy | expensive | great value

Viceroy
Santa Monica's Viceroy is loaded with such tantalizing eye-candy, even non-designer enthusiasts will be impressed. The... smart splurge | design | trendy | editor pick

Farmer's Daughter
Expect a farmhouse vibe and country hospitality at this revamped motel located right across from the Farmer’s Market and... family | trendy

La Figueroa
The eclectic and whimsical hotel is bound to charm from the moment you enter the lobby, where stone columns are bathed in... trendy

Farmer's Daughter
Expect a farmhouse vibe and country hospitality at this revamped motel located right across from the Farmer’s Market and... family | budget

La Figueroa
The eclectic and whimsical hotel is bound to charm from the moment you enter the lobby, where stone columns are bathed in... budget

Sunset Tower Hotel
This recently-restored Art Deco jewel maintains the understated glamour of its golden-era heyday. Head for the Terrace bar for... luxury | expensive | great value

The Standard
For the young and the hip, the Standard is the hot place to stay, see, and be seen. Set smack dab in the middle of Sunset, the... moderate | great value

Viceroy
Santa Monica's Viceroy is loaded with such tantalizing eye-candy, even non-designer enthusiasts will be impressed. The... luxury | smart splurge | design | editor pick

Los Angeles Restaurants

Foodies love Los Angeles; after all, this is where Wolfgang Puck and an entire generation of chefs perfected the art of California cuisine, a cooking style marked by an interest in "fusion" (mixing disparate styles and ingredients to create exciting new dishes). But before "California cuisine" there was the humble French Dip Sandwich (yes, also invented here). We picked our favorites at both extremes and in between, from expensive to budget.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

AOC
Minimal space for maximum enjoyment of choice charcuterie, farm-fresh salads, wood-roasted trout, and over 50 hand-selected... smart splurge | notable wine list | tapas | editor pick

The Ivy
Enclosed by a white-picket-fence, The Ivy hosts Hollywood power players in a rustic country-chic atmosphere. Beyond prime... smart splurge | comfort food | brunch

Ciudad
Adventurous chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken serve up seductive Latin flavors, from Spain to Brazil, Puerto Rico to... great value | notable chef | latin fusion

Larkin's
Kick back with killer takes on collard greens, fried chicken, and blackened catfish at this buzzing juke joint offering... comfort food | editor pick

Pizzeria Mozza
Call early for reservations at this Mario Batali-backed pizzeria; or head over unannounced between 3-4pm and you might nab a... great value | italian | pizza

Farmers Market
Looking for cheap eats with character? The food stalls at this 1934 L.A. landmark sell everything from crepes to Cajun chicken... family | counter service

Philippe the Original
Succulent French Dip Sandwiches since 1908 – at prices that haven't changed much since. Indeed, the famous sandwich was... counter service

Pink's
At any given hour of the day and well into the night, a crowded line snakes in front of this infamous Hollywood hot-dog stand;... family | open late | editor pick

AOC
Minimal space for maximum enjoyment of choice charcuterie, farm-fresh salads, wood-roasted trout, and over 50 hand-selected... smart splurge | notable wine list | tapas | editor pick

The Ivy
Enclosed by a white-picket-fence, The Ivy hosts Hollywood power players in a rustic country-chic atmosphere. Beyond prime... smart splurge | comfort food | brunch

Ciudad
Adventurous chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken serve up seductive Latin flavors, from Spain to Brazil, Puerto Rico to... great value | notable chef | latin fusion

Larkin's
Kick back with killer takes on collard greens, fried chicken, and blackened catfish at this buzzing juke joint offering... comfort food | editor pick

Pizzeria Mozza
Call early for reservations at this Mario Batali-backed pizzeria; or head over unannounced between 3-4pm and you might nab a... great value | italian | pizza

Farmers Market
Looking for cheap eats with character? The food stalls at this 1934 L.A. landmark sell everything from crepes to Cajun chicken... family | counter service

Philippe the Original
Succulent French Dip Sandwiches since 1908 – at prices that haven't changed much since. Indeed, the famous sandwich was... counter service

Pink's
At any given hour of the day and well into the night, a crowded line snakes in front of this infamous Hollywood hot-dog stand;... family | open late | editor pick