Hotel Shangri-La Hotel

1301 Ocean Avenue Santa Monica, CA

This art deco dame sits overlooking the beach in Santa Monica, a 15 minute walk from the pier. Its glam style is a tad worn (call it LA ‘character’) but this hasn’t stopped it from being a high profile spot. Being in the city of the stars, it’s no surprise that the likes of Madonna, Tom Cruise, Cyndi Lauper – and even Bill Clinton – have spent time here. There’s a rooftop bar and a pool and rooms are neat and streamlined, with sweeping views over to the blues of Santa Monica beach. A two-bedroom suite contains a full kitchen. AM. Rooms from £230.