90.71% HOTEL BEL AIR

Los_Angeles USA

First opened in 1946, and still popular with Hollywood elite. Good, old-fashioned glamour.

ROOMS 91, including 39 suites, all with private entrances from gardens or fountain courtyards. French country-house interiors; Kiehl's bathroom products

FOOD French-Californian cuisine; Sunday brunch an LA institution

SERVICE Benchmark standard set by legendary former general manager Frank Bowling and continued by Carlos Lopes

FACILITIES Palm-fringed oval-shaped swimming pool; gym (in cottage where Marilyn Monroe used to stay); in-room spa services, including yoga tuition

COST Doubles from US$439

701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, California, USA (00 1 310 472 1211; fax: 476 5890; www.hotelbelair.com)