The Farmers Daughter Hotel has been in the center of Los Angeles for over 30 years – with neighbors such as The Grove, CBS, farmers market, Melrose Ave, Beverly Hills and Hollywood). With LA’s traffic, being near everything is good but usually pricey – especially when you start talking duvets, internet, mini-refrigerators, custom mattresses and beautiful though eclectic decor. But this family-run hotel keeps prices more than reasonable (starting at just $129), so you can afford to spend money in the city (which you will, trust us).

Though country charm can be a scary phrase, The Farmers Daughter combines this with hip decor that makes it modern in that cool retro way, helping you to feel more LA than Kansas.

Large rooms will keep you happy but if you need more space the beautiful outdoor patio is the place to sip cocktails or even take a dip in the pool. After walking around their busy neighborhood in the heat, you’ll be glad for that and their air conditioning.

The Farmers Daughter Hotel
115 South Fairfax Ave
800.334.1658

Sitting right on the beach in Santa Monica, Hotel Casa Del Mar screams Old Hollywood but in that chic, polished, attention-to-detail way (we don’t stay in old musty places, dear, trust us). With dark woods and rich colours, the entrance alone is nothing short of spectacular. Then, there are the rooms.

Light, sunny, and oh so breezy; windows with sheers that sway from the ocean wind, glass walls enclose the deep jet tubs so you can view the ocean while you relax and light yellow fabulously deluxe linens make everything feel fresh and cosy. The stereo system and DVD player are nice touches – especially if you have an ipod to plug in and like to boogie a little before drinks in the lounge or if you need to just strike a pose on the chaise a la Marlene Dietrich.

There’s no way you could not feel just a little glamorous and Hollywood when laying out on the pool terrace which overlooks the ocean. Even if you’re not swimming you can sunbathe and have poolside drinks (after all, you’ll need something refreshing when you’re out in the sun). We love the poolside massages and the fact you can get a beautifying facial in the morning so that you’re pretty enough to listen to classic jazz in the lounge come evening. And trust us, you’ll want to look your best when drinking wine downstairs, after all, you never know who you’ll run into. It’s not just old Hollywood that comes here anymore.

TIP: Splurge on the Ocean View room; there’s nothing like it. If staying here isn’t an option at least come for drinks and appy’s in the lounge – especially on Wednesday when amazing jazz is playing and the lounge is packed with people and conversation.

Hotel Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: 800-898-6999 or 310-581-5533

With it’s South of France feel (from the color scheme to it’s simple yet elegant decor), this hotel made me feel right at home, right away. Thanks in part to their large suits which are like mini flats – little kitchen, ample large (and gorgeous) bathrooms, lavishly luxurious bedrooms with walk in closets and living rooms with dining areas that are bigger than in any flat I’ve had.

Located right on Ocean Ave, some rooms have ocean views while some overlook the beautiful (and kept up) pool. With your own little balcony area for sitting and relaxing, it’s definitely a home away from home. In fact, after a few days of being here I almost forgot I was supposed to be out looking for my own home!

Though there’s no room service, exercise room or big hotel amenities, this 63 room four-star hotel has more than enough; proximity to dining, shopping, beaches and theater, elegant yet comfortable suites with beds that you never want to get out of, internet connection and a pool for California Dreaming.

Hotel Oceana Santa Monica
849 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90403 -1011
(800) 777-0758 or (310) 393-0486