Though the name claims Beverly Hills, the 138-room Mr. C (of the Cipriani brand) is really located in West L.A. In fairness, though, it is incredibly close to Beverly Hills and has the feel of some Beverly Hills hotels -- with large chandeliers, black-and-white Hollywood photographs, and a trendy pool scene. For those with ultra-discerning taste, the decor may better indicate what "posh" was a few years ago, but the rooms are sexy and sleek, and each has its own balcony. Those wishing for a true Beverly Hills hotel may consider staying at the Beverly Wilshire or the Thompson.

Less stuffy than the Beverly Hills Hotel, more glam than the Beverly Hilton, this iconic Beverly Hills hotel is a top luxury pick for business or leisure, families or romance. With beautiful guest rooms, a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, and a great spa, pool and fitness center, plus doting Four Seasons service, it's hard to find fault.

The Philippe Starck-designed SLS, opened in 2008, may dazzle -- and possibly overwhelm -- the senses with capital-D design. The rooms are sleek, luxurious, and spacious; its gym is enormous, and restaurants by Spanish chef Jose Andres are praiseworthy. But the high-design elements sometimes get in the way of comfort and practicality -- neither of its two pools, for example, is deep enough for swimming.

Just off the Sunset Strip, the London offers the highest levels of luxury and service at reasonable prices. With 200 beautifully appointed, 750-square-foot rooms, a rooftop pool and fitness area with panoramic views, and a restaurant from star chef Gordon Ramsay, the hotel attracts a sophisticated set who expect service as great as the value.

A true jewel, this historic grand hotel is world-class yet refreshingly unpretentious (unless you count the Hollywood crowd at the popular lobby bar). But there is nothing modest about its spacious elegant rooms, rooftop pool, and commanding location right on the beach -- a rarity in L.A. It's one of the best luxury hotels in town.

A clean, comfortable, and historic downtown L.A. boutique that caters primarily to business travelers. It has luxurious rooms and a rooftop pool and Jacuzzi with killer views. The tasteful, private atmosphere and modern appointments compensate for smallish rooms.

This 300-room Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, literally an L.A. landmark, combines the shimmer of silver-screen history with a cutting-edge party scene centered around its multiple bars and massive pool. A terrific casual restaurant is open 24 hours, and service is surprisingly good. The rooms, though well designed, are smaller than average for L.A.

A W that boasts style and substance, this branch has it all: excellent service, amenities aplenty, a hip bar, and large, pimped-out rooms (including almost 150 huge suites). Westwood isn't the most happening place, but it's a fine base for exploring other areas, and the W itself compares favorably with its similarly priced competitors across the entire city.

A rejuvenated Sunset Strip landmark with just 74 rooms, the Art Deco Sunset Tower draws A-list celebrities and treats everyday guests like stars with impeccable service and a vibe that channels the glamorous history of Hollywood. Despite its small pool, the Tower is still a great value.

This ornately designed Sunset Strip hotel, already an icon less than a decade and a half after opening, has an exclusive poolside lounge and more scene than even the Sunset Marquis. A 2008 renovation, polishing rooms that are second only to those at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills for cutting-edge style, keeps the pretty people coming back -- and keeps commoners satisfied too.