The Orlando Hotel finished a $6-million renovation to great effect, with modern guest rooms, a saltwater pool and celebrities lurking in the corners.

Hotel staff is sworn to secrecy, but we know the hotel is a favorite for visiting celebrities looking for a little privacy in the middle of the vat of trendiness that is Third Street. Civilian guests come here for the same reason. All 98 rooms have the same layout and amenities with a sitting area and hidden storage space, but not all rooms have balconies. We actually recommend the street-facing rooms, which enable some hipster people-watching. In the back of the hotel is a small gym and even smaller saltwater pool, perfect after a day spent braving the masses at the Beverly Center or the Farmers Market, both of which are walkable from the hotel. The property has all kinds of modern touches such as iPod docks in the guest rooms and mobile work pods for guests who want a portable work space, but our favorite feature is the old-world restaurant, La Terza. Guests get a buffet breakfast included in the price, but we also strongly recommend getting lunch or dinner there. It's one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in LA. —Katherine Spiers