Built in 1933, the ocean-overlooking hotel sits across from Palisades Park and is only two blocks from the beach, Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier.

During prohibition, the Georgian was home to one of LA's first speakeasies and soon became a hangout for celebrities like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Back then, the oceanfront veranda was the place to be for jazz; now it's a place for lunch. (Menu items include red snapper linguini and brie-and-mango quesadillas.) Even after a facelift in 2003, the hotel has retained many of its original architectural Art Deco features. The restaurant and lobby bar attract a varied clientele that still includes celebs like Robert De Niro and our Governator; Anjelica Huston was among the first to stop by for lunch upon the announcement of the restaurant's expanded hours. The 84 guest rooms have minibars, in-room safes, fluffy bathrobes, wireless internet, TVs with pay movies and video games, Aveda products and views of the city or ocean. We know which side we'd ask for when booking a room.