Redesigned in 2005, it's one of the few luxury hotels in Los Angeles nestled right on the sandy beach.

The grand lobby has two large wood-burning fireplaces and intimate conversation areas with plush couches and chairs; a small full-service area with tables is for ordering snacks. And the balcony overlooking the ocean is one of the best-kept-secret spots for sunset cocktails. (A piano player enlivens the lobby each night from 6pm to 10pm.) All 186 rooms and 12 suites evoke a sense of comfortable luxury that one would experience in a grand yet unpretentious beach home, with oak hardwood floors, knotted Tibetan wool rugs and four-poster beds; many have panoramic views of the Pacific coastline. The elegant One Pico and the more casual Pedals offer market-fresh California cuisine; the brunch at One Pico is exquisite. ONE spa features top-notch services with products from facialist-to-the-stars Ole Henriksen.