Los Angeles International Airport: Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 16 miles.

Getting there: The best option from the airport is a shuttle ($16–$25; fees subject to change without notice), or a rental car.

Getting around: The subway stop near the hotel provides convenient access to Hollywood, Long Beach, and Universal City (less than $5). City buses (less than $5) and taxis are good options for short trips around the area. For other destinations, a rental car is the best option. The hotel offers valet parking ($5–$15). (All fees subject to change without notice.)

Saka-e - Intimate restaurant serves lunch and dinner, including traditional Japanese entrées and fresh sushi.

Boulevard Cafe - Located in the lobby, the café offers made-to-order sandwiches, salads, doughnuts, and Starbucks coffee.

Amenity highlights: In addition to the splash pool and sun deck, the hotel offers a fitness center with treadmill, stair stepper, and free weights. The lobby offers a large lounge with dial-up Internet access (surcharge), gift shop and café featuring sandwiches, salads and Starbucks coffee. The hotel also offers a business center with computer and printer (surcharge).

Insider tip: A short walk from the hotel is the Ambassador Hotel. Home to the famous Hollywood nightclub the Coconut Grove, the hotel hosted such celebrities as Rudolph Valentino, Joan Crawford, and Howard Hughes. No longer open to the public, the historic hotel has experienced rebirth as one of the most popular movie locations in Los Angeles.