Shutters on the Beach, Los Angeles, USA

The hotel is situated in a relatively quiet location right on the sands of Santa Monica Bay, yet a short walk to the attractions in the area. It is around a 30-minute drive to LAX airport, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Universal Studios theme park and the Getty Center art museum. Famous Santa Monica Pier is a ten-minute stroll away, while Venice Beach is ten minutes by car.

By plane: flights to Los Angeles from London take 11 hours. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from LAX airport. Parking costs $60 per day. Book flights to Los Angeles.

There's a luxury living vibe throughout this hotel, which attracts well-heeled holidaymakers, locals and the occasional Hollywood celeb. There's some impressive art on display here from the likes of David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Motherwell. The lobby features cosy fireplaces and an oft-used grand piano, and ocean views abound, adding to the laid-back style. Service, as you would expect, is impeccable.

The hotel has a good range of facilities including a fitness centre stocked with modern Technogym equipment, a spa, an outdoor pool and deck with cabanas, a business centre, valet parking, 24-hour concierge and room service. Surfing lessons on the beach can be arranged.

• Restaurants
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Beachfront
• Gym
• Wellness suite
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The hotel's airy rooms and suites are gorgeously furnished, with an American beach-house look featuring hardwood floors, hand-woven Tibetan rugs, a selection of books, louvered white shutters, walnut nightstands and desks and supremely comfortable beds with luxurious bed linens. Bathrooms may have an LCD television and a large shower and whirlpool bath.

Room types: Superior, Deluxe, Studio King, Ocean View, Ocean Front, Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Malin and Goetz toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The hotel's casual restaurant is Coast, which boasts a terrace with views of the sea, serving up Californian cuisine and open from breakfast onwards. 1 Pico is the fine dining restaurant, while the Living Room is great for afternoon tea, cocktails and a glass of wine later on.

Coast: wines, light meals. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. Mains from $25.

1 Pico: Californian cuisine. Open Weds-Sun. Mains from $36.

Living Room & Terrace: coffee, drinks, afternoon tea. Open Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, weekends 11am-midnight. Dishes from $16.