Hotel Casa del Mar, Santa Monica California

When I arrived at the hotel and was dealing with valet, a man bumped into me as he hurried by but stopped to pardon himself. It was Tom Hanks. I realized at that moment that this hotel was going to be something special.

Sitting right on the beach in Santa Monica, Hotel Casa Del Mar screams Old Hollywood but in that chic, polished, attention-to-detail way (we don't stay in old musty places, dear, trust us). With dark woods and rich colours, the entrance alone is nothing short of spectacular. Then, there are the rooms.

Light, sunny, and oh so breezy; windows with sheers that sway from the ocean wind, glass walls enclose the deep jet tubs so you can view the ocean while you relax and light yellow fabulously deluxe linens make everything feel fresh and cosy. The stereo system and DVD player are nice touches - especially if you have an ipod to plug in and like to boogey a little before drinks in the lounge or if you need to just strike a pose on the chaise a la Marlene Dietrich.

There's no way you could not feel just a little glamorous and Hollywood when laying out on the pool terrace which overlooks the ocean. Even if you're not swimming you can sunbathe and have poolside drinks (after all, you'll need something refreshing when you're out in the sun). We love the poolside massages and the fact you can get a beautifying facial in the morning so that you're pretty enough to listen to classic jazz in the lounge come evening. And trust us, you'll want to look your best when drinking wine downstairs, after all, you never know who you’ll run into. It's not just old Hollywood that comes here anymore.

TIP: Splurge on the Ocean View room; there's nothing like it. If staying here isn't an option at least come for drinks and appy's in the lounge - especially on Wednesday when amazing jazz is playing and the lounge is packed with people and conversation.