The Standard

Seriously cool adult playground with pool parties, nightly DJs, live performance art, a retro restaurant/lounge and a Sunset Strip club where you’re ‘on the list’

“We like to keep it interesting,” explains the welcome letter at unconventionally cool The Standard, Hollywood. Hotelier André Balazs' upside-down, anything-goes, slightly hallucinogenic take on a Sixties motel is interesting to the bone. Less a destination than a head trip, it sets a new standard for boutique lodging that’s ripe with wry detail and unexpected double entendre.

'Slip it in!' teases your room card. The drapes are Andy Warhol, the matchbox in the ashtray advertises Hollywood Bail Bonds, the climate control is set to Blow (Hard and Harder). Models, starlets and musicians are texting and air-kissing in the shag-carpet encased lobby. Barracudas 'swim' through the Cactus Lounge and there’s a Blushing Blond Bombshell waiting by the pool (or at least The Standard's cocktail version). Good to know that Rudy’s Barbershop does the 'best blow-outs this side of La Brea', because as a guest you’re on the list to party at the Purple Lounge, a Sunset Strip hotspot tucked speakeasy-style behind the 24-hour diner. Best of all, it's reasonably priced considering its hipper-than-hip location and ethos. Sweet!

Highs

• Location, location, location - in the heart of Sunset Strip (not to be confused with sister property The Standard Downtown LA); some book ground-floor rooms just to watch the action, and most of the rooms have great views
• Hip Hollywood hangout for up-and-coming hunks and hotties - tats, hangers-on, accessory dogs and all - sans paparazzi-paranoia
• Clever to the core; the ironies and entendres (the pencil says 'Rub Me') are fresh and fun
• Minimalist-modern rooms are stark but come with free WiFi and a 24/7 room service menu
• Friendly staff welcome guests and regulars as friends (harking back to the hotel’s first incarnation as a hostel)

Lows

• The in-your-face colours, camp décor and unrelenting irony aren't for everyone
• It's very tranquil before noon when 'Do Not Disturb' door knob signs line the hallways; the pool deck closes at 0h30 at the latest to ensure guests get some sleep
• Designed for a young, party crowd
• Extra charge for valet parking and hefty phone surcharges