Nicknamed “The Pink Lady,” La Valencia Hotel could best be described—to Angelenos, anyway–as a combination of the mysterious Chateau Marmont and the sun-drenched Beverly Hills Hotel.

Reverse-built into the hillside leading down to the shore bluffs, with as many floors below as above the entrance, it is full of alcoves, labyrinthine stairways and curious additions, giving an ever-expanding sense of drama and intrigue while retaining an airy, elegant charm. Dating from 1926, it still features a human-operated elevator and the iconic Whaling Bar and Grill (with original folksy murals intact over black leatherette banquettes, sexy red walls and amber lighting–try a frothy signature Whaler cocktail), once made famous as a habitué of Hollywood royalty like Mary Pickford and Gregory Peck (not to mention author Raymond Chandler). More recently, celebs like Oprah Winfrey and Martha Stewart have enjoyed its charms.

1132 Prospect Street La Jolla, California, 92037  |  858.454.0771