Lonely Planet Review

Its French-flavoured indulgence may look dated, but this faux-chateau still attracts A-list stars with its legendary discretion. Practically every luminary in celluloid history has enjoyed drinks in its bar, trysted in a bungalow or swum laps in its pool.

Turned inward like a fortress of cool, this swank 1927 hang-out whose design takes its cue from a French castle is a fixture in Hollywood lore. Greta Garbo swam in the pool, Natalie Wood cavorted on the lawn with James Dean, and Jim Morrison swung from a drainpipe. As a 1930s movie executive famously said, 'If you must get into trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont'. Howard Hughes used to spy on bikini beauties from the balcony of his suite, which these days is Bono's favourite. Rooms are immaculate, the setting is legendary, and service is flawless, but know that not every guest is treated like a star. Garden cottages are the most romantic, with each individually and charmingly decorated. The superstitious might want to stay clear of Bungalow No 2, where John Belushi set his last speedball in 1982.