Sportsmen's Lodge

Sat right off busy Ventura Boulevard, it’s not hard to see why this old-Hollywood hideout is a favorite among visiting film executives and their families. The rushing cars seem miles away when you’re inside the lush 6-acre grounds, which back up to the Los Angeles River. The towering palms and smaller garden plants offer a sense of seclusion, whether you’re sipping a martini at the Pool Bar, eating steak at the country club-esque River Rock restaurant, or riding one of the free bike rentals. The rooms are an even mix of comfort and style, boasting Gilchrist & Soames toiletry amenities alongside white leather ergonomic chairs and balconies that overlook either the pool or the gardens. Bonus: the hotel offers a free shuttle to Universal Studios, as well as the opportunity to purchase tickets directly at the Front Desk.