The Bar/Lounge at Viceroy Santa Monica

"Cast Lounge is the indoor/outdoor hotel bar that starts in the lobby and, at night, extends to the pool"

"It's best known for its sexy bar and pool scenes, but the Viceroy boasts substance as well: friendly service, an environmental conscience, and clean, comfortable rooms, many with ocean views"

"The array of white patent-leather chaises in the lobby seems more for form than function; most guests prefer the more conventional seating in the Cameo Bar or private poolside cabanas"

"In both the rooms and the common areas, the striking monochrome (black, white, and gray) color scheme is spiked with accents of parrot green and sunshine yellow (chairs in the lobby; throw pillows and upholstered benches in the rooms; curtains in the Library lounge)"

"The bar hums with activity, though many drinkers take their cocktails to the bijou pool area out back; Whist restaurant provides sustenance"

"Psychedelic Polo-style, handsome lobby bar always abuzz"

"A "hip bar scene" surrounding the "awesome pool" highlights this 1969 hotel "stunningly" redesigned by Kelly Wearstler into a "trendy" boutique ("if you like black-and-white decor with plates nailed to the wall, then this is the place for you"), though the restaurant is also "surprisingly good"; a "gorgeous" crowd makes for "great people-watching", the service is "attentive" and the "fantastic" rooms and location a block and a half from the beach don't hurt either"

"It’s packed with chic nooks and hangouts, such as the dark and alluring Cameo Bar with its two-tone leather upholstered wingback chairs, Chinoiserie accents, emerald-green sofa and cheeky classic cocktails"

"Starving for some LA glam by the sea? With porcelain hounds guarding the elevators, frosted glass, framed mirrors and white-vinyl lounge chairs in the lobby, and shag carpet in the library, the Hollywood Regency decor by Top Design's Kelly Wearstler works, and the pool deck is hemmed by tall hedges and palms"

"Pretty young things lounge in private poolside cabanas with a glass of champagne in one hand and a canapé in the other"