The Pool at Viceroy Santa Monica

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

"An urban retreat on the beach with a sauna and whirlpool"

"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 hotel lobby and pool area, where renting one of the striped cabanas for the evening is a major investment, became the only place to be during weekends on the West Side; getting in required being a guest at the hotel or being on the exclusive V"

"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"

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

"Two plunge pools can be found out back amid chaises and private cabanas, and a fitness center is available with equipment and free weights"

"Sexy pool scene"

"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"

"And, best of all, windows have views of the Pacific Ocean, the city or the gorgeous hotel pool"