Fresh off a large-scale redesign at the hands of Dawson Design Associates, the updated Mondrian has done well to keep pace with the times. The tranquil California coastal vibe is gone, replaced by a fantastic, whimsical Alice-in-Wonderland atmosphere. It’s not childlike, though — this is still the Sunset Strip, and the Mondrian is still one of its most exclusive spots. The Skybar’s door is notoriously strict, and if you’re in, you’re either a hotel guest, or a star. It’s not all about buzz either. The rooms are surprisingly accessible in their comfort, and they’re quite large, in classic boutique white-on-white but with living rooms and kitchens to boot. The views from this twelve-story tower, through floor-to-ceiling windows, are phenomenal, and the service, and while the service is a bit more hands-off than the luxury standard, it only contributes to the guests’ privacy and independence. That said, it’s not the place to stay if you want to be left totally alone. Whether you’re dining at Casa Madera, drinking at the Skybar, or just hanging out in the lobby lounge, the Mondrian is about being seen. Even the smallish pool, with its oversized deck of mattresses and loungers, is meant less for swimming than for self-display. In a way the Mondrian is LA in a nutshell — no hotel better sums up today’s Strip. How to get there: Mondrian Los Angeles is a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport, but the trip can take up to an hour depending on traffic. Valet parking is available for $60 USD per night.