In Tinseltown, top hotels are far from just plush shelters for the night. Everyone who’s had even fifteen minutes of fame has at one point or another bedded down in the entertainment capital of the world, which makes hotels here characters in the richly textured history and modern-day mythology of La-La Land. And just like stars stepping out on awards night, they’re done up in their own particular styles–either classically discreet or letting it all hang out.

Remember J. Lo’s infamous transparent, plunging-neck, tropical-patterned Versace gown at the Grammys? If that see-it-all, show-it-all party spirit suits you, you might want to lodge at Chateau Marmont or The Standard, Hollywood. Celebrity antics are legendary at the storied Chateau (Led Zeppelin once rode motorbikes through the lobby–need we say more?), set in a 1920s castle in the Hollywood Hills. At relative newcomer The Standard, where Andre Balazs touched off the "trendy" Hollywood hotel craze, the hopping club and pool are exclusive gathering points for current glitterati. Though we're all for the union of luxury and fun, we'd stop short of recommending the Hollywood Roosevelt, where the accommodations and service are underwhelming and the party spirit tends toward Spring Break proportions.

Perhaps you'd prefer something with that laidback SoCal attitude but slightly more demure, like Gwyneth Paltrow's Oscar turn in her iconic pink taffeta Ralph Lauren? Then pastel-fabulous Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows is a perfect pick. The pink (yes, pink!) hotel has hosted everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Ozzy Osbourne in its esteemed Polo Lounge and poolside cabanas.

If you're drawn to classic, understated Hollywood luxury– à la Julia Roberts in her vintage black-and-white Valentino Oscar gown–then you might check in at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, known globally for its posh perfection, or the Hotel Bel Air, a grande dame of under-the-radar opulence. Despite the fact that we've personally spotted luminaries like Angelina and Maddox, Nancy Reagan, and Kobe Bryant here over the years, this is one establishment where it's cooler to keep a low profile (sadly, though, it's closed through mid-2011 for renovation).

This being a beach city, you might crave something more oceanic, like Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard's "mermaid" dress by Jean Paul Gaultier. If so, head to Santa Monica, where low-key, less scene-y lodgings make our cut. Casa del Mar offers casual, seaside palazzo elegance, while next-door sister property Shutters on the Beach exudes Nantucket chic.

If you want to combine the best of all these styles (discreet opulence plus swank factor minus rowdy party element)–like Renee Zellweger's vintage, strapless lemon yellow Jean Dessès number for the Oscars–try L'Ermitage Beverly Hills for its star-studded pool scene or the Starck-designed SLS Beverly Hills for its preferential treatment at hotspots Hyde Lounge, S Bar, and Foxtail. Our pick for (slightly more) affordable chic is the London West Hollywood, where Brit elegance meets Hollywood cool in the surprisingly large, stylish rooms and active but not over-the-top rooftop pool.

Just one thing to keep in mind: with Los Angeles traffic as legendary as its stars and minimal public transport, you should prioritize location in your hotel selection. Aim for the neighborhood you most want or need to be in, because choosing a hotel that's inconveniently located is like slipping into a gorgeous gown that just doesn't fit.

Photo of Chateau Marmont courtesy of Chateau Marmont