California
★★★★
Hotel reviews
This Old Hollywood hideaway still has plenty of glam after facelift
Monroe’s favourite room was 104, Frank Sinatra stayed in 114, and Joan Crawford booked 507, where she always demanded a fresh baguette and seven packs of cigarettes.
- by Louise Goldsbury
Ten years ago I would have said ‘no way’ to this. Now it feels amazing
At several points during a desert “sound bath”, I feel completely disconnected from my body. My friend, meanwhile, feels like she is being abducted by aliens.
- by Rob McFarland
Port guide: Los Angeles, USA
Welcome to LA: capital of consumerism, city of freeways and fashionistas, home to movie wannabes and Hollywood stars.
- by Brian Johnston
Why this enchanting place captured so many Hollywood hearts
California beach life, Hollywood history and plenty to see for free – base yourself in Santa Monica and you might find it’s all the LA you need.
- by Amy Cooper
An expert expat’s tips for Mammoth Lakes, California
Stu Brown spent 36 straight winters chasing the alpine lifestyle before settling in Mammoth Lakes and is now the mountain town’s parks and recreation director.
- by Belinda Jackson
It’s magic: How I got into LA’s most exclusive address
To gain entry, you need to be invited by a member, pay for a stay at the Magic Castle Hotel nearby or become a member yourself – by practising magic.
- by Jenny Hewett
Motel revival hits Hollywood with Sunset Boulevard property’s revamp
This kitschy 1958 Hollywood overnighter sensation has been thoroughly renovated to become the cute and cool Palihotel Hollywood.
- by Julietta Jameson
California’s original theme park is no Disneyland
Disneyland might claim to be ‘the happiest place on Earth’, but you won’t find a frown at nearby Knott’s Berry Farm either.
- by Katrina Lobley
Plastic fantastic: You can now enter the life-sized world of Barbie
Before the much-anticipated Margot Robbie film’s release, fans in LA can immerse themselves in the world of the record-breaking toy.
- by Julietta Jameson
One of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods has overcome a bad reputation
For many years the San Diego neighbourhood of Barrio Logan was perceived as being on the wrong side of the tracks.
- by Tim Richards
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/topic/california-lg4