Le Meridien Delfina, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Every room has a bright, fresh feel with a blend of white, blue and grey hues creating a sense of oceanside calm. The rooms are spacious and inviting, and although the ensuites aren't generously proportioned, they are well appointed and attractive. Classic rooms and Deluxe rooms offer plenty of space with city views and some have partial ocean views but our favourite has to be the Ocean View rooms with light flooding in and great vistas over the surrounding low-rise buildings to the ocean a few blocks away. Watch the sunset from your balcony with a glass of Californian wine before heading out for a night in this vibrant city by the sea.

Longitude serves delicious light bites and fresh dishes with a Californian twist in a bright and breezy dining area. Start your day with great coffee, freshly squeezed juice, home-made pastries and berry pancakes by the pool in the comfy cabanas or inside in the relaxing lounge area. Just a few minutes away towards Venice Beach, you'll find Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a wonderful palm tree-lined street filled with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants serving mouth-watering fresh food, and bars frequented by Santa Monica locals. By the pier, you can't beat a meal at The Lobster, a local legend that has seen many a celeb walk through its doors.

Easy access to Santa Monica's huge stretch of beach will keep you busy during your stay but the outdoor heated pool is the perfect place to relax after a day on the sand or exploring the many sights in the greater LA area. On the mezzanine level, the hotel showcases the Sandbox Game Room; a chill-out area complete with a bar, pool tables, games, darts, hanging chairs and sofas. Our favourite thing to do whilst in sunny Santa Monica is grab a bike from the friendly concierge at Le Meridien and hit the road for some easy cycling. It's pretty flat around Santa Monica so riding a bike is a fun way to get around and explore the streets like a local. Head to Venice Beach, watch the work-out addicts at Muscle Beach, grab a fresh lemonade from a beachside shack, ride the roller coaster on the pier and end your day with a refreshing sundowner at one of the coolest bars in town, the Bungalow at the Fairmont hotel.