Farmer's Daughter Hotel

Class: Comfort

Style: Hip

Rooms: 66

Just to give you an idea of the sort of place we’re talking about here: the Farmer’s Daughter Hotel is just across the street from CBS Studios, and The Price Is Right recommends it to guests. Five-star luxury it most definitely is not. But just as youth is wasted on the young, a hotel this cool would be wasted on elderly ladies in homemade “Canada Loves Bob Barker” t-shirts. It’s been thoroughly renovated, but where some downmarket properties would paint over their quirks and call themselves boutiques, the Farmer’s Daughter has embraced its country drive-in heritage. The bright primary palette and abundance of gingham and rooster-print wallpaper lead some to think of Hee-Haw, others the Beverly Hillbillies. But beneath the amusing conceit of the decor is an unpretentiously charming hotel, delivering pleasant hospitality and a healthy dose of character, all while occupying the same price range as some of the most dreadful chain hotels. This place has wi-fi internet, a swimming pool, a relatively convenient location (ten minutes from Hollywood and Sunset boulevards), and an aura of cheap-chic cool—while its competitors have TV remotes bolted to the tabletops and bulletproof glass over the reception desk. It’s not the Bel Air, and it’s not the Mondrian—but it’s not trying to be either one. In a town like Los Angeles, a little authenticity goes a long way. They’re working on a restaurant, but for now, the Farmer’s Market is across the way. Or, for laughs, you could ask the denim-clad staff to get you a table at White Lotus. Let us know how that works out for you.