What's New

Los Angeles and Madonna have a lot in common: They're always one step ahead of trends. Trying to keep up with the constant changes in this amorphous metropolis is a full-time job because what was "in" last year is probably out this year. Here's a short list of what's new in L.A. that's worth checking out (or checking into).

Hotels

If you haven't already made a hotel reservation, I've got some great recommendations for you. For the ultra-luxe, you'll love the new Montage Beverly Hills (tel. 310/860-7800; www.montagebeverlyhills.com). Smack-dab in the center of the Golden Triangle, a credit card's throw from Rodeo Drive, the resort has it all: beautiful rooms, an excellent spa, and a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views. For the ultra-cool, there's Thompson Beverly Hills (tel. 310/273-1409; www.thompsonhotels.com). It's on a main drag (Wilshire Blvd.), but once inside, you'll feel like you're in an exclusive hideaway -- especially on the guest-only rooftop pool lounge.

It's all about transformation in West Hollywood. The former "Riot Hyatt" is now the Andaz West Hollywood (tel. 323/656-1234; www.westhollywood.andaz.com). The rooms have a minimalist vibe, but the views of the Sunset Strip are unbeatable. I like the open-kitchen restaurant and the lounge; tech-heads might like the mind-blowing concept that there is no front desk -- just "greeters" with hand-held computers. Nearby, the former Bel Age Hotel is now the London West Hollywood (tel. 310/854-1111; www.thelondonwesthollywood.com). It's a gorgeous re-do, too: Marble and brass everywhere; extra-spacious rooms, all with private balconies; and Gordon Ramsay, the restaurant, not the man (although the man is occasionally there, too).

If you would rather stay near the beach, the iconic Art Deco Shangri-La (tel. 310/394-2791; www.shangrila-hotel.com) reopened after a $30 million renovation. It's a designer's dream with the hodgepodge of modern fixtures, geometric patterns, and bright accents in the rooms, and it's just a bluff away from the ocean.

Up the Pacific Coast Highway, the Malibu Beach Inn (tel. 310/456-6444; www.malibubeachinn.com) recently opened after a multi-million dollar renovation, making it the only luxury hotel between Santa Monica and Santa Barbara. You get access to "Billionaire's Beach," and the historic Malibu Pier is just a hop-skip-and-sand grain away.

Attractions

All venues at L.A. LIVE (tel. 866/548-3452; www.lalive.com) finally debuted in Downtown Los Angeles. The $2.5-billion mega-entertainment complex, anchored by the Nokia Theatre and the STAPLES Center, is crammed with restaurants, clubs, luxury condos, two hotels, a movie theater, and even a bowling alley. The on-site GRAMMY Museum (tel. 213/765-6800; www.grammymuseum.org) is a must-see for music lovers. It's three floors of interactive exhibits and artifacts that span decades of folk to country to jazz to hip-hop.

The big news at Universal Studios is the Simpsons Ride (www.simpsonsride.com), based on everyone's favorite yellow animated family. The simulation ride cost $40 million to make, and it's a fun, interactive romp through Krustyland. For fans of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, it's a must-do.

Glendale got its own version of L.A.'s Grove with the Americana at Brand (tel. 818/637-8982; www.americanaatbrand.com) mixed-use complex. Shops like Kate Spade, Kitson, Barney's New York Co-Op, Anthropologie, and H&M surround a center green with a dramatic fountain and food kiosks. A trolley will take you from one end to the other, even if you don't need it -- the mall isn't so big you can't walk, but it's fun to ride. There are some great restaurants, too, like Katsuya for sushi and Frida for Mexican cuisine. In the summer months there's an old-fashioned Good Humor man doling out frozen treats from a truck; in the winter, Santa Claus makes nightly appearances while it "snows" every hour on the hour. Those who bought condos in the complex must love that.

Restaurants

It was the year for the "A" restaurants. Anisette Brasserie (tel. 310/395-3200; www.anisettebrasserie.com) opened near the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, bringing impeccably made French classics like cheesy onion soup, steak frites, duck l'orange, and chilled shellfish and seafood from the stunning raw bar. Sitting at the zinc-topped bar for a glass of wine and some oysters is just about perfect.

Adding to the full-to-the-seams Culver City scene is Akasha (tel. 310/845-1700; www.akasharestaurant.com). Chef Akasha Richmond has a way with healthy food -- but don't expect health food. Do, however, expect some of the best onion rings in the city.

One of my absolute favorite newcomers is Animal (tel. 323/782-9225; www.animalrestaurant.com). Owned by two young guys who look more like skateboarders than well-established chefs, the stripped-down space has become a magnet for meat-lovers. Must be something to do with all the foie gras and bacon the boys use in delicious, mouthwatering ways. Foie gras and sausage-gravy biscuit, anyone?

A dining renaissance has taken place downtown (finally) with top newcomers from established chefs. John Sedlar offers contemporary pan-Latin fare at Rivera (tel. 213/749-1460; www.riverarestaurant.com) in the South Park district near STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE. It's a sleek space for some of the most creative cuisine and cocktails we've seen in a long time. Chef Celestino Drago, a mainstay in the Italian restaurant scene here, opened Drago Centro (tel. 213/228-8998; www.dragocentro.com) across from the public library. It's a stunning space filled with ornate wall decorations, Murano chandeliers, and a fabulous patio. The food is wonderful, everything from flat-bread pizzas in the bar to pastas and veal chops for lunch and dinner. If chains are more your thing, more than 12 restaurants -- Yard House, Katsuya, and Trader Vic's included -- are now open at L.A. LIVE (www.lalive.com).

The big news this year is the opening of The Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel (tel. 310/246-5555; www.thebazaar.com). Designer Philippe Starck created a wonderful world of whimsy -- four areas all in one space -- which happens to be the perfect venue for one of Spain's (and Washington, D.C.'s) most notable chefs. It's glitz and glam, traditional and contemporary, all rolled into one. Andrés' molecular gastronomy tapas and cocktails are awe-inspiring.

Nightlife

The irony of clubs in L.A. is that you can't get in the ones everyone talks about. If you're under 30 and have the look, you probably won't have any problem getting into some of the newer clubs, such as My House (tel. 310/691-8575; www.myhousehollywood.com) in Hollywood or Crown Bar (tel. 323/882-6774; www.crownbarla.com) in West Hollywood. Of course, you'll need the address because they don't have signage.

But if standing in line so a bouncer can determine your eligibility isn't your idea of a fun night out, here are a few hip alternatives that still provide that only-in-L.A. experience: Father's Office (tel. 310/736-2224; www.fathersoffice.com), the famed Santa Monica bar with one of the best burgers in town, opened a second, larger, splashier, more-beer-than-ever location at the Helms Bakery complex near Culver City. You still need to stalk for a table, but there's so much more room, it's not nearly as annoying. Plus, the patio is excellent. In Santa Monica, Copa d'Oro (tel. 310/576-3030; www.copadoro.com) opened between the Third Street Promenade and the pier. The bartenders get fresh ingredients from the farmers' markets to make fancy drinks. It's great during happy hour (read: empty and quiet) but a madhouse on weekend nights. For anyone who loves whisky of every ilk -- Irish, Scotch, Kentucky bourbon -- definitely check out Seven Grand (tel. 213/624-0737; www.sevengrand.la) downtown. It's all hunter's plaid and stuffed animal heads, but with a sexy edge that fits the neighborhood. Note: It's still pretty desolate on some of the blocks downtown, but the neon stag's head sign will guide you.