Theatrical, sophisticated—this is the kind of place superhotelier Ian Schrager has created from a once-drab apartment building. Working with designer Philippe Starck, Schrager used the Mondrian's breathtaking views (from every room) as the starting point for his vision of a "hotel in the clouds." Purposely underlit hallways lead to bright, clean rooms, larger than the average, done in shades of white, beige, and pale gray and outfitted with simple furniture casually slip-covered in white. Booking a room automatically gets you in to the poolside Skybar (soundproof windows on the entire south side of the building dealt with a noise problem in rooms overlooking the raucous late-night scene). At its restaurant, Ivory on Sunset, California cuisine is served. The Mondrian is not as white-hot as it was a decade ago, which means it's finally a pleasing place to be for the hoi polloi. Resort fee warning: $32 a night.