Location, location, location—that’s the secret to The Huntley’s popularity amidst sun-seekers. The boutique hotel is not just unmistakable due to its location inside a tall, 18-floor building just one block away from the beach, but also for its striking, art-gallery-like lobby, which is outfitted in the cool whites and warm chocolateand- beige browns of California-contemporary design. The guest rooms feature 42-inch plasma TVs, pillow-top beds and Egyptian cotton linens, and luxe Gilchrist & Soames bath products. When you’ve had enough of your room’s gorgeous bird’seye ocean views, keep taking advantage of the location and head to the beach or to Third Street Promenade, which is also just steps outside the door. However, if you want to stay on your high, head to the top of the building for breathtaking vistas, dinner and drinks at too-cool-for-school The Penthouse restaurant—just be mindful that you’re not the only one to recognize a well-situated stomping ground when you see one, so expect a packed dining room on weekends.

The Huntley Amenities:

• 209 rooms. Wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness center. Business center.