Hotel at a Glance: Dunes Inn Sunset

The Dunes Inn Sunset sits along one of the most famous strips in Los Angeles, near iconic Hollywood attractions such as the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre, where you can compare your handprints to those of more than 200 legends of the silver screen. You can use the hotel’s shuttle service to reach these and many other Tinseltown landmarks (additional fees apply).

• Onsite dining: Dreams Café & Lounge is styled as a retro Hollywood diner. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there’s a bar in the back that often hosts live entertainment. You’ll get 10% off at the restaurant with your stay.
• In-room amenities: free WiFi, satellite TV, mini fridge, and newly renovated bathroom
• Park your car for free in the inn’s large lot.
• Tours and tickets: Contact the front desk about arranging excursions to popular attractions.

Hollywood, California: Iconic Tinseltown History and Hot Spots

It almost needs no introduction: Hollywood is one of the most famous locations in the United States, home to movie studios, historic theaters, and that iconic name-bearing sign. On Hollywood Boulevard, you can see the Walk of Fame, which features plaques in the sidewalk honoring more than 200 celebrities. In addition to their handprints, some celebrities have left some unusual imprints next to their names—Groucho Marx’s cigar, Whoopi Goldberg’s dreadlocks, and the wands of Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. The centerpiece of the Walk of Fame is the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, where A-list celebrities have gathered for movie premieres since 1927. Next door, you’ll find the Dolby Theatre, which plays host to the Academy Awards each year.

Rock groups such as The Doors and Mötley Crüe got famous at raucous clubs on the Sunset Strip, one block south of Hollywood. One of the clubs, the Whisky A Go-Go, is still a boisterous nightspot today. About a mile east on Sunset Boulevard is the lovably retro Mel’s Drive-In, where George Lucas filmed scenes for American Graffiti in 1973. The café is located in the historic Max Factor building, where stars like Bette Davis once got their makeup done. The Hollywood History Museum, also located here, houses film memorabilia including Marilyn Monroe’s sparkly dresses and Hannibal Lecter’s holding cell.

Just a few miles away lies Beverly Hills, a glitzy Los Angeles neighborhood with quite possibly the most famous zip code in the world: 90210. Couture shops and designer stores such as Chanel, Prada, and Harry Winston line the cobblestone streets of Rodeo Drive. You’ll also find a handful of spas here, many of which have invented decadent massage and facial services that have become standard nationwide.

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