Chateau Marmont, LA, USA

Claim to fame:

“You can check out any time you like – but you can never leave.” So said The Eagles in their cult song Hotel California, with the lyric said to be inspired by the Chateau Marmont. If a building could be constructed by stories, this would be the product. More a legend than a hotel, Marilyn Monroe swam in the pool and Led Zeppelin drove motorbikes through the lobby. Howard Hughes locked himself in the penthouse but kept tabs on female poolside guests with a pair of binoculars. John Belushi died from a drug overdose here in 1982 while Lindsay Lohan racked up a half million dollar bill after living at the property for a year.

Modelled after a royal residence in the Loire Valley of France, the Gothic ceilings and ivy laced columns are the closest thing to a castle in Beverley Hills. That make-believe is where the fantasy begins. And we say fantasy because the things that happen here stay here. The reason you are sharing corridors with celebrities is because more than anything else, more important than the extravagant decor, the Chateau exercises total discretion. It’s a bit like a never-ending party at a wealthy friend’s country estate. In the beginning you will know someone there and by the end of your stay you’ll be on first name basis with the entire cohort.

If the shoe fits:

Even in 1939 the Chateau was iconic. “If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont,” Harry Cohn said. He was the founder of Colombia Pictures and had an eye for drama and plot – knowing that this was the place for it. This destination offers eccentricity and luxury in equal measure.  

More homely than haute couture, the history of hedonism here would make the modest blush. Johnny Depp boasts he made love to Kate Moss in every room, Scarlett Johansson got busy in the lift with Benicio del Toro and Errol Flynn consummated many an affair here. Privacy is in-built though and you don’t need to side-step the glances of reception staff. You can take a lift from the car park to your bedroom and no-one need be any the wiser. Built as a block of apartments, its design is haphazard and this adds to its undercover charm. “I would rather sleep in a bathroom there than at any other hotel,” Oscar-winning director Billy Wilder once said.

Fly in style:

Take flight like Hollywood royalty with return airfares courtesy of Virgin Australia’s top tier business class. Flights from Sydney to Los Angeles start from $6698 and are on sale until July 3.

The Goring Hotel, London, UK

Claim to fame:

Before it was the place royal bride-to-be Kate Middleton rested her head prior to the big day, The Goring was something of a rival to Buckingham Palace. The Norwegian crown Prince said that he actually preferred it to the royal residence. “At Buckingham Palace I have to share a bath with five people! Here I have one to myself,” he said. Indeed, it was the first hotel in the world to have en suite bathrooms.  

Its proximity to the Palace has ensured its connection with royalty ever since it was built in 1910. As of this year, it has the royal seal of approval, with the Queen issuing a warrant to recognise the hotel’s hospitality service. This establishment is also the only family owned and run five-star property in London. Run by the Goring clan since it was first established, this hotel is a bastion of family and English tradition.

Winston Churchill’s mother took up residence at The Goring and her son was a frequent visitor. In the 1920s Queen Mary’s Lady in Waiting moved into the hotel with the Queen regularly stopped in for tea. At the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II foreign royalty came to stay at The Goring and it became an unofficial annexe of Buckingham Palace.

If the shoe fits:

Stay in the royal suite, where Kate spent her last night as a single woman and civilian. There are sweeping views over the city of London from this lofty room and you will feel like a princess yourself – regardless of the presence of a Prince Charming. While you’re here, you must take afternoon tea in the sumptuous and cluttered dining rooms. A stalwart of English tradition, the high tea here sticks to custom, with lashings of scones, cream, jam, cucumber sandwiches and freshly brewed tea. The Tea Guild this year appointed the Goring as the best place in the country to have afternoon tea. And you can be assured that the ladies of the Tea Guild know their English Breakfast from their Earl Grey.   

Fly in style:

Emirates offers First Class return fares from Australia to London from $12,800, all via one convenient stop in Dubai. Emirates flies from Australia to Dubai 84 times a week, with five daily onward connections to London, four of which are serviced by the A380. For flight information and bookings visit www.emirates.com/au

Hotel Hassler, Rome, Italy

Claim to fame:

You have heard of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Well, that famous landmark is topped by none other than this magnificent hotel. Even better than the view is the glittering array of celebrities who have stayed at this property over the years. Many of these high profile figures choose this hotel due to the privacy and discretion they are afforded, albeit with a personal welcome every stay.

On top of that, all those esteemed guests signed the Golden Book – the prestigious name for the Hassler’s guest book. The signatures of the Kennedy clan, The Beatles, Pablo Picasso, Prince Charles, Princess Diana and Frank Sinatra are among an overwhelming list of dignitaries and power brokers who have slept on the luxury beds.  
It’s also a place for romance – Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco had their honeymoon at the Hassler. If it’s good enough for this glamour couple, it’s good enough for any guests wishing to rekindle a spark. Audrey Hepburn, the Rockefellers, Pavarotti, George Clooney and luxury hotel aficionado Woody Allen have all stayed here too.  
US President Dwight Eisenhower once turned one of the hotel suites into his private study, while no less than Italian dictator Benito Mussolini ordered that the hotel change its name during the fascist era. Deeming that Hassler was not Italian sounding, he insisted it was replaced with Villa Medici.

If the shoe fits:

It has to be the best but also the most unknown location for a hotel. Tourists snap pictures of the Hassler without even realising it. To the left of the hotel lie the bell towers of the 16th century Trinita dei Monti church. Below is the white marble staircase, better known as the Spanish Steps – traipsed by every tourist to Rome at least once – and a popular people watching spot for Romans at dusk. The steps lead to the Spanish Square – an even better location for people watching and romance.

The suites are overflowing with antiques such as Venetian lamps and chandeliers, 19th century mirrors, French crystal, rich tapestries and intricate mosaics and frescoes. The colours of Rome – Pompeii red and ochre, are used throughout the hotel and add a homely warmth. Built in 1893, this is both a historic hotel and a hotel where history happened.

Fly in style:

Etihad has diamond first class fares between Sydney and Rome from $11,025. This fare includes chauffeur service, private suites with minibar and wardrobe, turn down service and dining tables. The European sectors are operated by Alitalia or Airberlin. For flight information and bookings visit www.etihad.com/en-au