The ‘Inn’ Crowd

* The Argyle. With the Fenix a-poppin’ right downstairs, checking into a room at this venerable hotel is one way to spend a Friday night in fine style. 8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 654-7100.

* Beach House. Located in the heart of Hermosa Beach’s club and restaurant area, this pretty, new hotel sits right on the Strand with nothing separating you and the Pacific but some skimpily clad skaters and jocks. Yeah baby. 1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, (310) 374-3001.

* Chateau Marmont. Even if you don’t have the dough, it’s mandatory you pool some cash together and spend at least one night at the Marmont. There’s simply nothing like it--from the old-style Hollywood glamour to hallways that quietly whisper torrid tales of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. And of course, Bar Marmont is just a shot away. 8221 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 656-1010.

* Malibu Shores Motel. There are no luxuries and the rooms aren’t roomy, but this updated, clean seaside stop is located next to the Malibu Inn (see story, this page) and right across the street from the beautiful Surfrider Beach. Wake to the smell of seashells by the seashore. 23033 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310) 456-6559.

* Mondrian. Give it up for Ian Schrager--the man knows how to throw a party. Alice doesn’t live here anymore, but Wonderland still exists. Everything about the Mondrian is filled with white heat and whimsy--the Sky Bar (which you can chill at if you’re staying at the hotel), Asia de Cuba restaurant (check out those busboys) and the rooms (each with a view) offer one dreamy way to spend a dreamy day. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 650-5215.

* The Standard. Memo to hotelier Andre Balazs: This is L.A. You don’t have to try so hard. In fact, the key is to look like you’re not trying at all. Last week, reports swirled that a man wearing nothing but tattoos was mowing your hotel’s lawn while babes auditioned to pose in a case behind the check-in area. Ease up, ol’ boy. Your hotel is perfectly lovely in its understated simplicity. Living in L.A. is surreal enough. 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 650-9090.