Oscars 2013: Hollywood's hottest hangouts
Where to catch a glimpse of the glitterati
LA attracts a star-studded crowd all year round but during the whirlwind Oscar weekend, Tinseltown sparkles brighter than ever.
From classic Hollywood hangouts to the A-list hotspots of the moment, here's HELLO! Online's guide to where you're most likely to catch a glimpse of the glitterati.
WHERE THEY STAY
Chateau Marmont
A Hollywood landmark, this iconic turreted castle hotel has welcomed a steady stream of the industry's luminaries since it opened in 1927. Scarlett Johansson, Robert Pattinson, Mila Kunis and Reese Witherspoon have all come here to soak up its old world charm and relaxed atmosphere.
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Hotel Bel-Air
This Santa Monica hideaway is a whirl of A-list activity on the evening of the Oscars as it's where the stars gather to get red-carpet ready. It recently underwent a two-year makeover to bring it up to date. Its heavenly La Prairie spa provides the VIPs with welcome relief when the going gets tough. Prince Charles, Whitney Houston and Nicole Kidman have all checked-in previously.
Beverly Hills Hotel
Lovingly named 'The Pink Palace' by locals, this rosy-hued hotel is located on the glitzy Sunset Boulevard and has the red carpet permanently rolled out to welcome Hollywood's leading lights. Private luxury bungalows and lush palm tree gardens make it a perennial favourite with stars including Michael Douglas, Jennifer Aniston and Michael Kors.
WHERE THEY EAT
CUT at the Beverly Wilshire
This steakhouse is the brainchild of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, whose name is synonymous with the Oscars - this year will be his 19th time catering for the afterparty. CUT is a modern take on the traditional steakhouse and staff regularly usher in stars such as Eva Longoria, Will Smith and Tom Cruise.
The Ivy
This charming country cottage restaurant is better known for its A-list sightings than its food. George Clooney, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are just a few of their previous clientele.
Mr Chow
This Hollywood institution first opened in the Seventies and has been going strong ever since. Traditional Beijing cuisine and an extraordinary Champagne trolley entice the Hollywood set. Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain dropped by last month and Sandra Bullock, Heidi Klum and Linda Evangelista have all been spotted here previously.
WHERE THEY PARTY
Drai's at the W Hollywood
Perched atop the exclusive W Hotel, Drai's is a safe bet for a celebrity sighting as well as a first class view of the LA skyline. Dropping by at this plush bar, restaurant and club gives you a taste of high-end Hollywood revelry. Regulars include Paris Hilton, Nicole Scherzinger and Kim Kardashian.
The Terrace at The Sunset Tower Hotel
This sophisticated Sunset Boulevard bar boasts sweeping views of the city. Private alcoves and the fact that the paparazzi are blacklisted means this watering hole is a favourite with some of the world's most photographed people including Nicole Kidman, Miranda Kerr and Cameron Diaz.
The Green Door
Everyone wants to know what's behind this club's mysterious battered green door with no sign. Hollywood royalty such Eva Mendes and Leonardo DiCaprio are the ones in the know. If you’re lucky enough to get on the guest list you’ll enjoy a club that epitomises Hollywood opulence with a distinctly French vibe.
