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Yahoo
10-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The No. 1 Sign You Were Raised by a Narcissist, According to a Psychologist
This story discusses child abuse. If you are a child being abused, or know a child who may be facing abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453, or go to States often have child abuse hotlines, but if you suspect a child's life is in imminent danger, call 911. If you've been on the internet lately, you've probably seen the term "narcissist" thrown around. It's become a common label used to describe toxic traits and behaviors, often in the context of romantic relationships. You may think of the classic love-bombing, manipulative cheater or the arrogant, entitled spouse who is always right. Another type of relationship that's often plagued by narcissism is the one between a parent and child. The narcissistic parent trope is often depicted in film, such as Faye Dunaway's role in "Mommie Dearest," or the neglectful parents in "Matilda." Narcissistic parents can shape the entire family dynamic and have a lasting impact on a child's wellbeing. However, children of narcissists may not realize this until they're struggling with the effects years or decades later. How can you tell if a parent was a narcissist? spoke to Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, narcissism expert and author of "It's Not You," about the telltale signs that a person might've been raised by a narcissistic parent or caregiver. "Narcissism is a personality style or pattern that's characterized by some pretty set qualities and traits, and you have to have most, if not all, of them to call someone narcissistic," Durvasula tells These include inflated self-importance, an excessive need for validation and admiration, entitlement, lack of empathy, pathological selfishness and arrogance, Durvasula explains. Narcissists often believe they are "special," and expect favorable treatment. Narcissism exists on a spectrum. Most people will exhibit some narcissistic qualities, to varying degrees, at different points in their lives (i.e. toddlers). However, a narcissist has displayed a consistent pattern of these traits and behaviors, often to the extent that it causes problems in their life or for others. In relationships, narcissism can translate into manipulation, invalidation, betrayal or gaslighting, Durvasula adds. A common misconception is that 'narcissism' is a disorder, says Durvasula. 'Saying someone's narcissistic isn't diagnosing them. Assuming you've paid attention to the patterns, it's making a comment on their personality," she adds. However, nrcissistic personality disorder is a disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The DSM-5 defines NPD as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration and lack of empathy, which begin in early adulthood and affect all areas of life, as indicated by meeting at least five out of nine specific criteria, per the Cleveland Clinic. In order to be diagnosed with NPD, you have to be formally evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Bu there's the problem. "A lot of narcissistic people aren't going to therapy," Durvasula says. Even if they do, they may not be able to identify narcissistic traits or connect them to problems in their lives. As a result, there are many people who meet the criteria but will never be diagnosed with NPD. 'There are also people who have a diagnosis of NPD, and their narcissism isn't nearly as severe as the many, many people out there who have never been diagnosed." As far as the prevalence of NPD, there is a lack of 'good' data, says Durvasula, but research suggests it affects 1–6% of the population. That said, the number of people who have a narcissistic personality type (but not necessarily NPD) is likely much higher. When a narcissist becomes a parent or caregiver, these traits can significantly impact how they raise children. 'The narcissistic parent often has a poor sense of differentiation from their child. ... Their child is an extension of themselves,' says Durvasula. They may view a child's independence as a threat, and use control and manipulation to maintain dominance. As a result, the child's needs and emotions are often neglected. Common traits among narcissistic parents include: Using children as a source of validation Prioritizing their needs over children's Having unreasonable expectations Being unable to understand children's feelings Being obsessed with their family's appearance Not respecting child's boundaries Giving love conditionally based on a child's ability to perform or meet their expectations Narcissistic parents often use enmeshment to control children. 'It's communicated in a million ways that the child doesn't get to be separate from the parent, so the child having a need or a want that's different would be selfish,' says Durvasula. They often put themselves first. 'There's no awareness, no attunement to their child,' Durvasula adds. Children may feel responsible for their parent's happiness, at the cost of their own desires and dreams. If a child shows emotions that evoke shame in the parent, they are often viewed as a 'bad kid.' They may blame one child for everything — the 'scapegoat' — or pit children against each other. Narcissistic parents also weaponize guilt. 'Even if they don't say it directly, they'll say, 'you owe me'," Durvasula says. 'Narcissistic parents view themselves as special or perfect, and they expect that from their children,' Durvasula says. Errors are often not tolerated, and when errors do happen, the parent may become verbally abusive or give the silent treatment. Generally, narcissistic parents lack empathy, but they can also be inconsistent with love. A narcissistic parent may have mostly bad days but one good day when they show glimpses of warmth and attention, which a child often holds onto, Durvasula notes. Due to the appearance-obsessed nature of narcissists, this dysfunction isn't always obvious. "It's this dichotomized space where the Christmas cards look great or the home looks great, but there's a real emotional impoverishment." Narcissistic relationships are also on a spectrum, Durvasula adds. At the most severe level, there's violence and abuse. "Most people are at the moderate-to-mild end ... but it's still incredibly invalidating." Growing up with a narcissistic parent or caregiver can significantly affect a person's development, mental health and behavior in childhood and adulthood. 'The child doesn't have options. They have to attach to their parents for survival. ... This is also who feeds them and houses them ... and who is meant to make them feel emotionally safe,' says Durvasula. In order to maintain that attachment, children will learn to modify themselves, she adds, which can impact self-esteem. The No. 1 sign that a person was raised by a narcissist is chronically feeling like they are "not enough," says Durvasula. "I haven't done enough. I didn't try hard enough. I didn't give enough. ... That's the guiding construct in their life." Other parenting styles or childhood trauma can also cause a person to feel this way, she adds. But "I think there's something unique about the child with a narcissistic parent, because the myth sold to the child is that there's always something they can do that would be enough." During adulthood, this may manifest as perfectionism, self-doubt, shame and imposter syndrome. 'They're always peddling faster and faster,' says Durvasula. 'You (think) you have to earn love. You have to earn validation. You have to earn being seen." They may struggle to set boundaries or become codependent people-pleasers because they're used to sacrificing themselves for a narcissistic parent. Another telltale sign a person was raised by a narcissist is "difficulty expressing needs, wants or aspirations," says Durvasula, adding that it's because they were made to feel ungrateful or selfish when they did. Inconsistent reactions from the narcissistic parent, like rage or emotional abandonment, also create anxiety. 'Yelling at a kid is terrible. Withdrawing and withholding from a kid is worse,' says Durvasula. These children become adults who fear speaking up. "(They think), 'I better not share what I need or I'm going to lose my partner, or if I try to negotiate for a higher salary, this person won't hire me, or if I say how I'm feeling people, will think I'm overly sensitive and dramatic," says Durvasula. First, always consult a mental health professional if you have concerns. Generally, the first step is acknowledging the parent's narcissistic behavior. "What they did wasn't OK, and it hurt you,' says Durvasula. Some children may struggle and feel disloyal, especially if the narcissistic parent had a difficult backstory, such as migration trauma or severe poverty. 'You can be compassionate (toward) their narrative, but what they did was not OK,' says Durvasula. Healing can look different for everyone. It may involve therapy, support groups and lifestyle changes. There's no one-size-fits-all approach for dealing with a narcissistic parent. Some people may not engage at all or limit communication, whereas others adopt coping strategies because they still live with their parents, for example. In any case, Durvasula recommends going into interactions prepared. "Have realistic expectations of this parent, recognize their limitations and interact with them as such." The parent may never apologize or change, but you can control your reactions and set boundaries. Durvasula suggests using a trick she calls narcissist bingo. "Make a bingo card, or write a list, with all the things they do ... whether it's criticism about your job or looks, or gaslighting." Next, decide on a number of bingo spaces they can fill before you disengage. "If you can't get out of the situation, do something else, go to the restroom and splash water on your face, walk to your car, whatever it is to help you regulate," says Durvasula. Finally, it's important to practice self-care and nurture your inner child. This article was originally published on
Khaleej Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Kevin Spacey honoured at Italian Global Series Festival
Oscar winner Kevin Spacey picked up the Maximo Award for Excellence at the Italian Global Series Festival in Rimini on Monday, reported Variety. In his thank-you speech, the actor drew inspiration from his character, John Doe, the sociopathic serial killer from David Fincher's 'Se7en'. "As I say to Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman when asked, 'Where are we headed?' I simply respond with, 'You'll see,'" he said, according to Variety. The actor also expressed his gratitude to Franco Nero for casting him in a lead role in the 2022 film 'The Man Who Drew God,' in which he co-starred with Nero and Faye Dunaway. According to the outlet, the actor thanked Nero for stepping up "when very few had the guts" and giving him his first role after allegations of sexual misconduct made him persona non grata in Hollywood. The allegations, initially made by Anthony Rapp, led to a civil court case filed by the actor in which Spacey was found not to be liable, reported Variety. In 2023, he was acquitted of sexual assault charges relating to four men in the UK. According to Variety, in February, actor Ruari Cannon sued the actor and two organisations connected to London's Old Vic Theatre, where Spacey was artistic director between 2003 and 2015. Despite this new court case, Spacey has continued his attempt to reclaim his career with the aid of film and TV festivals. In 2023, the Turin Film Museum granted Spacey a lifetime achievement award and hosted a masterclass with the actor. Sometimes the awards are adjacent to film festivals rather than from the official film festival. This was the case with an award granted to Spacey in Taormina, Sicily, in 2024, and another one this year in Cannes, which coincided with the film festival but was hosted by the Better World Fund in the Carlton Hotel and had no links to the official festival, reported Variety. The Italian Global Series Festival, however, received Spacey with open arms. He was greeted with a warm reception, both from the public on the red carpet and from the audience during the opening ceremony. The actor concluded his speech with defiant optimism, saying, "The best is yet to come." The Global Italian Series Festival is currently taking place in Rimini and Riccione, Italy. It will conclude on June 28.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Frederick Forsyth – the reporter who turned his foreign adventures into best-selling thrillers
FROM RAF pilot to journalist with romantic links to a Hollywood star, Frederick Forsyth loved to travel the world and get up to mischief. It is no wonder the dashing former MI6 agent used his adventures to help him write more than 25 books, selling 75million copies in a half-century long literary career. 7 7 7 It was during his time as a journalist that The Day Of The Jackal, about an assassination attempt on then French president Charles de Gaulle, was formulated. And a year-long assignment in Soviet East Germany, when he ran errands for Britain's secret services, is thought to have inspired many of his other thriller novels. Last year, the twice-married author, who was also romantically linked to Hollywood star Faye Dunaway told The Sun: 'I got a lot of attention from the secret police, the Stasi. I was followed all over the bloody place. 'I thought the only way to survive is to take the mickey. They had no sense of humour, so I would do stupid things. 'Too stupid' 'I knew my apartment was bugged, so I would go into the bedroom and have an extremely passionate orgy with a non-existent female. 'Knowing every word was being recorded I used two or three voices and then there'd be a knock on the door. 'Mein Herr, your gas is leaking'. 'They would search the flat and discover I had an invisible mistress.' Forsyth, who died yesterday morning after a short illness, was born in Ashford in Kent in 1938. His mum ran a dress shop and his dad was a furrier. He attended a private school nearby in Tonbridge and wanted to leave home aged 17 to become a bullfighter in Spain. Trailer for new adaptation of The Day of the Jackal starring Eddie Redmayne Instead Frederick had to do national service and became one of the youngest RAF fighter pilots aged 19. Frustrated that he wasn't getting to travel the globe as much as he'd like, he joined the Eastern Daily Press as a trainee reporter. From there he went to Reuters, where his ability to speak French saw him posted in Paris during an anti-de Gaulle campaign by a far-right paramilitary organisation called the OAS. He said: 'There definitely was an OAS trying to assassinate President de Gaulle and I was there covering it as a Reuters reporter in 1962 to '63. 'I thought to myself that they probably would fail because they were so penetrated by French counter intelligence that it was hardly possible for four of them to sit around a table.' From there he went to East Germany, where MI6 asked him to run errands. 7 7 He said: 'I was once picked up in Magdeburg by the Stasi and interrogated through the night. 'I was like the PG Wodehouse character Bertie Wooster. 'Eager to please, helpless, hopeless, hapless and therefore harmless. 'Having shouted at me all night, they took me down a long corridor to a door. 'I didn't know whether it was the execution chamber or what it could be. 'Turned out to be the car park. 'They were chucking me out. 'As I was getting in the car, I heard one of them say 'He's too stupid to be an agent'.' Frederick then covered the civil war between Biafra and Nigeria for the BBC but his contract was not renewed after six months. Every friend I had told me very, very clearly that I was absolutely insane. Frederick Forsyth He wanted to go back to tell the world what was going on because up to two million people died of starvation in the conflict. Finding himself unemployed at Christmas 1969, he set about writing The Day Of The Jackal. Freddie said: 'I was skint, out of a job and I thought I'll write a novel. 'Every friend I had told me very, very clearly that I was absolutely insane.' He turned out 350 pages in 35 days, not a word of which was changed on publication. Although he said he took the sex scene out because he didn't think he had written it well. The book proved to be a massive hit, with the publishers offering Frederick a then princely £75,000 for the rights forever. He regretted accepting the deal because the book sold 12million copies and was turned into two films and a ten-part Sky drama starring Eddie Redmayne. It probably would have earned him a million pounds in royalties. 7 7 There were plenty more novels including The Odessa File, The Dogs Of War and The Fourth Protocol. Frederick claimed his romantic life was untroubled even though he divorced his first wife Carole in 1989. Shortly afterwards he said: 'We have both been very determined indeed to keep it civilised.' Then, in 1994, he married one of his fans Sandy Molloy, who he was with until she died in October 2024. Frederick had to keep writing because he was swindled out of £2.2million by dodgy financial adviser Roger Levitt in 1990 and his final novel Revenge Of Odessa is due to be published later this year. 'Extraordinary life' In 1997 he was made a CBE for services to literature. His friend David Davis, the Conservative MP, paid a warm tribute, saying: 'Freddie believed in honour and patriotism and courage and directness and straightforwardness. 'We haven't got many authors like him and we will miss him greatly. 'James Bond was total fantasy but everything that Freddie wrote about was based in a real world.' The author, who died at home in Buckinghamshire, left behind two sons Stuart and Shane from his first marriage. His agent Jonathan Lloyd said: 'We mourn the passing of one of the world's greatest thriller writers. 'Only a few weeks ago I sat with him as we watched a new and moving documentary of his life, In My Own Words, to be released later this year on BBC One and was reminded of an extraordinary life, well lived. 'He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, all of us at Curtis Brown and, of course, his millions of fans around the world. 'Though his books will, of course, live on forever.'
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
80s soap opera star turned beloved 1990s sitcom mom is unrecognizable at 75... who is she?
A 1980s soap opera star who then played the mother of one of the most iconic sitcom characters of the 1990s was unrecognizable in Los Angeles this week. Born in 1950, she began her career as a body double for Faye Dunaway and then rose to become a reigning sex symbol in her own right. During the 1970s and 1980s, TV viewers could catch her on some of the top soap operas of the age, ranging from Dallas to Falcon Crest. By the 1990s she was a regular presence on top sitcoms - with one particular role winning her an enduring fanbase around the world. During her latest sighting, however, she swapped out her famed glamour-puss image for a dressed-down ensemble including a loose band t-shirt and leggings. Can you guess who she is? She is none other than Morgan Fairchild, who went from a soap opera siren of the 1980s to Chandler Bing's mother on Friends in the 1990s. When she arrived in Hollywood from her native Texas, her silken blonde hair and willowy figure stood her in instant good stead, landing her a job as Faye Dunaway's body double in the seminal 1967 film Bonnie & Clyde. Her soap opera career took off in the 1970s, beginning with a four-year run on Search For Tomorrow and then an episode of Dallas in 1978. In the 1980s, she spent years on Falcon Crest and the short-lived Flamingo Road, establishing herself as a megawatt glamour icon. She became especially notable for 'rich b****' roles, prompting her home state's paper Texas Monthly to call her 'evil queen of eighties trash TV.' Early in her career, a producer had told her: 'Let me explain something to you. I can get an ingenue anywhere. But a good b**** is hard to find.' Her platinum blonde hair, angelic face, high camp costumes and icy delivery of withering put-downs made her an unforgettable presence on TV. In the 1990s her glitzy froideur won her a global audience that lasts to this day, via her role on Friends as Nora Bing, the mother of Matthew Perry's character Chandler. As an emotionally distant but sexually insatiable romance novelist, Morgan proved a delight to fans - along with Kathleen Turner as Chandler's drag queen father. She has kept acting in recent years, including with a recurring guest shot on General Hospital from 2022 to 2023, a return to the soap opera genre. Also in 2023, she featured in a Lifetime comedy called Ladies Of The '80s: A Divas Christmas, about a group of soap stars who reunite - played by actual 1980s TV sirens Morgan, Nicollette Sheridan, Loni Anderson, Donna Mills and Linda Gray. On the personal front, she tied the knot with music executive Jack Calmes in 1967 when she was only 17, but the marriage fell apart by 1973. She found lasting love in 1987 with studio executive Mark Seiler, whom she remained with until his death of a heart attack in 2023 at the age of 75. When Morgan surfaced this week, she still sported the radiant complexion that helped make her one of the most recognizable faces in America. 'You see a lot of bad aging in Hollywood and I have always tried to live real clean. So that helps. I did no drinking, smoking and no drugs,' she told in 2023. 'When you are younger you just do it because you think it is a good idea. But when you're older you see other people and say I am glad I didn't do that. A lot of that hard partying ages you a lot. I am just so boring.' Morgan observed: 'It is all about a good diet too. I grew up in Texas, so if I kept eating the way I did with everything deep fat fried it would be a whole other story. Part of it is just educating yourself on nutrition and different therapies.'
The Independent
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Best luxury hotels in LA for 2025, reviewed
Given that it's home to more celebrities per square mile than any other city on Earth, it's no surprise that Los Angeles does luxury well. Whether you're keen to soak up some old-school Hollywood glamour or just want to chill out and let your troubles drift away at an exclusive Malibu hideaway, there are a wide and varied selection of high-end hotels and resorts scattered around the city ready to make you feel like an A-lister even if your name isn't likely to ever appear on the Walk of Fame. Many of the city's best hotels are clustered around Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, but if you're hoping for Pacific views then there are also excellent options in Malibu and Santa Monica. You'd also be remiss to overlook Pasadena, a gorgeously landscaped and historic neighborhood with a landmark hotel to match. Here's our pick of the most luxurious places to stay in Los Angeles in 2025. Best luxury hotels in LA 2025 1. The Beverly Hills Hotel Take a dip in the pool made famous by Faye Dunaway's iconic morning after the Oscars photograph (The Beverly Hills Hotel) A hotel that's almost as famous as the stars who like to call it home, the 'Pink Palace' of Beverly Hills is an iconic luxury destination. The property sprawls over 12 acres of gardens containing bougainvillea, banana plants and towering palm trees, and there's a beautiful outdoor pool ringed by towering palm trees beside which Faye Dunaway was famously photographed the morning after she won the Oscar for Network in 1976. The hotel's history dates back long before that, to 1912 when Beverly Hills was yet to become a city and wealthy newcomers would stay here while looking to buy property in the area. The Polo Lounge remains one of the most famous restaurants in Los Angeles, a longtime favourite of Hollywood deal-makers as well as stars like Humphrey Bogart and the Rat Pack. To make your stay extra luxurious, splash out on one of the 23 bungalows hidden amongst the gardens. Address: 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 90210 Read more: How to explore Beverly Hills like a Real Housewife 2. Hotel Bel-Air This pink-hued hotel evokes elegance and sophistication (Hotel Bel-Air) Nestled in a dozen acres of lush gardens in the canyon hills, the secluded Hotel Bel-Air is just a mile west of Beverly Hills but seems to occupy another time and place entirely. Many of the 103 rooms and suites open directly onto private gardens, the ideal way to soak up the Californian sunshine away from the buzz of the city or, well, any distractions at all. Hotel legend has it that at one time, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were all staying on site and none of them even knew the others were there. The hotel dates from 1946 and its pink-walled, mission-style buildings speak of discreet elegance. Grace Kelly lived at the hotel prior to her marriage to Prince Rainier Grimaldi III in 1956, and the particularly luxurious suite where she stayed is named in her honour. Address: 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, 90077 Read more: Best hotels in LA for beach views, luxury stays and Hollywood glamour 3. Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club hotel Calamigos offers a sense of calm amid the buzz of Los Angeles (Catherine Dzilenski) You probably don't associate rural nature reserves with Los Angeles, but that's exactly what makes the Calamigos Guest Ranch so enticing. Set on a 250 acre ranch in Malibu wine country, a stay at this one-of-a-kind resort also includes access to their exclusive oceanside beach club located off the nearby Pacific Coast Highway. This is the sort of place you come when you're ready to truly get away from it all, with dwelling options including cabins, cottages and bungalows. Enjoy the sunshine and the Malibu countryside from your outdoor soaking tub, before sitting out under the stars by the fire pit. The onsite Spa Calamigos features five pools, a tranquil jacuzzi and a wide range of opulent treatments. You won't believe you're still so close to the buzz of LA – and may need some convincing to return. Address: 261 Calamigos Road, Malibu, 90265 Read more: The best things to do in Los Angeles 4. Langham Huntington hotel The Langham's historic ballrooms often cater to grand events (Langham Huntington) The Langham Huntington dates back to the Gilded Age, and really feels like it. First opened in 1907 as the Hotel Wentworth, it was purchased a few years later by railroad tycoon Henry E Huntington and reopened as The Huntington Hotel in 1914. Huntington's eponymous nearby library and botanical gardens remain a must-visit attraction. The Langham Huntington's grand building and sprawling grounds have made it something of a favourite Hollywood location, and over the years it has appeared on screen in everything from The Parent Trap to Westworld and Hacks. These days, the hotel is managed by the Langham group, so you can expect plenty of their signature luxury touches, such as regular servings of a decadent afternoon tea. There are two pools on site, as well as the highly-rated Chuan Spa, which offers treatments, massages and facials. Address: 1401 S Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, 91106 Read more: How to spend a day in Crenshaw, LA's modern hub of art and creativity 5. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows hotel Searching for a coastal vibe? Fairmont Miramar's rooms feel as if you have stepped into a Californian beach house (Fairmont Miramar Hotels) Located not far from Santa Monica Pier, this five-star hotel offers ocean views and a high-end take on the idea of a seaside resort. The historic property dates back to 1889 when John P Jones, who'd helped found Santa Monica after making his fortune in silver mining, built a mansion here. After his death, the estate was bought by King Camp Gilette, inventor of the safety razor, who sold it a few years later to hotelier Gilbert Stevenson. It was converted into a resort in the early 1920s, and Greta Garbo was one of the first celebrities to call it home. Today, the hotel features 31 spacious bungalows, the only accommodation of its kind in the area. They provide the perfect way to combine the Californian beach house dream with a prime Santa Monica location. Address: 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, 90401 Read more: How to have a sports-filled trip to LA ahead of the next Olympics 6. Nobu Ryokan Malibu hotel Nobu's charming lounges offer an ideal place to relax with an sundowner after a long day in the city (Fairmont Miramar Hotels) A truly unique and luxurious destination even by LA's standards, the Nobu Ryokan Malibu opened in April 2018 and offers a rare combination of minimalist Japanese design and Californian ocean-front living. Situated on one of the most desirable stretches of beach in the world, this exclusive hotel has just 11 guest rooms and five beachfront bungalows. Each room comes complete with handcrafted teak soaking tubs, bamboo towels and cashmere robes. You can choose between garden, beach or ocean views, while some rooms also have their own fireplaces. The property is located just a few steps down the beach from Nobu Malibu, so naturally the food is as exquisite as you'd expect from chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro's trailblazing sushi restaurant. Address: 22752 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 From: $2,000 per night (minimum two-night stay) Book now Read more: The best California cities to visit on your next holiday, from LA to Santa Barbara 7. The Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel The Maybourne focuses on a chic and sophisticated design throughout its interiors (Maybourne Hotel) The heart of Beverly Hills is known as the 'Golden Triangle', a walkable area enclosed by Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard and Canon Drive and known for its art galleries, upscale restaurants and the luxury shopping boutiques of Rodeo Drive. The Maybourne, a grand yet chic hotel overlooking Beverly Cañon Gardens, is the Golden Triangle's landmark hotel. On the rooftop you'll find a cabana-lined pool and the al fresco Dante restaurant and aperitivo bar. Fittingly for the area, The Maybourne also focuses on showcasing international art and you'll find works by Ed Ruscha, Damien Hirst and Harmony Korine on display around the property. The hotel's Whisky Bar houses a world-class whisky and cigar collection, and is also notable for being one of just three locations in Beverly Hills where smoking is permitted. Address: 225 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210 Read more: Why the LA to Palm Springs 'desert route' is the perfect California road trip 8. The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel More than just the set of Pretty Woman, this Four Seasons resort offer large rooms with breathtaking views (The Beverly Wilshire) The Beverly Wilshire is probably best known as the setting for much of the Julia Roberts and Richard Gere rom-com Pretty Woman, but this elegant Four Seasons property has a long and storied history besides that. Located in a prime spot in Beverly Hills at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and the shopping highlights of Rodeo Drive, both Elvis Presley and Warren Beatty have called it home and John Lennon hid out on the property during his 'Lost Weekend'. The suites are large, offering spectacular views of the city, and there's an onsite spa, a Mediterranean-style pool modeled after the one at Sophia Loren's Italian villa and several excellent restaurants. As Julia Roberts might say, not taking the chance to enjoy a stay here would be a big mistake. Huge. Address: 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 90212 Read more: Forget driving in LA – here's how to explore the sprawling California city by bike 9. Regent Santa Monica hotel Private balconies complete with fire pits will make you feel like you never need to leave your room (Tanveer Badal Photography / TANV) Opened in October last year following a $150 million renovation, the Regent Santa Monica has been described as offering not just luxury but 'ultra-luxury' with its oversized rooms, 10,000sq-foot Guerlain Spa and sprawling oceanfront pool deck. At this expansive property it's all about enjoying your space, with even the most reasonably-sized rooms spanning 720sq feet while the Regent's Signature Suites go all the way up to 3,200sq feet. Sure, the hotel is excellently located in the heart of Santa Monica and the beach is just a stone's throw away, but when the huge rooms offer complimentary minibars, game rooms and private balconies the challenge will be finding a reason to ever go out. Address: 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, 90401 Read more: How to have a budget 72-hour break in New York City 10. Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles hotel The Ritz-Carlton's rooftop pool is surrounded by plush cabanas and day beds (Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles) If you want to stay in luxury in downtown Los Angeles, you won't find a better option than the Ritz-Carlton. This sleek, modern hotel opened in 2010 and towers over the LA Live entertainment complex and the Arena that the LA Lakers call home. It's the only hotel in downtown to offer a first-rate, full service spa, and there's a cabana-flanked rooftop pool on the 26th floor. If you really want to splash out, check yourself in to the 3,000sq-foot Ritz Carlton Suite and make use of the formal dining room, fully-equipped entertainment room and spacious primary bedroom. Needless to say given the location, whichever room you end up in you're guaranteed spectacular views. Address: 900 W Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90015 From: $598 per night Read more: The best cruises to travel America
