Los Angeles

Since opening 7 years ago, the Viceroy has been the posh, hip spot to go for cocktailing by the pool and hanging in the lounge. Roomwise it's a slightly different story. On the backside you have a great view of the pool and can get a nice breeze with your balcony open but you also sees the backs of the surrounding buildings (which were not all designed to have their backs looked upon) and the rear of the valet lot. Blah. On the frontside of the hotel you have a spectacular view of the Pacific for as far as the eye can see. However, when you open your balcony on this side of the hotel that sweeping vista is abruptly diverted by the incessant sound of the bus and auto traffic directly below you. Now...only if they could divert the street behind the hotel...