Can anyone recommend a hotel/resort in los angeles (or LA area)with a really nice pool/beach area?
Like the Las Vegas hotels (Bellagio, etc.) but in LA?
Thanks.

LA is a huge area - any particular part of the basin? Also, what is your budget? (if you want to be on a beach - SoCal beach hotels tend to be pretty expensive)

Thanks for your post...
As far as budget is concerned we are looking for a high end place and expect to pay accordingly.
We are coming from Northern Cali and would prefer not to go too far south (Long Beach and Huntington Beach are too far)...maybe someplace with really upscale accomodations in Malibu,Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, etc ?
I've been to hotels in this area. They advertise that they are high end (and they have prices to back up that claim) but when we get there they just seem really overrated, tired looking. We want to relax in the sun (no sight- seeing)in an upscale environ.

If you want a resort-y style hotel in So. Cal., just for relaxation, I'd do Orange County--Laguna or Newport. I know you say that's too far south, but more of the atmosphere it seems you are looking for.

Santa Barbara: http://www.bacararesort.com/

the only place I can think of that might fit your criteria is Shutters in Santa Monica.

But ... I think you'd be very happy at the Montage, Laguna Beach. Or Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel.

The two obvious places that come to mind:

Shutters on the Beach
Casa Del Mar

Personally, I prefer Casa Del Mar, but they're both luxurious hotels right on the beach. Definitely getaway places where you can just settle in and not leave. The pools at both hotels are rather straightforward, but definitely nice for just laying in the sun-- and then the beach is steps away. I believe both hotels have spa facilities, as well.