My husband and I have decided to combine duty with pleasure and celebrate our anniversary by visiting family in L.A. (Pasadena, actually). We want to make this more of a "vacation" by spending one night in a nice hotel. We've stayed at the Ritz in Pasadena, and it's lovely, but I want to show my husband something that feels very L.A. -- not silicone movie star L.A. but ocean, hollywood hills, sunshine in March L.A. (We live in NYC and I'm trying to get him to move.) Where can we stay that will make my husband fall in love with the city? We don't want to spend much more than $200 a night, so Shutters is out.

Restaurant suggestions are also welcome.

What time of year, and weeknight or weekend?

Early March, weekend.

I can't guarantee the weather but here is something a bit different.
http://www.magiccastlehotel.com/
I went just for dinner and a show and would have loved to have been spending the night. It was a great place and quite the evening.

The newer Renaissance Hollywood is in a good location, and their executive suites are very large, comfortable and stylish, and some have great views of the Hollywood sign. Go to Marriott.com; those rooms are often under $200.

Head for the Getty at sunset, enjoy the view and have dinner in their terrific restaurant. For a hotel, you can get a good rate($180) at the ultra-modern Avalon hotel via quikbook.com

www.getty.edu
www.avalon-hotel.com

ZThe Magic Castle is a great idea. It is a private magician's club and the only way outsiders can get in is to score some tickets or stay at the hotel next door. Not that exclusive once you get inside--you won;t feel like an outsider. It is a quintessential LA experience. Check it out.