Pillow Talk: Between the Sheets of Silver Lake Pool and Inn, Los Angeles

The centerpiece of the Silver Lake Pool & Inn is undoubtedly the pool: stripy parasols, stretch-out lounge chairs and plenty of strong sunshine will keep you pinned to the waterside most of the day. But the hotel has more going for it than that, with daily aperitivo hour (hello, spritz) and spacious bedrooms with terrazzo touches, plus – in premium suites – views of the iconic Hollywood sign. The on-site restaurant, Marco Polo, with its coastal Italian lilt, is a solid, trendy pick for cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper pasta) if you’re feeling too lazy to head out.

A five-minute taxi ride east of the hotel, Botanica is the place to come for trendy LA plates: fig and ricotta tartine, confit Baja tuna, heirloom bean hummus. But while the food is first-rate (and pretty healthy for you), local hipsters flock for other reasons, too, including its airy pastel interiors and gluggable glasses of natural wine. Come in the morning (Wednesday to Sunday), and you can take advantage of the fine brewed coffee and flaky pastries, too.

When it comes to the great outdoors, there’s no need to look past Silver Lake Reservoir – a giant glassy body of water, fringed with trees, less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Follow the locals and go for a brisk 2mi (3.5km) loop of its exterior – you’ll pass dog-walkers, joggers and strolling couples as you pound the pavement. Fancy extending the stroll a bit longer? Dart off into adjacent Silver Lake Meadows, a verdant three-acre (1.2ha) patch, where you can enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the water.

Between its leafy tropical plants, pastel-hued interiors and graffiti murals (by artist pals of the owner, André Saraiva), the Friend feels peak Silver Lake – it’s so trendy it almost hurts. Come for the fairly priced cocktails, served up by bartenders in Breton shirts, and stay until 2am closing, chatting and making new friends. The Passion, made with mezcal, hibiscus liqueur, passion fruit and lemon, is a very-LA libation to wash down vegan tacos or cheese-smothered nachos.

It hardly gets much closer to the hotel: the Odells is just a four-minute walk away. That means you’ll only have a short distance to lug your haul – because there’s no doubt that you’ll be leaving this chic clothing boutique with a new outfit. From leathery sandals, the hue of Californian orange juice, to summery rompers and blouses, it all feels perky and fresh. More of a homewares person? Follow your nose to the scented candles…

Silver Lake is stacked with must-visit boutiques peddling unique giftables, and Lake Boutique is one of them. You’ll want to snap up everything you see for your nearest and dearest: blue and white ceramic mugs, peony-scented candles and eucalyptus muscle soaks included. The designers tend to be boutique, and often local, so you know you’re getting something special. Take note: the elegant gold jewelry – delicate bracelets, sapphire studs – make a particularly good gift… for yourself.

When it’s time to party hard in Silver Lake, make for Harvard and Stone, a no-holds-barred, er, bar where your weekend sippers also come with a side of burlesque – performers cutting shapes on a catwalk. But there’s fun to be had on other nights of the week, too, with raucous live bands and super-strong cocktails part of the daily picture. It helps to have a sense of humor when you order your drink: try a Coward & Disgusting Human… also known as a vodka soda.