If you want swimming pools and round-the-clock room service, then this isn’t the place for you. The Charlie’s charms are rather more whimsical. “Welcome back home… kind of,” said Masha, the owners’ daughter, summing up the quaint feel. There is no lobby as such, just a small, very helpful, reception open from 9am to 5pm, where staff offer sound advice on what to do in the neighbourhood and good local restaurants.

Indeed I bumped into Masha later in one of the very places she had recommended. She told me not to be alarmed if I saw a bowler hat bobbing above my garden wall at night. “He’s our overnight security and wears a Charlie Chaplin hat. His name is Charles.” Of course it is. Parking is included in the price of a stay, which is a real plus as hotels in this area often charge around $50 (£37) extra for parking.

Each of the 14 suites is different. I stayed in two: first Marilyn, a two-storey cottage where Marilyn Monroe herself used to stay. From the open-plan sitting room/dining area, a winding wrought-iron staircase leads up to a pretty bedroom with beamed ceiling, old gilt mirror and deep cupboards: you could easily settle in for a month or more here – and some guests do. Although there is the occasional photograph of Monroe on the wall, they haven’t gone full Marilyn in the décor. A vase of fresh white roses is a welcome touch. Outside, a fragrant kumquat tree shades a small table perfect for breakfast.

The sitting room in Marilyn, at The Charlie Hotel

The second suite, named Masha, is, if anything, even lovelier than Marilyn, with open light-filled spaces and a sweeping view from the staircase over West Hollywood. At night, the outline of the building is highlighted with dozens of small bulbs, so it feels like you are coming back to a fairy castle. Unlike Marilyn, it doesn’t have any outdoor space, but has pretty Juliet balconies with lovely views.

Bathrooms are spacious and bright, with white tiles, C. O. Bigelow amenities and large showers – indeed the Marilyn suite has two rainfall shower heads in the shower. Both Marilyn and Masha have additional half baths leading off the sitting rooms; the one in Marilyn tucked under the curved staircase.

There is no on-site restaurant, but every cottage has a full kitchen with coffee and tea provided. Bowls of fruit and snacks, from which guests are invited to help themselves, are available in the reception. There are many nearby restaurants and also a large Gelson’s supermarket if guests want to prepare their own food, however cooking fish is ill-advised. A stern sign in every kitchen reads: “Fish is delicious, however other customers come through these premises and strong fish odours cannot always be immediately ventilated. A fine of $250 will apply.”

Double rooms from $325 (£242) plus tax, year-round.

Many of the units are on the ground floor so can accommodate some access needs. However, as a historical hotel, the rooms are as originally designed without special adaptations.

Yes, children are always welcome and cots are available on request with no extra charge. Board games are also available.