Why WeHo?

The London West Hollywood

Opened 2008

Why stay here? This hotel’s claim to fame is two-pronged. It is billed as the most luxurious five-star in the city with LA’s largest hotel rooms.

Each of its 221 suites is at least 725-square-feet and so lavish guests do indeed feel like movie stars. Mine featured an entire wall of floor-to-ceiling cupboards opposite a long low divider separating the main suite from the dressing area. On the cupboard side was a built-in dressing table with make-up mirror, light and elegant cushioned stool, flanked by long low benches perfect for bags and suitcases.

On the other side was a king size bed flanked by dark wooden bedside tables and large retro lamps, a full corner lounge and large coffee table with handy bowl for keys and knick-knacks and a dining table for two. Along the wall opposite the lounge area was a metre-plus-long writing desk.

There was enough space to cartwheel several times across to the mini-bar with sink and fridge at the other end of the room, and the glass sliding doors leading onto a modest balcony with cushioned bench and views across the Hollywood Hills.

The bathroom was also exceptionally large, all white marble with a double shower and the deepest bath I’ve ever seen in a hotel.

The London WeHo has undergone several makeovers, but in essence, the style remains reminiscent of old Hollywood with more traditional decor and furnishings.

What else? Spectacular rooftop pool flanked by dozens of deck chairs, umbrellas, tall palm trees and offering 360-degree LA views; a fabulous want-for-nothing breakfast buffet; a truly impressive gym and an ideal location right next to Sunset Boulevard, near the Whisky A Go Go and The Comedy Store.

If you want to lash out, The London WeHo also has Los Angeles largest penthouse, a sprawling two storey affair larger than most regular homes with an enormous private rooftop terrace fitted with an outdoor kitchen and lounge-filled covered cabana.

The Pendry West Hollywood

Opened April 2021

Why stay here? For old Hollywood glamour-inspired décor and simply spectacular design, from the showpiece lobby sculpture – a dazzling light-filled geometric structure – to its rooftop signature restaurant Merois with draped ceiling and chandeliers.

The inviting art-deco theme continues in The Pendry West Hollywood’s 149 luxury guestrooms, all large and opulently appointed with an eclectic and thoughtful mix of plush furnishings in relaxing shades of soft blues and yellows.

There are also 40 Pendry Residences West Hollywood by Montage Hotels & Resorts; a private membership club The Britely; a multi-purpose live entertainment venue; screening room; bowling alley; Spa Pendry; a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city.

What else? The Pendry even has its own art gallery filled with a curated collection featuring works from some of Los Angeles’ most exciting emerging artists and acclaimed international names. The Pendry can also lay claim to enticing celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck back to West Hollywood, whose team heads the Merois, and Ospero restaurants.

The West Hollywood Edition

Opened November 2019

Why stay here? Ever since it opened, the Edition has received rave reviews and been consistently referred to as the place to be seen in LA.

As hotelier Ian Schrager says, the Edition is “the first true luxury hotel experience on the Sunset Strip” and you certainly know it when you step inside the gigantic wooden doors and into its enormous triple-height foyer.

In contrast to the nearby Pendry, the Edition’s interior is modern to the hilt, all cutting-edge cool. The foyer greets guests with cool Italian travertine, electric blue sofas and a canary yellow pool table while the hotel itself holds 140 generously sized guest rooms and 48 suites, 2 penthouses and 20 luxury residences, complemented by a sophisticated signature restaurant, lobby lounge, basement club, expansive rooftop pool and a 6-treatment room spa.

“Sunset Boulevard became the voice of a generation, and we’re trying to recapture that same magic and energy with Edition, not by repeating the past but by evoking it and by steering the future with that same spirit,” Schrager says.

What else? You can’t go wrong here – the Edition impresses at every turn – from the roof terrace with its leafy garden, expansive pool and bar featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking LA to the large gym with all the latest equipment including Peloton bikes and TRX gear to the zen-inspired spa where plant-based and CBD oil treatments are the go.

The Sunset Marquis

Opened 1963

Why stay here? For the chance to stay, sit, eat, play and more where some of the most famous names in music and entertainment have done so too. Many still do including U2’s Bono and other band members who visit at least once a year.

Right from the get go, The Sunset Marquis established itself as a true home away from home for actors, artists but most famously rock stars as it opened around the same time as places like the Troubadour and Whisky a Go Go.

The likes of The Byrds and The Doors were among the first to discover the Sunset Marquis, which offered an oasis of calm away from screaming fans where they could be themselves.

The rest is history. Others who followed include The Kinks, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamon, Elton John, and later Bruce Springsteen (who still stays there) and many, many more.

The Sunset Marquis is arranged courtyard style, around a large pool, with many tranquil garden areas and al fresco dining. Rooms are modern and relaxed, ranging from generous suites, villas and grand deluxe apartments to separate luxe quarters ‘The Retreat’ and Presidential Villas.

What else? An absolute must-visit is The Morrison Hotel Gallery on the ground floor.

Rock photographer Timothy White who co-owns the gallery with his equally-famous fellow snapper Henry Diltz presides over what is billed as the finest collection of art music photography – a jaw dropping display of iconic images from 125 photographers who have snapped some of the world’s most legendary rock stars from The Doors to Tom Petty to Joni Mitchell to Jay Z and many more.

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