Navigating your way through LA’s myriad of hotels and districts is daunting for most staying for their very first time in Los Angeles, but there are few better places to stay than West Hollywood for tourists thanks to its relatively central location to popular neighbourhoods such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. While there are a myriad of new openings in the area, The London has become a tried and tested bolthole in the heart of the action, just a short walk from West Hollywood’s gay district and a short cab ride to some of the trendiest restaurants in town.
Originally A David Collins Studio design the hotel went through a renovation a few years ago including new ninth floor suites, sixteen Royal Vista Suites and five Gate Suites, which pay homage to London’s Hyde Park. But these renovations have already blended into what is now considered a timeless modern icon in one of the most sought after districts of LA.
After all, those headed to Los Angeles will want to expect something glamorous and akin to the golden era of Hollywood glamour, and this is exactly what you get from the London. It’s firmly rooted in its heritage rather than offering the ultra-design language of hotel groups that can be found around the globe.
On entering the lobby you are greeted by a large warmly-lit space, complete with fireplace, large velvet-lined sofas and a timeless 1920’s style clock that frames the space. Behind the check in desk which features knowledgeable sassy team members is a large mural of the locale, not dissimilar to the iconic star maps that are synonymous with the City of Angels.
To the left of the foyer is the Boxwood restaurant, which caters for breakfast as well as dinner. Although dinner is served in the main bar area, which acts as the focal point for the hotel during the evenings. There’s also an in hotel shop and hairdressers which features pretty cool arty gifts and souvenirs which will make you want to break the bank balance.
Between the lobby and the roof are the 226 rooms and suites. Ours featured a sweeping balcony with views across Los Angeles, which was the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner before heading out into the city to enjoy the melting pot of flavours and cuisines.
Inside the room there was swathes of space, they were actually so big i could have done a dance audition, but not to be undone by the room, the bathroom was a grecian palace in its own regard, with giant bathtub, shower for two, and a monochromatic mosaic which brought even more Hollywood glamour to the space.
While the main rooms feature all the creature comforts, there are plenty of suites for every taste, including a Vivienne Westwood Penthouse on the rooftop which is perhaps the most exclusive of all. In the heart of the suite is the ‘Salon’ which is brought to life by a large central rug, boasting the iconic Vivienne Westwood squiggle pattern. The hand spun & hand knotted Tibetan wool rug was especially designed and created for the room in a pale and teal blue squiggle print. The print was first seen in Westwood’s seminal 1981 Pirate Collection and has become an iconic print synonymous with the brand.
The penthouse doesn’t come cheap though. The Penthouse guests are also treated to exclusive designer experiences, including one hour of private shopping at the Vivienne Westwood store in West Hollywood and a special discount on all purchases; His and Her gift bags from Vivienne Westwood upon check-in; and Vivienne Westwood-branded amenities within the suite. The Penthouse Inspired by Vivienne Westwood is priced at $15,000 per night, while other rooms come in at a fraction of the price.
Also on the top floor is the rooftop pool, which is perhaps the most iconic part of the hotel. More akin to a Soho House private members club, where sun beds flank the central pool lined with palm trees and an iconic bulldog artwork on one end. Throughout the day there are cool beats playing, along with a great poolside menu of food and drinks.
But the best thing of all are the sweeping views of West Hollywood’s glitz hills complete with mid-century hilltop houses and sweeping grid-views of downtown Los Angeles as far as the eye can see.
There are few places that give you a real sense of that La La land aesthetic that we all hope for and while more modern, contemporary hotels might give you all the mod-cons, only The London West Hollywood and a handful of other properties will give you such a sense of time and place.
TheDesignAir 