There are quite a few that continue to draw the cool crowds.
As the world knows, there’s never a shortage of luxury hotels in La La Land. In this glitzy destination for Hollywood trendsetters and aspiring IT-boys and girls, new hotels rise while old institutions never stop renovating. Over the years, however, there are quite a few that continue to draw cool crowds. If you’re heading toward Los Angeles, these are some names you should keep in mind. Whether you choose one for lodging, be sure to stop by others on the list for a chic cocktail or dive into a pool party!
1. The Beverly Hills Hotel – The Iconic
9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 (map, website)
Photo: The Beverly Hills Hotel
Known for its famous pink exterior, there’s nothing more iconic than The Beverly Hills Hotel. Established in 1912, it was present even before the city existed. Since its original owner Margaret J. Anderson, a wealthy widow, the hotel has been through various ownerships and transitions. Today, it’s part of the Dorchester Collection, remaining as the classic luxury country club in the middle of the city.
Normally, this is where many Hollywood industry ceremonies and parties take place. It’s also where actors, musicians stay during award show season. In recent years, because Dorchester’s owner, who is the Sultan of Brunei, instituted Sharia law – which allows cruel implementations of women and gays – celebs including: Ellen DeGeneres and Elton John have vowed to stop visiting the hotel until human right issues have been resolved in Brunei.
2. Montage Beverly Hills – The Oasis
225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA (map, website)
Photos: Montage Beverly Hills
Situated in the Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle and just a few blocks from Rodeo Drive, Montage Beverly Hills has become the ideal spot for getaways even for local Los Angelenos. Celebs such as: Gwyneth Paltrow and Rachel Zoe love escaping to the hotel for some major R&R and munch on food whipped up by Scarpetta, which also serves an amazing Sunday brunch. The rooms combine old-Hollywood style with modern amenities. A huge bonus is the in-house Mercedes Benz that guests can drive around when it’s not being used by others. Vroooom….
3. Petit Ermitage – Bohemian-Chic Exclusive
8822 Cynthia St, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map, website)
Facebook/Petit Ermitage
One of my personal favorites, Petit Ermitage is a hidden gem that remains exclusive to artists, business owners who prefer an intimate, bohemian vibe in Hollywood Hills. Every inch of the hotel oozes of art expression, as owners Severyn and Arnold Ashkenazy are art fanatics themselves, their purchases of Van Gogh and Picasso are hung on the walls of their properties. Petit Ermitage Private Rooftop Club is one of my favorites, as if one has escaped from L.A. to Marrakech, lounging on plush pillows while sunbathing underneath the blazing sun. The night performance in its swanky bar at night is artistically titillating. Each guestroom is embellished with sparkling tastes from North Africa atop lush Turkish carpets, waiting to whisk you away for the night.
4. The Mondrian – To See Or Be Seen
8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map, website)
Facebook/The Mondrian
Whether you’re someone others want to rub shoulders with or the other way around, The Mondrian has been one of the hippest hotels in L.A. since its inception in 1996. SkyBar at its lively pool is one of the biggest draws, who can ever say “no” to a pool party when it’s always 80 degrees out? Originally designed by Philippe Starck, The Mondrian underwent another facelift in 2008 operated by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz with a brighter, bolder tone that embraces crowds from Chateau Marmont and the Standard.
5. The Hollywood Roosevelt – Redefined Classic
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map, website)
Facebook/The Hollywood Roosevelt
Built during the Golden Era of Los Angeles, The Hollywood Roosevelt came to life in 1926, named after the 26th President of the United States: Theodore Roosevelt. Right beside the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater, the 12-story building embodies 300 rooms and 63 suites that are posh with Spanish Colonial-style. Think: leather couches and gorgeous chandeliers. It was a favorite among Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor. Through the years, it’s been able to keep up with the evolving crowd in Hollywood’s elites through premiers and events. Needless to say, the Roosevelt is an oldie but a very goodie.
6. Chateau Marmont – Old Hollywood Glamour
8221 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (map, website)
Facebook/Chateau Marmont
For as long as there was Hollywood, there was Chateau Marmont. Perched above Sunset Blvd, the 63 rooms and suites luxury hotel has excellent amenities that invited the likes of Grace Kelly and Lauren Hutton all the way to Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan (both have been banned from the hotel for bad behavior.) It’s a place where celebs can disappear right in the middle of Hollywood, since it takes much pride in its discretion and privilege. Johnny Depp has claimed that him and ex-girlfriend Kate Moss have made love in every room, while John Belushi died in Bungalow Three. The tales are legendary, what’s your Chateau Marmont story to tell?
