THE transformation of Los Angeles hotels has continued at a rapid pace in the last few years – many old addresses will be unrecognizable to those who haven’t been back in a few years. Here are five hotels (either brand new or dramatically renovated) that have debuted in the past 12 months.
1) MONTAGEBeverly Hills
Fans of the Laguna Beach original will flip for the new city sister property – easily the best hotel to debut in Los Angeles in years – which of course, looks nothing like the beachfront resort. This time, it’s all Spanish Revival/Mission, all the time – almost like a modern-day interpretation of the magnificent Mission Inn, a legendary SoCal hotel that’s unfortunately no longer the glamour spot it once was, mostly due to its location in the city of Riverside. No location issues here, at the corner of Canon Drive and Wilshire, steps from everything in Beverly Hills. Staff is headed up by Ali Kasikci, who made the Peninsula (across town) extra fabulous; expect the same thing here. Highlights include the 20,00-square-foot spa with co-ed mineral pool, mud room and, of course, separate steam, sauna, whirlpool and sexy showers of all kinds for both men and women. There’s a rooftop pool with cabanas and a handful of worthy dining options. Rooms are oversized, if a little predictable.
Info: From $495; montagebeverlyhills.com
2) SLS HOTELBeverly Center
Nightlife impresario Sam Nazarian was just one of many to hop on the “Let’s Create A Hotel Brand!” bandwagon a few years back. Then the wheels fell off. These days, there’s just one SLS hotel up and running, the old Le Meridien on La CIenega Boulevard, just behind Morton’s. It’s a looker, that’s for sure. It’s also the only place to see the latest work of Phillippe Starck, who signed an exclusive 15-year agreement with the group. Starck went to town, creating an “Alice in Wonderland” look in the lobby, an effect that ends up looking like an old Schrager hotel on steroids. Staff seemed competent; the buzz is on DC celeb chef Jose Andres, whose restaurant, “The Bazaar,” is famous for being the employer of hot Top Chef contestant Marcel Vigneron.
Info: From $399; starwoodhotels.com/luxury
3) ANDAZSunset Strip
The Riot Hyatt has gone corporate – apparently, nothing is sacred. Not that the hotel was all that punk rock in recent years, but still, the fact that this new, business-traveler-focused Hyatt brand is now living in the hotel where Keith Richards flung a TV overboard or Jim Morrison once hung himself out to dry is now touting complimentary wireless Internet, “well appointed ergonomic work spaces” and a non-alcoholic minibar just seems strange. The famous balconies are now enclosed, creating a sort of conservatory effect in every room. We miss the fresh air, frankly.
Info: From $295; andaz.com
4) HOTEL PALOMARWestwood
If Westwood Village and UCLA are your destinations, there’s a good alternative to the W Hotel these days. Down in the condo canyon that is Wilshire Boulevard below the village area, this entry from Kimpton Hotels has been a hit with travelers. It’s the usual Kimpton look: smart, colorful Cheryl Rowley interiors. The onsite restaurant, Blvd 16, gets mixed reviews, but frankly, we’d rather walk to In-N-Out Burger over on Gayley Avenue. Speaking of walking – for $1.25 a ride, the Wilshire Rapid bus will whisk you either into Beverly Hills or out to the beach in Santa Monica a lot faster than you’d think.
Info: From $249; hotelpalomar.com
5) LONDONSunset Strip
Designer David Collins gives West Hollywood’s ye olde Bel Age hotel the treatment and Gordon Ramsay brings his culinary chops to the kitchen (and room service). Sound familiar? That’s right – it happened in New York already. If you like the way the Rihga Royal looks now, you’ll be happy here. Except this one has a killer pool with a view. And more guaranteed sunshine. This one, frankly, feels even less like London. Who thinks of these names?
Info: From $199; thelondonwesthollywood.com