It’s always a relaxed, fun time at this 1950s-chic throwback, which remains the linchpin of the Standard Hotels enterprise. Whether you’re coming to explore the Sunset Strip, or munch on squash blossom tacos by the pool, it’s hard not to feel like you’re living the good life here.
With its rippling, white stucco facade projecting over a sparkling blue pool that’s reminiscent of a condensed Cap-Eden-Roc, the original Standard has carved a clear niche for itself in dense, oversaturated West Hollywood since 1999. Like its sister property downtown, the pool is the focus, and serves as a vehicle for the hotel’s all-day restaurant, Alma. (Even if you’re not into the idea of dinner against a backdrop of bikinis and flamingo float toys, the brunch scene is absolutely worth a scope, with crave-worthy bevs like Kimchi Bloody Marys and rum-spiked horchata with cold-brew coffee.) An award should be handed to whoever designed the rooms, whose wonderfully retro format pairs bold patterned curtains and clean white desks against floor to ceiling windows with balconies. It’s like you’re stuck in a 1950s time warp, in the best possible way. Whether you end up with a city view (preferable) or a lookout over Sunset Boulevard, the innate allure of West Hollywood plays an active role throughout the hotel, from the lone cactus stalks poking up between the booths at Alma, to the ‘secret’ nightclub, Mmhmmm.
Location: Built along the Sunset Strip, all of the major sights in West Hollywood are walkable from here, including many bars and nightclubs, as well as Mexican restaurants, the gay district on Santa Monica Boulevard, and connection to the #2 bus which runs the length of Sunset.
Nearby:
AMC Dine In Sunset 5: Four blocks from the hotel, this modern cinema offers a decent range of pictures, along with a bar and a limited but tasty menu of lite bites including Korean BBQ Bacon Buns and molten chocolate churros—if you’re in the mood to get pampered, they’ll even bring the food right to your seat.
Stahl House: A visit to this architectural legend is a must, even if just for the twinkly vista. A mile away from the hotel up in the hills, the simplistic design has captivated millions around the world, and succinctly captures the magic of Hollywood that many spend their whole lives chasing.
Sunset Strip: With its unique mix of sleaze and glam, you’ll be glad to have this mile-and-a-half stretch of restaurants (Mel’s Drive-In), clubs (Whiskey A Go-Go), and high-end boutiques right on your doorstep.
Book Soup: WeHo’s most endearing indie book shop is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and has been welcoming L.A. bookworms since the mid-1970s. Over 60,000 titles are available for perusing, in addition to a superbly stocked newsstand and a section devoted to L.A. history and lore.
Good for: The lively pool scene will attract fun-loving groups of friends, business travelers in need of some R&R, and younger travelers. While the design was considered cutting edge almost twenty years ago, some of its sheen has worn off, though anyone with an eye for retro-50s kitsch and a sense of humor will appreciate the hotel’s bright, carefree style.
Amenities: pool, room service, free Wi-Fi, minibar, restaurant, bar, concierge
Time Out tip: There’s no gym per se, but this being West Hollywood, you never have to travel far for a good weight training set and some cardio machines. Simply ask at the front desk and they’ll provide passes to one of their partnered gyms, which sits within 5 minutes walking distance from the hotel.