Modern and design-focused, this 239-room boutique hotel stands head and shoulders above the pack in West Hollywood. That’s mainly thanks to a rooftop pool with killers views, though the stylish rooms, affordability and complimentary minibar snacks give this place a broad appeal.
Andaz is one of Hyatt’s “lifestyle” sub-brands, so expect things like nightly wine tastings and Eero Aarnio-designed plastic toy dogs thoughtfully placed in the suites at this culture-savvy hotel. Conceptual art installations abound not just in the lobby, but all throughout the property, and there’s even a special tier of suites designed by Jonathan Adler, which include bright pops of color, eye-catching sculptures and plenty of shiny metallic accents. The showiness is less apparent in the standard rooms, which trade out eye candy for tech gear (iPod docking stations and iHome stereos) and relaxed furnishings (the custom Sealy Posturpedic beds are sweet!). Meanwhile, the hotel knows the way to any guest’s heart is through her stomach, so they’ve knowingly supplied free snacks and beverages in all the rooms—think of it as an honesty bar without the honesty (though alcoholic drinks cost extra). The restaurant is visually impressive, with a nice long bar counter, communal marble tables and a glass-encased wine gallery; meanwhile the menu offers satisfying plates like parmesan truffle fries, an excellent house burger and pan-seared scallops.
Location: Smack in the middle of the Sunset Strip, the Andaz West Hollywood towers majestically over its surroundings, with views that stretch all the way to the coast on a clear day. Direct access is granted to West Hollywood staples like Chateau Marmont and Mel’s Drive-In, and the opportunities for late-night carousing are endless.
Nearby:
Viper Room: In business since the 1940s, this classic West Hollywood haunt has gone through various incarnations, but remains a trusted source of after-hours entertainment. It’s 15 minutes from the hotel, and offers a range of events from drag performances and Elvis theme nights to karaoke.
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 complimentary minibars (not to mention free morning coffee and pastries) are a boon for business folk who need to snack on the go, while the building’s history provides a unique context for any diehard rock ‘n roll fans: this is the place, after all, where Keith Richards once dropped a television from his hotel window. Back in the 1970s, it was known as the Riot House, though today it attracts more business travelers, families, and design lovers than actual rock stars.
Amenities: pool, room service, free Wi-Fi, minibar, restaurant, bar, gym, concierge
Time Out tip: All that art is good for more than just an intellectual boost: you can finagle a free drink out of it, if you’re smart. As part of the Art Seen @ Andaz series, any guests who takes a photo of the current exhibit and posts it using the hashtag #andazweho can redeem a free glass of wine along with the purchase of another menu item. Cheers to that!