Tried & Tested

Delta Air Lines 767 Business Class Atlanta – London Heathrow London West Hollywood Hotel

BACKGROUND:

There are currently two properties under The London brand of hotels: The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, and The London NYC in Midtown Manhattan. With its “all-suite”concept, rooms at The London West Hollywood are considerably more spacious than typical LA luxury hotels. Originally opened in 1984 as The Bel Age, the 226-room hotel recently underwent a $27 million renovation including 21 luxury suites.

WHERE IS IT?

Conveniently located in the heart of the City of West Hollywood. The Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Boulevard are minutes away by foot, as are landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? The décor is modern Art Deco meets glamorous Old Hollywood – think quirky elements that complement the brand’s British heritage, such as the deceptively realistic British Bulldog figurines standing guard in the lobby. The ambience is youthful, but sophisticated rather than“edgy.”Public spaces are airy and full of natural light, and you’re likely to recognize a few famous faces mingling amongst the regular folk since the place is known as a hangout for musicians, actors and artists.

WiFi is free and there is a complimentary House Car service within a 2km radius from 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily. Calls made to London from your room’s landline are free.

ROOM FACILITIES I stayed in the top-floor Royal Vista Suite, a welcoming open-plan abode of neutral tones with pops of vibrant color and retro touches of leather, velvet and wood. The main balcony over- looks Sunset Boulevard and downtown Los Angeles, and one partial balcony overlooks the Hollywood Hills.

The room has been thoughtfully planned to accommodate guests’power needs (outlets in the vanity table and oversized work desk). The minibar features a Keurig machine, as well as a personal wet bar with serving trays, wine and champagne glasses.

Aside from the impressive balcony views, the crowning feature must be the enormous bathroom, with custom tile floors, spacious shower with dual showerheads, and C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries products.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS:

The lobby-level Boxwood restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner while drinks and a select menu can be ordered from the rooftop pool deck. High tea is served daily in the Boxwood’s adjacent lounge and a new al fresco dining concept, Boxwood on the Roof, is open for lunch and dinner. Executive chef Anthony Keene who previously headed up the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at The London, brings his unique blend of British and New American cuisine. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.

BUSINESS AND

Meetings tend to be of the filmmaking variety, so it’s fitting that there’s a private movie theatre and screening room. It can be rented out for private parties, events and movie screenings – in fact the press meet for Captain America was being held the day I checked in. On the main floor there is also a 4,000-square-foot ballroom and private outdoor garden terrace.

LEISURE FACILITIES:

The swanky private rooftop pool is reserved for hotel guests only – the perfect spot to soak up that Californian sun while you sip cocktails and peer at the beautiful people in designer

swimwear. On the main level is a 24-hour, 2,600-square-foot fitness center, a full-service hair salon, nail salon and a small clothing boutique.

VERDICT: A pleasure from arrival to check-out. Luxurious rooms and convenient location – perfect for tagging on some Hollywood leisure time to your LA business trip.