The British-inspired hotel is recasting itself with a clear audience in mind: movie stars.
The London West Hollywood arrived on the local hospitality landscape in 2008 determined to give Tinseltown glitz a polished British elegance: washing the interiors in gilded accents, bringing along London celeb-chef Gordon Ramsay to helm the kitchen, and sowing a buzzy scene at the rooftop pool that became a magnet for L.A’s PYTs. But the hotel has set its sights on a different crowd as of late—award season’s A-list.
As part of the $25 million renovation that wrapped this year, a state-of-the-art screening room was added just off the lobby. The second floor was refashioned with suites readymade for press junkets, including fiber optics for studios and media outlets and private elevator access for paparazzi-shy stars. Access to the cabana-lined pool is reserved exclusively for guests (though anyone can head to the casual alfresco lounge Rooftop West) and the ballyhooed Ramsey restaurant is now Boxwood, a pared-down concept with a cocktail bar and small à la carte menu.
The newest feather in its cap? The 11,000-square-foot penthouse by British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, the largest in the city. Perks include an hour-long shopping spree at her nearby store and a private terrace that can host 300 guests (did someone say after party?). It's all proving that privacy is the ultimate luxury.
Nate Storey is an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure.
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