The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills has been one of the most stylish stays in Los Angeles since its debut in 2008, and a handful of thoughtful renovations since then has kept the go-to getaway tucked just off the famed Sunset Strip feeling fresh. It’s no surprise that the effortlessly luxurious hotel frequently tops the Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure readers’ choice charts, thanks to its all-suite guest accommodations, swoon-worthy rooftop pool, alluring eateries and overall cool-girl vibes.
It’s a see-and-be-seen spot for celebs, fashionistas, industry insiders and glam globetrotters alike. The hotel’s picturesque private terraces often serve as a backdrop for photo shoots and Instagram posts, showing off panoramic views of the city skyline and Hollywood Hills. Nineties pop culture aficionados might even recognize glimmers of the property’s glittering past life as the Bel Age hotel, a frequent filming location for the era-defining show Beverly Hills, 90210. Boasting the best of both its namesake cities, the five-star hotel combines the sophistication of London with the style of West Hollywood. It combines golden age glamour with stellar service and countless modern conveniences, making for the ultimate Los Angeles oasis.
Photography provided by The London West Hollywood
Setting
Situated on a quiet side street — dare we say demure? — at the heart of the city’s most vibrant neighborhood, the London is a rare La La Land retreat. The hotel is just blocks from bustling Sunset Strip nightlife institutions like the Viper Room, the Roxy, Whisky a Go Go and the Comedy Store, and it’s mere minutes from the luxe Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive shopping and dining district. In short? There’s simply no better home base for a City of Angels sojourn.
Vibe
The plush interiors designed by David Collins Studio and Richmond International ooze with relaxed retro charm. From the elegant entrance to the sparkling lobby to the English-style garden (known as Hampton Court), special touches abound throughout the chic yet comfortable property. British whimsy is also woven throughout, with motifs of the hotel mascot — an English bulldog — popping up in places like the entrance fountain and up on the rooftop. No doubt, there’s a playfulness that puts the elegance at ease.
Claim to Fame
The London is a celebrity magnet, thanks to its discrete nature as well as industry-specific amenities like a well-appointed screening room and an entire level with dedicated space for press junkets and the like. The roster of notable visitors over the years reads like a who’s who of Hollywood: Oprah, Samuel L. Jackson, Kim Kardashian, Idris Elba, Bella Hadid, John Legend and more. But the guest list isn’t the only thing with star power; the two-story penthouse — among the largest in Los Angeles — was designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood herself.
Amenities
Let’s start with that exclusive rooftop pool that beckons guests to the spacious sundeck and private cabanas flanking its sides, shall we? There’s also the well-equipped 24/7 fitness center, several event venues (including the wedding-perfect Hampton Court), and the aforementioned press junket and screening room spaces. The elite concierge service simply can’t be beat, providing access to all the city’s hottest attractions and events, plus the Mercedes house car is available for close trips. Bonus: The property is dog-friendly.
The Rooms
The hotel’s 226 sumptuous suites boast airy ambiances, open layouts, private terraces and spa-like bathrooms by Waterworks, replete with walk-in rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs. Select accommodations also feature kitchenettes, dedicated dressing areas, wet bars and similarly sophisticated elements. The penthouse, meanwhile, is considered a villa in the sky, with multiple bedrooms, a grand salon, a kitted-out kitchen, and a private rooftop deck with an outdoor kitchen, lounging and dining areas, and a cozy fireplace.
Dining
Signature onsite eatery Boxwood is helmed by Executive Chef Anthony Keene, whose talented kitchen team presents innovative, seasonal fare from dawn until dusk (and beyond, with 24-hour room service). The ever-evolving tasting menu is a great way to explore the culinary offerings, such as kombu-cured salmon, grilled wagyu steak and trumpet royale mushrooms. Guests can savor the robust complimentary breakfast buffet each morning and partake in the popular afternoon tea service come weekends. Snacks and sips are also available up on the rooftop as well as in the London Bar just off the lobby.
