After years of visiting a lot of places throughout the world, I can say that West Hollywood has a distinct feel that cannot be duplicated. Having spent time in this vibrant city as both a visitor and resident, I can wholeheartedly endorse West Hollywood as a must-visit destination. It is at the cultural and geographical heart of the Los Angeles region, and surrounded by must-see hotspots in every direction.

The Sunset Strip is the stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood and is a one-of-a-kind party destination with great food and fun; Santa Monica Boulevard is a must for browsing fantastic shops and discovering new restaurants; and the Design District includes some of the world-famous retailers we all know, but it’s the magic of the shopping you can do on Melrose that you will never forget.

PC: West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board

“The pandemic has proven just how resilient and creative West Hollywood really is. Many of the restaurants West Hollywood is famous for have created charming outdoor spaces for alfresco dining, and most of our Hotels are offering incredible deals and incentives to entice visitors to come back. The walkability of West Hollywood, along with our rooftop pools and cocktail culture are a perfect cure for work-from-home weary visitors who are eager for a safe and refreshing change of pace,” said Tom Kiely, President and CEO of West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board.

As the world continues to adjust to the impact of COVID-19, we see many of the hotels reopening their doors to guests, and restaurants continue to modify their dining areas to include more and more outdoor space for socially-distanced dining. There are no shortage of hotels throughout West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the surrounding areas, but there is just something special about the boutique hotels in West Hollywood that provide guests with personalized luxury and unique travel experiences that we love.

“As we continue to open up, our neighborhood has relied on its creative spirit more than ever. While following health guidelines, hotels, restaurants, retail, and small businesses have maneuvered with community in mind first. The collaborations and partnerships have been outstanding to watch, with intentions of bringing wonderful moments to the patrons and visitors of West Hollywood,” said Nicholas Lobberecht, Sales & Marketing Manager at La Peer Hotel.

Each of these boutique hotels are working tirelessly to give their guests a true West Hollywood travel experience, but they are also going above and beyond to provide a safe visit with an entirely new level of safety protocols before, during and after your stay. As things continue to change by the day, we suggest that you inquire with each property to confirm what services and amenities are currently being offered. West Hollywood is calling, and we know that these five very distinctive boutique hotel options will provide you with an unforgettable getaway.

A Sure Thing: The West Hollywood Edition

The West Hollywood EDITION is located on the corner of West Sunset Boulevard and North Doheny Drive, where West Hollywood meets Beverly Hills. Featuring 140 guest rooms and 48 suites with 2 penthouses, the hotel also features 20 luxury residences and over 6,500 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel boasts inspiring and sophisticated outlets, which include a signature restaurant, lobby lounge, basement club, expansive rooftop pool and a 6-treatment room spa.

We do love the spa option here… The Spa at The West Hollywood EDITION is the first luxury destination in Los Angeles to weave together wellness, mindfulness and beauty from within, through treatments and experiences that embrace healthy lifestyles and ecological well-being. Rooms include technology-forward treatments with sound and light, recovery therapies to restore the mind and body, and ancient rituals such as self-guided meditation. Inner health and nutrition are a focus with plant-derived products, including essential oils. What’s not to love?

A Hotel Hideaway: Kimpton La Peer Hotel

Just steps from the exciting intersection of Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, Kimpton La Peer Hotel thrives in the heart of West Hollywood’s Design District. The neighborhood’s engaging blend of art, architecture and fashion are reflected throughout this design-centric hotel that evokes the best of the tasteful surroundings. The hotel features 105 luxury guestrooms and suites, a great pool that screams “West Hollywood,” a rooftop event space and more than 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining and lounge spaces.

The tranquility of leafy olive trees and al fresco dining set the perfect tone around their outdoor hotel pool. Adjacent to the patio bar, this intimate oasis is an ideal place to enjoy an afternoon cocktail. A vertical garden wall offers a notable sense of privacy, while vintage brass light fixtures offer gentle illumination during those special evening hours. This peaceful West Hollywood hotel pool is an inviting place to unwind any time of day.

There is so much to love about this hideaway. Beyond the pool, they are also very pet friendly; and they offer several unique amenities (that will be returning in the future, TBD) you can only get at a boutique hotel like this such as their bath amenity when they provide customized bath rituals in your guestroom and their cocktail service that provides guests with a private speakeasy complete with the classics and other premium options. You are sure to love this boutique experience, and appreciate the attention to detail by the entire team.

An Unforgettable Experience: Petit Ermitage

In a city where anonymity is key, we love that Petit Ermitage is a European-style, all suite luxury boutique hotel situated in a quiet residential area between Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. Guests enjoy an eccentric mix of bohemian design and world-class art where Dali, Miro and more adorn the hallways. Petit Ermitage caters to creative types who enjoy open air rooftop dining amongst hummingbirds & butterflies (the space is recognized as their sanctuary by the National Wildlife Federation,) craft cocktails and drinks, heated rooftop saltwater pool, sunken outdoor fireplace and cabanas surrounded by 360 degree views of the Hollywood Hills.

As the cornerstone of the Petit Ermitage experience, the private rooftop boasts impressive star power to match the daily and nightly outdoor magic. Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang is a veteran of world-renowned restaurants throughout North America, and she now brings her notable pedigree and skill set to Petit with intriguing Mediterranean influenced creations. Very unique to this property, Food and Beverage Director Martin Riese is the world’s leading certified Water Sommelier, and foremost expert of water on the planet. He has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, The New York Times, Conan O’Brien, and most recently Down to Earth with Zac Efron. Petit Ermitage now features his exclusively curated water menu and select tastings. Don’t miss this!

As a private hotel (no outside visitors allowed) with open air outdoor dining, Petit Ermitage has emerged in the current travel environment as a much sought after luxury experience combining high-end whimsical with appropriate safety and social distancing.

An Elevated Stay: Mondrian Los Angeles

Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Mondrian Los Angeles lights up the stellar California city with a vision of contemporary style and sophistication unlike any other. Their striking guest rooms and suites are crafted to offer an inspired fusion of beauty and comfort, and they are certainly one-of-a-kind. This landmark destination celebrates the best of a surrealist aesthetic and devoted attention to detail.

We love that it captures everything the Strip stands for – excitement, invincibility and glamour. Entering Mondrian through its signature, thirty-foot mahogany doors, guests will find the recently expanded lobby that features hues of deep purple and complemented by custom-designed furniture, a Lucite indoor swing and a mushroom-inspired concierge desk. Surrounded by the beauty of the hotel lobby is their world class Business Center with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access.

Up in the sky, amid the clouds of Los Angeles, guests can enjoy the stunning view from our Skybar deck (when it reopens). Exxhibit Boutique is the gift shop that you have to visit since it offers curated items tailored for the LA scene. Mondrian is located right on the Sunset Strip, close to Fox Studios, Paramount Pictures, Staples Center, Dodgers Stadium, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica, Rodeo Drive and Getty Museum. For the many fans of the sbe style and brand, this property will not disappoint…

A Pleasant Surprise: Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel

PC: Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel

This hotel is unlike any Best Western property you have ever visited before. Our publisher frequents many of the finest hotels in the world, so when he stands behind the Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel as his go-to hotel in West Hollywood, you know they are doing something right. Try this one out for yourself, and stay on the Sunset Strip at this upscale hotel with European-style rooms and suites along with a host of quality amenities.

Visit some of Hollywood’s best and brightest attractions, from Universal Studios to Beverly Hills and all the trending boutiques and warm beaches in between. Inquire about a room on the main floor with walk out access to the pool for our favorite pick. When you’re ready to venture out into the surrounding areas, the staff is always happy to arrange sightseeing tours to pick guests up from their lobby or arrange convenient car rentals for out-of-town business travelers.

Lounge in the stunning courtyard area with lush gardens and a heated outdoor pool lined with lounge chairs. Enjoy the charming decor throughout the property and begin each morning with their complimentary hot buffet breakfast and end each evening with entrées delivered from the always-popular Saddle Ranch Chop House right to your door. This property might lack an element of “luxury” that we find at the others in this collection, but the oversized rooms, privacy and location make this a very pleasant surprise in West Hollywood.