VIBE

After taking over the former Bel Age Hotel space, The London West Hollywood opened to much fanfare in 2008 with a hip blend of elegant British aesthetics and casual California-cool vibes. The beautiful people have been ever-so-stylishly draping themselves over the popular rooftop poolside loungers ever since. Rooms by celeb Brit designer David Collins (of London’s The Wolseley fame) are the centerpiece here–very large with coffee machines, flat screens, and iPod docking stations. Bathrooms feature multiple showerheads, whirlpools, and thick robes.

GO HERE WITH

A hot date – for the West Hollywood scene and comfortable accommodations; the girls – for a swinging night on the town

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s got a sexy British-meets-Californian vibe. Lovely spot for pool lounging by day and ideal starting point for hip clubbing around Sunset Boulevard by night.

AMENITY WE LOVE

Complimentary calls to London.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The key cards that you use to access the elevators and open the rooms can be erratic (we have heard this around even though ours worked just fine)–not fun to be locked out of the lift or your own room.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re looking for some alfresco exercise, the staff sets up exercise equipment (and complimentary coffee!) by the pool in the mornings. Also, foodies beware: Gordon Ramsay is no longer actually involved with the two restaurants bearing his name at the London West Hollywood (he sold out to the hotel’s operator, LXR). When booking, try to score a south-facing room; the north-facing ones can be noisy.

CLOSEST COMPS

L'Ermitage Beverly Hills (Los Angeles)

Read more about The London West Hollywood in The Diary

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Los Angeles