VIBE

Sexy, glam boutique. All black leather, glossy paneling, and edgy chrome, this is a hot rod of a hotel, and scenesters love it. Rooms feature interesting decor–some have quirky features like mirrors creeping from the wall onto the ceiling. Bathrooms can be small, but linens by Sferra and bath products by Kiehl’s up the luxury factor. The rooftop pool is ultra trendy with the under-30 set, so make sure you have your elbows out if you want a sun lounger. By night, the scene at the two exclusive lounges can also be sizzling. We were surprised to find this trendy property right in the heart of Beverly Hills (home of the more classic Peninsula, Montage, Beverly Wilshire, etc.)–this is a true contrast.

GO HERE WITH

Friends – for the pool scene, nightlife, and nearby shopping

WHY WE LIKE IT

There’s no beating around the bush at Thompson. This is a place for boys and girls who like fast cars and…well, you know the rest.

AMENITY WE LOVE

Panoramic Beverly Hills views from the pool deck.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The pool is pretty small, and there’s no poolside food service (you have to order food from a phone in the elevator lobby…lame). Also, rooms near the rooftop bar can be really loud at night, and the in-room mood lighting is too dim.

GOOD TO KNOW

If possible, avoid rooms near the elevator, unless you want to be serenaded by clanging doors 24/7. Thompson has a series of properties in New York (60 Thompson, 6 Columbus, Gild Hall, Smyth Tribeca, Thompson LES), LA (Hollywood Roosevelt), Chicago (Sax), Toronto (Thompson Toronto), and Washington DC (Donovan House).

CLOSEST COMPS

SLS Beverly Hills (Los Angeles); The Standard, Hollywood (Los Angeles)

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