You’re driving up San Vicente Boulevard, and honestly, the transition from the grit of Sunset to the quiet luxury of The London West Hollywood hotel is almost jarring. It’s that weird West Hollywood magic. One second you're stuck in traffic behind a tour bus, and the next, you’re handing your keys to a valet in a space that feels more like a Mayfair manor than a Southern California hotspot. Most people expect Los Angeles hotels to be either hyper-modern glass boxes or crumbling Old Hollywood relics. This place? It’s neither. It’s basically what happens when you take British sensibility and give it a massive dose of California sunshine.
It's expensive. Let's get that out of the way. But the thing about The London is that it doesn’t just charge you for the name; it charges you for the space. In a city where "luxury" often means a 300-square-foot room with a fancy espresso machine, this hotel starts its floor plan at about 725 square feet. That's larger than most New York City apartments. You’ve got these sunken living rooms, mirrored dressing areas, and bathrooms that feel like they were designed by someone who genuinely enjoys a long soak.
What the Rooms are Really Like Inside The London West Hollywood Hotel
When people talk about the "all-suite" experience here, they aren't kidding. David Collins Studio did the original interiors, and while they’ve been refreshed, that sophisticated, slightly moody aesthetic remains. The color palette is all sage greens, soft creams, and metallic accents. It sounds like it could be stuffy. It isn’t. The light coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows makes sure of that.
The beds are massive. Usually, when a hotel says "King Size," you take it with a grain of salt, but these feel expansive. You've also got those signature oversized soaking tubs. It's a vibe. Honestly, the most underrated part of the room is the dressing area. It’s separate from the sleeping quarters, which means if you’re traveling with someone, you aren't tripping over each other's suitcases or waking them up when you’re getting ready at 6:00 AM.
One thing people often miss: the balconies. Almost every suite has one. Standing out there at night, looking at the lights of the Hollywood Hills or the sprawling grid of the LA basin, you realize why people pay the premium. It’s quiet. Somehow, despite being a stone’s throw from the Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go, the soundproofing is elite. You’re in the heart of it, but you’re also completely removed.
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The Rooftop Pool Scene is Actually Worth the Price of Admission
If you haven't seen the rooftop at The London West Hollywood hotel, have you even been to West Hollywood? It’s the crown jewel. Seriously. While other hotels in the area—looking at you, Mondrian or the Edition—can feel like a high-pressure fashion show, The London feels a bit more "grown-up."
The views are 360 degrees. You can see the Pacific Design Center, the DTLA skyline, and the Hollywood sign all in one pivot. The pool itself is surrounded by private cabanas that have these retractable sides. It’s very discrete. You’ll see celebrities here, but the rule is basically "don't look, don't tell." It's a sanctuary for people who don't want to be bothered.
Eating on the Roof
The Rooftop restaurant is great for lunch. Don't expect a massive, heavy meal. It’s California-British fusion. Think lobster rolls, grilled chicken paillard, and very expensive salads. The "London Lemonade" is their go-to cocktail, and it hits different when you’re sitting by the fire pits at sunset. The service can be a bit slow when it’s busy—that’s just the reality of rooftop dining in LA—but the staff is generally more attentive than the "too cool to care" vibe you find at other neighborhood spots.
Boxwood and the Breakfast Situation
Breakfast is included for guests. Usually, "complimentary breakfast" at a hotel means a sad bagel and some watery orange juice. Here, it’s a full European-style spread at Boxwood. We’re talking charcuterie, high-end pastries, smoked salmon, and fresh fruit that actually tastes like fruit. It’s served in a room that looks like a high-end conservatory.
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Dinner at Boxwood is a different beast altogether. Executive Chef Anthony Keene runs the show, and he’s been there for years, which is rare in the revolving-door world of LA kitchens. The menu is sophisticated without being pretentious. They do a Beef Wellington that is technically perfect. The pastry is crisp, the meat is tender, and the red wine jus is rich enough to make you want to order a second glass of Cabernet.
The Weird, Wonderful Details Nobody Mentions
Most reviews focus on the pool and the suites, but there are a few things that actually make the stay better:
- The Bulldogs: The hotel has two resident English Bulldogs, Winston and Churchill. They are basically the mascots. You can find them hanging out in the lobby or on the roof. It adds a weirdly domestic, friendly touch to a place that could otherwise feel too polished.
- The Screening Room: They have a 110-seat private screening room. It’s used for junkets and premieres all the time. If you’re a film nerd, just walking past it feels like you’re in the center of the industry.
- The Fitness Center: It’s actually functional. It isn't just a treadmill in a basement. It’s bright, has modern equipment, and enough space to actually move.
Logistics and the "West Hollywood" Factor
Location is everything. The London West Hollywood hotel sits right at the base of the Hollywood Hills. You can walk to the Sunset Strip in five minutes. You can walk to the shops on Melrose in fifteen. But because it’s tucked just off the main drag, you don't get the "Sunset Strip noise" at 2:00 AM.
Parking is valet only, and it’s pricey. That’s just LA. If you’re planning on staying here, factor in another $60-$70 a day for the car. Or just Uber everywhere—it’s honestly easier given the central location.
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Is it worth the splurge?
Let’s be real: if you just need a place to sleep, go to a Marriott. You stay at The London because you want the "London Suite" life. You stay because you want to feel like a VIP without the paparazzi outside. It’s for the traveler who wants luxury but also wants to feel comfortable enough to walk to the elevators in a robe.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
To get the most out of your visit, keep these specific tips in mind:
- Request a North-Facing Suite: If you want to see the Hollywood Hills and the iconic architecture of the hills, ask for the north side. If you want the city lights and the "La La Land" sprawl, go south.
- Book the Afternoon Tea: It’s served on the weekends and it’s one of the few places in LA that does a proper British tea service. The scones are actually legit.
- Use the Concierge: This isn't a "search it on your phone" kind of place. The concierge team here has deep roots in the neighborhood. They can get you into restaurants that show "No Availability" on OpenTable.
- Check the Event Calendar: This hotel hosts a lot of fashion and film events. Sometimes the roof is closed for private functions in the evening, so check ahead if you’re planning a sunset drink.
- Look for Mid-Week Deals: Sunday through Tuesday, prices can drop significantly compared to the weekend "club scene" crowd. You get the same suite for a fraction of the Friday night rate.
Staying here isn't just about a room; it's about the specific intersection of British poise and Los Angeles energy. It's a place that understands that true luxury isn't about being loud—it's about having enough space to breathe in a city that's always moving.