Why The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is Still the Area's Best Kept Secret

Why The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is Still the Area's Best Kept Secret

You’ve seen the photos. Those iconic pink walls of the Beverly Hills Hotel or the sprawling, see-and-be-seen pool deck at the Mondrian. But honestly? If you actually live in LA or travel here enough to know the rhythm of the city, you eventually realize that the flashiest spots are often the most exhausting. That is exactly why The London West Hollywood exists. It’s tucked away just off the Sunset Strip, yet it feels like a completely different universe than the chaotic neon of the nearby bars.

It’s sophisticated. It’s quiet. And frankly, it’s huge.

When people talk about West Hollywood hotels, they usually focus on the "scene." But what most people get wrong about The London West Hollywood is the assumption that it’s just another high-end boutique stay. It’s not. It’s actually one of the few places in the city where you get massive, all-suite accommodations without having to book a penthouse. We’re talking about rooms that start at 725 square feet. In a city where some "luxury" rooms are basically glorified closets with a view of a dumpster, that kind of space is a legitimate luxury.

The Suite Life (Literally)

Most hotels use the word "suite" as a marketing gimmick. You walk in and it’s a standard king room with a chair in the corner. Not here. At The London West Hollywood, the David Collins Studio-designed rooms are genuinely expansive. You have sunken living rooms, dressing areas that feel like they belong in a movie star's dressing room, and bathrooms that are essentially spas.

The soaking tubs? They’re deep enough to lose a weekend in.

There is a specific vibe to the interior design—very British-chic-meets-California-cool. Think lots of sage greens, gold accents, and mirrored surfaces. It sounds like it could be gaudy, but it actually feels incredibly calm. If you’re traveling for work, having a separate area to take Zoom calls that isn't your bed is a lifesaver. Plus, the balconies. Almost every suite has one. There is nothing quite like waking up, opening the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and watching the fog lift off the Hollywood Hills while you sip a coffee that didn't cost $15 at a cafe downstairs.

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The Vivienne Westwood Connection

If you want to talk about true, over-the-top LA luxury, you have to mention the Vivienne Westwood Suite. It is the largest on-site suite in Los Angeles. Over 11,000 square feet. It’s spread across two floors and features a private 5,000-square-foot roof deck. This isn't just a room; it’s a statement. It’s where brands host massive launch parties or where celebrities hide out when they want to pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist. It’s bold, it’s punk-inspired, and it’s utterly unique to this property.


Why the Rooftop Pool Actually Lives Up to the Hype

Let’s be real. Every hotel in West Hollywood claims to have a "world-class" rooftop. Most of the time, that means a tiny pool crowded with people trying to take selfies while a DJ blasts house music at 11:00 AM.

The London West Hollywood does it differently.

The pool deck here is huge. It has this panoramic view that stretches from the Getty Center all the way to Downtown LA. On a clear day, you can see everything. But the real draw is the atmosphere. It feels like a private club. You’ve got the cabanas, sure, but there’s also a sense of space. You can actually read a book here. You can have a conversation without screaming.

The service is also remarkably sharp. The staff seems to know exactly when you need a refill on your cucumber-infused water without being hovering or annoying. They have these little details—like complimentary sunscreen stations and chilled towels—that make you feel like you’re being looked after rather than just being a room number.

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Dining Without the Drama

Boxwood is the main restaurant, and honestly, it’s underrated.

While everyone is fighting for a reservation at Catch or Delilah down the street, you can sit at Boxwood and have a meal that is arguably better and significantly more relaxed. The menu is "Californian with a British twist," which basically means fresh, local ingredients prepared with a bit of European technique. The breakfast spread is particularly good. They do this English Breakfast that hits the spot if you’re tired of the standard avocado toast (though they have that too, obviously).

And the bar? It’s moody. It’s dark. It’s the kind of place where you could imagine a scriptwriter and an agent hammering out a deal in the corner. It feels private. In a town where everyone wants to be seen, there is a massive premium on places where you can actually disappear.


The Logistics: Location and What’s Nearby

You’re on San Vicente Boulevard. This is key. You’re literally steps away from the Sunset Strip—we’re talking a two-minute walk to the Viper Room or the Roxy. But because the hotel is tucked just slightly down the hill, the noise of the Strip doesn't reach you. It’s the perfect buffer zone.

  • The Pacific Design Center: A five-minute walk. If you’re in town for anything related to architecture or design, this is your home base.
  • Beverly Hills: You’re basically on the border. A three-minute Uber and you’re on Rodeo Drive.
  • The Comedy Store: Just up the hill. Go see a show, then walk back to the hotel while everyone else is stuck in the nightmare that is Sunset Blvd traffic.

A Note on the "British" Theme

It’s worth mentioning that the "London" theme isn't just a name. They really lean into it. From the bulldogs (Winston and Churchill, the resident mascots) to the afternoon tea service, there’s a consistent thread of British hospitality. It could feel kitschy, but it doesn't. It feels like an homage. The dogs are adorable, by the way. You’ll often see them hanging out in the lobby or the garden. They’re basically the real bosses of the hotel.

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What You Should Know Before You Book

No place is perfect, and if I’m being totally honest, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

First, the valet. It’s LA, so valet is a given, and it’s not cheap. That’s just the tax for staying in West Hollywood. Second, because the hotel is popular for events and junkets, the lobby can occasionally get busy during the day with film crews or people in suits looking very important. It doesn't really affect the guest experience in the rooms or at the pool, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re looking for total solitude in the public spaces.

Also, if you’re looking for a "party hotel," this isn't it. Go to the Mondrian or the Edition if you want to stay up until 4:00 AM with a thumping bass line through your floor. The London West Hollywood is for the adults in the room. It’s for people who want to enjoy the best of LA and then retire to a quiet, massive suite with a glass of wine.

Actionable Tips for Your Stay

If you’re planning a trip, here is how to do it right:

  1. Request a North-Facing Suite: If you want a view of the Hollywood Hills, ask for the north side of the building. Watching the lights come on across the hills at night is better than any TV show.
  2. Use the Screening Room: They have a legitimate, 110-seat professional screening room. Sometimes they host guest events or screenings. Check the schedule when you check in; it’s a cool experience.
  3. The Fitness Center is Actually Good: Usually, hotel gyms are an afterthought. This one is surprisingly well-equipped and has a view.
  4. Book the "London Signature" Suites: If you can swing the slight price jump from the standard suites, these often have better layouts and more natural light.
  5. Hit the Rooftop for Sunset: Even if you aren't swimming, get up there around 5:00 PM. The way the sun hits the "Blue Whale" (the Pacific Design Center) is one of the best views in the city.

Ultimately, The London West Hollywood succeeds because it doesn't try too hard. It’s not trying to be the trendiest spot of 2026. It’s just trying to be a really, really good hotel with a lot of space and great service. In a city that often feels like it’s built on smoke and mirrors, that kind of consistency is worth every penny.

Whether you’re here for a week-long business trip or a quick weekend getaway to hit the shops in Beverly Hills, this place provides a level of calm that is increasingly hard to find in the middle of the creative capital of the world. Just make sure you say hi to the bulldogs on your way out.