A Decade Down: The London West Hollywood, A Name for Itself in L.A.

Writer: Ellie June

As you glide atop pearly granite floors and enter through a set of glass-paned double doors, The London West Hollywood marches gallantly through its second decade fully redesigned. The London Team celebrated 20 years in 2018 with an $11 million makeover in January.

A new elegance in design, The London has continued to speak the clash between London chic and California chill since its opening in April 2008. With the redesign comes a re-emphasis on all things cool with a transformed rooftop pool deck, the new London Bar, and an updated Boxwood restaurant—all of which we explored like kids set wild in a candy store for our soft and sweet spring cover shoot with the lovely Sofia Carson.

DRY YOUR FEET; HANG YOUR COAT [IN THE L.A. DROUGHT]

A cool breeze passes through the lobby, as we did on that frigid winter morning in L.A. (a cool 70 degrees). The lobby bustles just as Bristol would and guests cannot help but feel reminiscent of returning from a stroll through London fog where gentleman at the door in soft gray suits check your coat and note your dinner reservations.

THE LONDON BAR: YOUR FIRST STOP

Turn the corner and the London Bar boasts a mid-century flow as if guests have returned from an afternoon splurge at Harrods, feet propped up upon a crushed velvet chaise while babysitting a gin and tonic (more affectionately known at the London Bar as the Bond Girl).

The bar is designed to entice the incoming flow of last minute check-ins when afternoon light pours a flood through the grand skylight. In comes an order of fish and cube-shaped chips stacked in lattice form.

THE BOXWOOD DINING ROOM: VERSATILE

Helmed by Chef Anthony Keene, the Boxwood dining room was redesigned with an afternoon like this one in mind.

“California inspires my cooking and creativity,” Keene says. “Los Angeles has become such an important part of the U.S. food scene. A friend of mine goes to the farmers markets for me and picks out the freshest food. It’s great to have that at our fingertips.”

The setting is not so much aromatic as it is posh. Boxwood’s sitting rooms, foyer, and dining rooms can be segmented to create intimate settings for understated rendezvous, celebratory receptions, and private meetings. Both Boxwood and its pair, the London Bar, are as glam as they are cool.

THE ROOFTOP POOL DECKAKA

Architecture + Design lead the Rooftop Pool Deck’s legendary renovation. Its new design intends to enhance the picturesque views of the Hollywood Hills while honoring a feel for an afternoon in an English garden. Focused around a perimeter of iconic palm trees, the deck flows in perfect symmetry. Hotel guests can draw the curtain facing the pool and keep the other side open to the Hollywood hillside of mega estates and palm trees that provide an intimate backdrop. Others can lounge across classic fabrics on plush white seats atop painted wooden decks ideal for poolside sunning and outdoor dining at Boxwood on the Roof. The rooftop restaurant is located on the rooftop’s west side, and offers an al fresco dining experience open to guests and to the public.

The character of the hotel’s original design is honored, but it embraces new. The rooftop deck is now equipped to suit various experiences from newly-touched private cabanas with private seating, televisions, and mini refrigerators to intimate poolside sunning areas, a separate fire pit area, as well as cocktails and light bites.

THE SCREENING ROOM: IT WOULDN’T BE L.A. WITHOUT ONE

Lights up on The Screening Room, a high-tech new theater right off the lobby fit for industry screenings, or maybe just a movie night in style. Seats for 110, the room houses a 20-foot screen with Dolby digital, surround sound and 3D capabilities, plus a private elevator from the garage, and satellite live-streaming. It is the hotel’s best kept secret.

THE ROOM: A PANORAMIC SLEEP

Room décor is soft and muted. Designer David Collins, a friend of Madonna’s, is best known for his work in some of London’s most notable restaurants and bars, including Claridge’s Hotel Bar and the National Dining Rooms at the National Gallery.
All rooms boast either a balcony or terrace, and guests wake up to a sweeping view of Beverly Hills. Sophia took note and hung her head gracefully over the banister for some of her most gogeous shots by Tiziano Lugli overlooking Hollywood, and what was to be her most exciting award season yet. The room’s open-plan suite feels serene contrast to the hustle just floors below on Sunset Boulevard. Bathrooms are grand and enormous. Sparkling marble and mosaics line wading tubs and newly done showers with multiple shower heads for good company.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD’S $25K SUITE

The London teamed up with the renowned Vivienne Westwood, British fashion designer-businesswoman-punk and new wave fashionista, to design a luxurious bi-level penthouse that will literally take your breath away. The hotel group invested over $25 million in the top level suite’s renovation, and starting next month it will accept reservations for it, at $25,000 per night.

Guests are beckoned to stay in the largest hotel suite in Los Angeles, spreading over 11,000 square feet. A private access opens this penthouse from the tenth floor through a private corridor which latches opens to a large foyer, and then to a Grand Salon sitting room tastefully decorated with exclusive art and décor and customized furnishings. Inside can be found chic cushions and upholstery designed by Westwood, bespoke cabinetry and furniture, handmade tapestry, built-in bookcases, elegant mirror panels, and a big rug with the renowned squiggle pattern.

The penthouse also includes a full-sized kitchen, media room, a dining room, and a massive, 5,000 square foot, private outdoor terrace from where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful views of Century City.

SHOWERED CLEAN

Since its opening in 2008, the London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills has curated an atmosphere of British style intricately melded into a Los Angeles lifestyle. The 226 all-suite hotel underwent a property-wide renovation of its guest suites, meeting spaces, and additions to the London Bar. Its most recent refit is its 100-seat screening room, a state of the art fitness center, and 26 new suites including the 11,000 square foot two story penthouse inspired by Vivienne Westwood.

SERVICE: THE LONDON’S M.O.

Beyond the magnificence of this mega-suite, what sets the London aside from other Beverly Hills properties is its keen attention to detail. Service details are of special importance here: the chilled lavender washcloths by the pool, the remarkably resourceful concierge staff, the “welcome back” from the fedora-topped doorman every time a guest walks through the front door.At checkout, London guests are sent off even more young, vibrant, and hip from one of U.S. News’ most “raved about” hotels. In commemoration, the British flag waves gallantly beside the 50 stars and stripes, and the Hollywood sign signals a cheek in the corner of your eye.

For more information, visit thelondonwesthollywood.com.