The W Hollywood is a force of nature for the intersection of Hollywood and Argyle, moving people through its spacious lobby and collecting emerging commuters from the Metro station underneath. After a petulant, impatient four years of construction, we checked into opening weekend in January 2010…which was also Grammy weekend. Over breakfast pastries in bed, cocktails in the lounge, and shots of tequila from the Samsung ice bar, we made it a weekend to redefine Hollywood.
The standard greeting here is ‘Welcome to Hollywood’ (deep irony aside), and the spacious lobby is carpeted in the same red as the rest of this town. Like many modern buildings trading style for substance, the acoustics in the lobby lounge are angular and harsh, without respite for the echo of music and voices. We like the patio for its open-air fire, and the rooftop lounge for the perfect poolside lunch. Another standout is the 4th Floor Bliss Spa Hollywood, the only location to welcome you with a glass of bubbly in addition to their amazing brownies. If this is Hollywood, we can definitely get in the game.
Must try:
- Delphine Happy Hour daily from 5-7pm
- Blissage 75 at Bliss Spa
- Breakfast pastries from Room Service
- Ceviche tacos at Drai’s poolside lunch
The W Hollywood Staircase and Lobby Bar
The W Hollywood in Miniature and Our Room
EMI Grammy Party Droid Projection and Samsung Ice Bar:
Drai’s Rooftop Pool:
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