Loews Hollywood Hotel Is Undergoing Major Renovation
Rising 20 floors above the iconic Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue intersection in Los Angeles, the Loews Hollywood Hotel sets the stage for a very LA stay. And, as many aging faces in this city often do, the hotel is undergoing a bit of a facelift—a $31 million top-to-bottom renovation, to be exact, scheduled to finish in March 2014. I recently took a hard-hat tour of the property to see how the updates are coming along.
The first thing I noticed was the excitement emanating from the hotel staff. The new, more compact lobby was still very much under construction, but my guides had colorful renderings at the ready and described in detail just how the Gensler-designed space would transform into a sanctuary for future guests. It has been re-created to feel like a home away from home—exactly what one usually needs after braving the crowds at the nearby Hollywood & Highland Center, the Walk of Fame, and the Dolby Theatre.
One feature of the lobby I was most intrigued by was the adjoining bar. Loews Hollywood is in the process of recruiting a mixologist to elevate the bar program and make it a place both hotel guests and locals can enjoy. I’m already planning to take out-of-town visitors there after the requisite Hollywood tour. While it’s fun to show people the iconic spots in my city, it’s even better to take them to a hidden gem just as unique to Los Angeles as the landmarks are.
The guestrooms have already undergone their Gensler transformation, welcoming guests with monochromatic fabrics, bright pops of color, and of course, gorgeous views of the Hollywood sign and Los Angeles cityscape. The chic space is both sophisticated and inviting, with midcentury modern touches, generous lighting, and photographs of Hollywood iconography.
The hotel’s 6,400-square-foot Exhale Spa revives and restores with spa therapies including acupuncture treatments, specialty scrubs, facials, waxing, and massages. There are plans to redesign the existing workout space so the spa can offer its signature core fusion and yoga classes.
Loews Hollywood is also working on an upgrade to its restaurant, as well as a new ballroom and meeting space. Its rooftop pool area, surprisingly close to the hubbub of Hollywood & Highland while still maintaining its privacy and exclusivity, will likely be the last step in the redesign process. Like the hotel staff I’m excited to see it all come together, welcoming visitors and locals to a relaxing escape in the center of Hollywood.
