See You Poolside

It’s summertime and the living is easy… and frankly, quite glamorous. Yes, it’s West Hollywood so it’s pretty much summer all year long, but right now it’s pool season. So even if you own the mansion in the hills with the coveted pool with a view, a rooftop party at one of WeHo’s hip hotels is not to be missed.

WeHo boasts six rooftop pools, three hillside pools with views of the city and four pools that are so paparazzi-proof that the biggest celebs can relax there in the style. Located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills in the heart of Los Angeles and just 1.9 square miles in size, the city of West Hollywood rivals some of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. It’s also the city that I happen to call home (well, at least most of the time). And right now, some of our hotels are offering great summer specials:

THE ANDAZ: Once the famed 70’s “Riot Hyatt,”, top-to-bottom renovations have transformed this hotel into a traveler’s retreat. And from it’s vantage point high above the world famous Sunset Strip, visitors can experience the bliss of being a million miles from it all… yet right in the heart of this pulsing city. The rooftop pool has the distinct bragging right of being the highest pool in all of Los Angeles. BTW, Andaz means “personal style” in Hindi… so I think I may need to get myself over there and have a poolside cocktail and check it out.

SUNSET MARQUIS: This stunning, five-acre resort-style hotel boast two swimming pools, a luxurious spa, restaurant and bar. The hotel is legendary for its rock-and roll heritage and collection of autographed, museum-quality photography of rockers and musicians who also frequent the hotel. The property is running some great specials including a Hollywood Bowl Package. I love the bar for the perfect hip but classy scene to catch up with friends.

LE PARC SUITE HOTEL: One of my Grammy-award winning buddies would hang out here when he had to recharge his batteries or just hole up for some creativity. At one time, it was also where the participants of “Extreme Makeover” would go to recover – and we would see them walking around the ‘hood with the tell-tale post-op nose bandage. Le Parc is offering a 21-day Advance Purchase Package, which offers guests a 20% discount off the Best Available Rate. Check out their website for all the deets.

MONDRIAN: The sexy and stylish Mondrian is an awesome location for a Bachelorette party and right now the hotel is offering summer rates from $375 including a $100 hotel credit and complimentary parking (so necessary on the Sunset Strip!) The credit can be used for purchase at the hotel, including Asia de Cuba restaurant (try the phenomenal outdoor patio), ADCB lounge or the AGUA Spa.

THE LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD: I love this property. My friend/celebrity makeup artist Kenetia Lee invited me to hang here when she had to get Miss USA and Miss Universe ready for Diddy’s White Party last year, and her suite was… well… sweet! The London’s rooftop pool and sun deck is located on the tenth floor for the perfect fusion of California chick and timeless British tradition.

PETIT ERMITAGE HOTEL: This may be favorite haute spot right now, although I haven’t the pleasure of the Soho House (yet!) My buddy Arich Berghammer, nightlife impresario and fellow WeHo insider, introduced me to this place and I immediately fell in love with the uber-private dining cabanas, fetching fireplaces and tiny little enclaves perfect for catching up with friends. And of course, the pool. The pool. Upon entering, it reminded me a bit of the riad I stayed at in Marrakesh … and the service was impeccable. Attentive but unobtrusive. I think it’s a perfect little oasis in the midst of this city.

So there it is, folks. Of course, there are other creative ways to get to WeHo. Remember the movie The Holiday when Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swap homes to help them get over some heartbreak? Well, I actually DID that and it was amazing. My (now) friend, talented French director Julien Magnat and I swapped Paris for West Hollywood, once upon a time. Now that’s he’s finished shooting his latest thriller with Milla Jovovich, he’s ready to sip some tea at Urth Cafe (yes, the same Melrose location of many an Entourage coffee scene)and will once again be calling my little WeHo flat “home” for a while. I am personally opting to “bank” the time since I prefer Paris in September when the weather is gorgeous and crisp, “rentree” has tanned Parisians ready to get Paris back to its normal pace and of course… Fashion Week!! But that’s another post for another time. For now, perhaps I’ll run into you at a Hollywood rooftop soiree…

For More Information

1. The Andaz, West Hollywood 
   8401 West Sunset Boulevard
   West Hollywood, CA 90069
   (323) 656-1234

2. Sunset Marquis
   1200 Alta Loma Road
   West Hollywood, CA 90069
   (800) 858-9758

3. Le Parc Suites
   733 N West Knoll Dr.
   West Hollywood, CA 90069
   (310) 855-8888

4. Mondrian Hotel
   8440 Sunset Boulevard
   West Hollywood, CA 90069
   (323) 650-8999

5. The London, West Hollywood
   1020 North San Vicente Boulevard
   West Hollywood, CA 90069-3802
   (310) 854-1111

6. Petit Ermitage Hotel
   8822 Cynthia St.
   West Hollywood, CA 90069
   (310) 854-1114