L.A. hoteliers open doors, cross fingers
— -- With the current economy, could there be a worse time to open a hotel? Hoteliers in Los Angeles, where a passel of new hotels have recently opened or are soon going to, don't have the luxury of pondering that question. These hotel projects, initiated in rosier times, are, as they say in Hollywood, a wrap. Now all they need are guests.
The city's tourism marketers are putting a positive spin on the hotel boom. "Compared to other cities, there hasn't been much new inventory in the last four to five years, so we've needed this," says Mark Liberman, president of LA Inc.
Hollywood Heights Hotel
Status:Opened in July
Specs:The 160-room hotel, a block from the heart of Hollywood, has been spruced up, but shades of its incarnation as a Holiday Inn (fake wood paneling in the elevators) survive.
The vibe:Midrange chain hotel upgrades the amenities (32-inch flat-screen TVs, upgraded triple sheeting and iPod docking stations) and gets a boutique sensibility.
The deal:From $129 through Jan. 4; regular rates from $169
Information:323-876-8600; hollywoodheightshotel.com
Montage Beverly Hills
Status:Opened in November
Specs:The first new hotel in Beverly Hills in 16 years, this 201-room Spanish Colonial Revival beauty occupies a prime slice of this tony burg, with three restaurants, a rooftop pool, luxurious 20,000-foot spa and garden.
The vibe:The $238 pink mink shoe trees in the gift shop are a sign that some guests have money to burn. Elegant public rooms have the aura of a 1930s Hollywood estate — china is custom-designed, ceilings are hand-painted.
The deal:From $395 through Dec. 30; regular rates from $495
Information:888-860-0788; montagebeverlyhills.com
Hotel Palomar Los Angeles-Westwood
Status:Opened in May
Specs:The 264-room lodging, in a former Doubletree Inn in the Wilshire Corridor area, features a comfortable lobby with double-sided fireplace, a bar/restaurant and secluded pool area with outdoor fireplace. Its Tall Rooms have extra long beds.
The vibe:Old Hollywood with jungle accents — black and white stripes on the lobby's wood floors and faux snakeskin insets in the dressers.
The deal:From $179 through Dec. 30; regular rates from $249
Information:800-472-8556; hotelpalomar-lawestwood.com
The London West Hollywood
Status:Opened in April
Specs:The former Bel Age, just off the Sunset Strip, is now a sleek contemporary all-suites hotel done in a cool palette. The restaurant is run by Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay. A signature perk: free calls to London.
The vibe:High Hollywood glam, with shimmering metallic blues and gold lamé in the lobby. A chic rooftop pool area sports a white marble fire pit, cabanas and 360-degree views.
The deal:$319 includes lunch for two at Gordon Ramsay, plus a bottle of Champagne and other amenities; regular rates start at $199
Information:866-282-4560; thelondonwesthollywood.com
Andaz West Hollywood
Status:Opening Jan. 8
Specs:The former Hyatt West Hollywood (a favorite of rock bands in the '70s and '80s, known as the Riot House) is the second entry in Hyatt's Andaz brand (that's Hindi for "personal style"). The restaurant, RH, will focus on local farm-to-table fare. The rooftop pool deck has great views of the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip.
The vibe:Social and sophisticated. There's no check-in desk; guests are greeted by a "host" who acts as concierge and bellman. The hotel will showcase works by local artists and performers.
The deal:All rooms are $295 through Feb. 18; after that, most rise
Information:800-233-1234; andaz.com
Palihouse Holloway
Status:Opened in January
Specs:Tucked away on a quiet West Hollywood street, a block off Santa Monica Boulevard, the 36-room hotel is designed for extended-stay guests, with a seven-night minimum. Guest rooms range from 600 to 2,000 square feet and are equipped with all the comforts of home — kitchen or kitchenette, DirecTV, Bose stereo and washer/dryer. The restaurant, Hall, is a French-style brasserie. A sister hotel, Palihouse Vine, opens in April.
The vibe:Contemporary residential. The sprawling lobby is wonderfully eclectic with lots of space to work, read or just hang out. There's also a rooftop sundeck.
The deal:One-night stays are possible through the holidays from $350 a night; regular rates depend on length of stay.
Information:323-656-4100; palihouse.com