Where the stars stay on Oscar night
A-listers, movie stars, media moguls and their entourages head to WeHo (West Hollywood to mere mortals) and Beverley Hills to check into some of the most glamorous digs in town.
Apartment and Penthouse at the Mondrian
The Mondrian exudes killer cool, perched atop Sunset Strip, a collision of whimsy, elegance and a little LA decadence. The Apartment is in platinum tones, with dashes of black and white, for silver screen divas. In fact, luminous silvers adorn everything from mirrors to wash basins to chandeliers and art. The terrace has stunning views as well as lounging furniture by design icons Tord Boontje and Marcel Wanders. Other movie types prefer the vast Penthouse – more understated, yet just as posh, in Oscar tones of gold, bronze and honey and the same striking city skyline views. There’s ample space for the entire entourage.
Penthouse Suite at Andaz West Hollywood
High style for high maintenance celebs, in a brilliant Sunset Strip locale with unrivalled LA and Hollywood Hills views from the teak balcony. Rock stars, hip-hop heavies and music moguls have made the Andaz’s Penthouse Suite legendary. Sleek style, artwork, Geneva sound system, two flat-screen TVs, kitchenette, sunroom and block-out blinds for the morning after. Cool.
One Bedroom Suites at Petit Ermitage
The star-studded boutique Petit Ermitage has some of the best suites in WeHo plus access to this artsy hotel’s guest-only bar, in-the-garden restaurant and swanky rooftop pool spaces. European flair and North African style meet California boho apartment chic (with full kitchens, dining areas, separate living rooms, and lavish vanity and dressing areas. The top-level Masters Quarters suites with personal butler service, are more lavish still.
Suite 100 at The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows
You can’t get more Hollywood than the ‘Pink Palace’ ¬– Liz Taylor honeymooned here with 6 of her 8 husbands. Glamorous Suite 100 is inspired by Marilyn Monroe – a frequent Beverley Hills Hotel guest – and the quintessentially Californian style of mid-century modernism. Curved walls, black lacquer finishes, tropical prints, shag carpets, a bar made of rich sycamore wood and original artifacts from Marilyn’s estate, provide a magic backdrop for movie star evenings.
The Royal Crown Suite at The London West Hollywood
The London West Hollywood has ONLY suites, but the regal dimensions and sumptuous finishes make the Royal Crown Suite a particular haven for Hollywood royalty. Located just off Sunset Boulevard it’s literally a world away (and yet just steps) from the Sunset Strip’s club, restaurant and bar scenes. This suite also contains two full-sized bathrooms both with giant soaking tubs for pampering. And stars can order from über-chef Gordon Ramsay’s menus for private dining.
The Gregory at The Charlie
Old-school, LA charm. Hollywood mega star Gregory Peck really did reside in the luxurious two-story apartment at The Charlie. Once owned by film legend Charlie Chaplin, this boutique hotel’s well-appointed rooms are set inside Euro country cottages. The Gregory’s walk-in closet is the ideal spot to hang couture ball gowns and a designer tux. The day after the awards, celebs chill on The Gregory’s large patio in the property’s sunny English gardens. The Charlie suite, the Marlene, the Valentino are other options.
Hospitality Villa at Sunset Marquis
Sunset Marquis has five decades of Hollywood tradition plus some of the poshest suites in WeHo. Music and movie celebs, family and friends, readying for awards shows will often hang out in the Hospitality Villa. The villa includes grand piano (for late-night sing-alongs) fireplace, balcony and private elevator as well as a kitchen, dining room and living room. The hotel’s top-notch spa is a bonus.
The Rat Pack Suite, The Grafton
This may not be for A-list celebrities but the Rat Pack Suite at The Grafton has serious retro style. The modern hotel sits on a landmark hill next to Mondrian at the corner of La Cienaga and Sunset boulevards. The sleek living room, with a wet bar, giant HDTV and black leather couch is party central. Sunglasses essential.
Townhouse Suites at Sunset Tower Hotel
The classic art deco Sunset Tower Hotel has been a destination for power players since the late 1920s. Today’s stars follow in the steps of John Wayne, Errol Flynn, Frank Sinatra and other icons. The split-level Townhouse suites have 6 metre-high ceilings downstairs (perfect for private parties) and not one but two outdoor terraces. Spectacular rooftops vistas.
Superior Vista Suite at Le Montrose Suites Hotel
Le Montrose Suite Hotel is a favourite of celebrities for its discreet location, relaxed attitude and apartment-like suites. The Super Vista Suite is ideal for awards-show wannabes and winners with room to move and entertain other glitterati. The living room has a fireplace and, for the morning after, a private sundeck for breakfast in peace.