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There are so many great hotels in Los Angeles, it can be hard to know where to start. And so, for a recent trip to the sunny side of the States we went to review one of the old classics. The London Hotel in West Hollywood is a jewel that epitomises the essence of LA’s glamour, luxury, and spirit.

It wasn’t just the name that caught our eye either, the hotel stands slap bang in the middle of West Hollywood, a great location for either work or pleasure visitors. West Hollywood is known for its lively nightlife, upscale shopping, and close proximity to iconic attractions. This neighbourhood ensures that guests at The London Hotel are just moments away from the pulsating heart of Hollywood glamour, including the luxury boutiques of Rodeo Drive and the historic Sunset Strip. Its location not only offers convenience, but also immerses visitors in the LA lifestyle, where the city’s energy and vibrancy are palpable.

The London Hotel: The Lowdown

From the moment you enter The London Hotel, you are greeted with an ambience of classic elegance, a testament to the thoughtful design by David Collins Studio. We stayed in one of the sizable suites that offer a truly tranquil retreat from the city’s bustle. Each suite, no smaller than 750 square feet, boasts expansive layouts which include luxurious king beds with high-quality linens, large marble and white-tile bathrooms featuring sunken tubs, and balconies that provide brilliant city views of Los Angeles or the Hollywood Hills. This was the most comfortable room we stayed in on our trip. We loved sitting out and looking over the city from our balcony, and the room was such a good size it was always a joy to return to after a long day out in LA.

The London Hotel isn’t cheap (we should make that clear), but compared with other luxury stays it offers more than most. The inclusion of a complimentary European-style breakfast, rare in LA, alongside access to a fully equipped gym, adds significant value to your stay. The generous room sizes and luxury amenities all mean the hotel gives you good “bang for your buck,” making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-end experience without totally blowing their bank accounts.

The London Hotel: The Amenities

We also spent one night dining at the hotel’s Boxwood restaurant which offers a blend of English favourites and California-inspired fare under the guidance of chef Anthony Keene. We kicked off with a starter of scallops, delicately seared to perfection, and nestled atop a bed of French green lentils, a hearty and earthy complement to the seafood’s natural sweetness. The whole thing was wrapped up in a coconut lemongrass sauce; its subtle tang and aromatic flair added layers of complexity that elevated the dish from merely good to great. We also had two fish tacos, the fish was tender, and the Aji Amarillo sauce provided a gentle heat that underlined a cabbage slaw which added crunch and a freshness that cut through the richness of the fish.

For our main courses, the paccheri pasta with Bolognese sauce and burrata was a simple classic which was executed to perfection. The pasta, large and tube-shaped, served as the perfect vessel for the rich, meaty sauce that clung to its ridges. Meanwhile, a prime centre-cut filet was cooked to a precise medium-rare with a crisp, caramelised finish with a tender and juicy centre. From the starters to the mains, each dish was a testament to the skill and creativity of the chef and his team, making our dining experience not just enjoyable, but memorable.

And it’s not just downstairs that’s worth talking about. The roof of the London Hotel also packs a punch with a decent-sized swimming pool, bar, and plenty of loungers to capture the near-permanent LA sunshine. They also offer a poolside menu  with all the usual suspects to keep you going throughout the day. One slight disappointment from our stay is that the valet service, although helpful and efficient, felt very steep at $65 a night. Guests may want to jump on the Parkopedia app to find more affordable options nearby.

The London Hotel: The Verdict

All in all, we would very much recommend choosing the London Hotel for your stay in West Hollywood. It’s perfectly located for both business and pleasure whilst packing a punch for the price that you pay. The rooms are grand and comfy, with lovely views looking over LA, and the gym and breakfast are a welcome bonus. The staff were very helpful throughout our stay as you would expect with a hotel that’s been around for a fair few years. It may not come cheap, but when in Rome you may as well live like a Roman.

For more information on The London Hotel, see here 

1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States