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Hotel check: Andaz West Hollywood

Originally published on businesstravelerusa.com 07/02/2012 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Hotels » United States »

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HOW MANY ROOMS? 239 guestrooms and 20 suites 

ROOM HIGHLIGHTS Well-polished, with no-charge mini-bar snacks, great views and understated LA style.

PRICE PRICE: Internet rates for a weekday during February range from $280 – $309 for standard rooms up to $459 for an 800-square-foot Andaz King or Queen Suite.

CONTACT 8401 West Sunset Blvd, (323) 656 1234 Reservations (800) 942 8840, westhollywood.andaz.hyatt.com

BACKGROUND  Back in the 1970s, this Hyatt property got the sobriquet “Riot House” because of the notorious escapades of such rockers as The Who, Led Zepplin and the Rolling Stones who played and partied on The Sunset Strip club scene. Now the iconic balconies from which TVs once flew and rock stars once dangled are elegant enclosed sunrooms, and the hallways that echoed with the roar of motorcycles are subdued and businesslike. The Andaz, like the legendary Sunset Boulevard it overlooks, has a more civilized feel today.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?  There is something familiar about the Andaz; from the moment I walked in the lobby, it reminded me of many hotels where I’d stayed in Manhattan. Turns out there’s a good reason. The Andaz refit was designed by the New York firm of Janson Goldstein LLP and features lots of polished stone and wood. There’s no front desk, per se, but a cluster of work stations where eager staffers swipe credit cards and assign rooms. They even volunteered to show us how to work the elevators, which sounds simpleminded, but because of access security measures, is necessary. ‘Andaz Hosts’ are energetic and well-trained, but since they lack uniforms or any typical identification, they might be (and occasionally are) mistaken for other patrons. And at least one guest in our party got overlooked upon entering the lobby so stood a bit confused for a while; we eventually flagged down our host who quickly rectified the situation. 

WHERE IS IT? Almost due north of LAX 10 miles or so, Sunset Boulevard winds its way east to west, outlining at least for a while the southern edge of the Hollywood Hills. On this storied street, just across from The House of Blues, you’ll find the Andaz West Hollywood.

ROOM FACILITIES Upon entering my well-appointed king room, I immediately set up shop at the generous workspace, which features plenty of accessible plugs. WiFi connections are fast and complimentary throughout the hotel. Complimentary, too, are the snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in the mini-bar. 

The king bed was large and comfortable and the bathroom was upscale. But the most striking feature of my south-facing room was the made-over balcony, which is now an glass-enclosed sitting area. It opens up onto a dramatic view that sweeps across the entire Los Angeles basin from the Santa Ana mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Andaz’ restaurant and bar is called simply RH, a passing salute to the “Riot House” nickname. But this is practically the only reminder of the hotel’s rowdy past in this elegant and relaxed space. The market-to-table menu concept goes right along with the environment, simple and uncluttered, yet refined with some deliciously unexpected twists. 

I’d been warned to expect the service to be zealous but less than capable. However my experience was quite the opposite; our server was attentive, knowledgeable and engaging.

MEETING And LEISURE FACILITIES  The Andaz boasts over 13,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. On the mezzanine level, there are three small (“Studio”) conference rooms and one larger 1,600-square-foot space. On the top floor, the Panorama Ballroom lives up to its name with more eye-popping LA views that spill out into the adjoining rooftop pool area.The fitness center features cardio equipment and weight systems; it’s located on the mezzanine and is open 24 hours. Poolside private yoga instruction or one-on-one Pilates sessions are also available. Or you can order up an in-room spa treatment from One Healing. 

VERDICT This was Hyatt’s first foray into North America for Andaz. Unlike the 1970s bad boy rockers who used to hang here – some of whom have actually survived to be senior citizens – the old Riot House seems to have found a new lease on life.

— Dan Booth

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