Hyatt’s second Andaz hotel is set to open in LA in January following the success of the luxury brand’s London debut last year.
The Continental Hyatt on the Sunset Strip has undergone massive renovations to be transformed into the more contemporary and style-conscious Andaz West Hollywood. The hotel’s interior has been revamped along similar lines to the Grade II listed Liverpool Street branch, Andaz London, which opened last November (for a review see the November issue of Business Traveller). Modern design features include a dramatic glass garden pavilion at the entrance, and an 11-foot metal disk sculpture by New York artist Jacob Hashimoto.
Hyatt’s latest brand describes itself as “five-star luxury boutique”, and aims to take away the traditional barriers between guest and staff. This is epitomized by the check-in process, where Andaz “hosts” (acting as desk clerk, concierge and bell boy in one) welcome guests into the lounge where they can sit down, have a drink, check-in (using wireless tablet PCs), and discuss local hot spots – something already being practiced in Andaz London.
The 14-storey hotel will have 237 rooms, many of which will have a glass sunroom overlooking the Boulevard, and 20 suites. Rooms on the other side of the hotel look out over the Hollywood Hills. Other highlights will include a rooftop terrace and pool, as well as a new restaurant and bar.
Features from Andaz London will appear at the new branch, with quotes from locals and art installations dotted throughout the building. Local artists will periodically donate work and the latest LA musicians will be performing at the hotel throughout the year.
Prices will start from £270 a night and include wifi access, local phone calls, use of the 24-hour fitness centre and a complimentary “healthy minbar”.
The Andaz West Hollywood will be the first in a line of US openings under Hyatt’s new brand. Two New York venues have been announced – Andaz Wall Street (due to open February 2009), and Andaz Fifth Avenue (December 2009). The launch of Andaz Austin in Texas is planned for autumn 2010.
For more information visit westhollywood.hyatt.com.
Report by Liat Clark
