Historic Hotel Trades Up In West Hollywood

When Led Zeppelin played Los Angeles in the 70s, they often passed up more posh luxury resorts to have better access to clubs that dotted the infamous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, including the legendary Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy Theater. Both clubs remain two of the hottest rock houses in the world.

The Hyatt hotel Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, and The Who helped make world famous as "The Riot House" has erased some its history. Two years ago, Hyatt remade the hotel to share a European flare as part of its Andaz chain.

The Andaz West Hollywood Offers Sophistication On Sunset.

There is no front desk at the Andaz. Instead, hosts greet guests with a laptop and a smile. It makes sense. Rather than a hotel lobby, the Andaz created a cross between a comfortable living room and an ultra club, complete with a complimentary glass of wine, coffee, or juice.

Walking down the darkly modern, uncomplicated hallways, it's almost hard to imagine that drummer John Bonham once drove a motorcycle down one of them (unless you believe it was tour manager Richard Cole). Or, that the now glassed-in floors once housed balconies that Keith Richards and Keith Moon used for the short-lived sport of lofting television sets. Or, that sparsely decorated rooms were once crowded with 70s decor as seen in the movie Almost Famous.

And yet, for all the changes, the Andaz West Hollywood retains a vibe that's most luxurious but still reminiscent of an historic hotel. If the seventies were alive and well today, these legendary rockers would still stay here. And now and again, some bands still do, albeit in a much more relaxed fashion.

One of the many qualities about the Andaz West Hollywood that rekindles the old spirit is the effort it makes to provide guests a retreat where they might meet and mingle with each other between going out on the town. Every day, guests meet in the living room, share cocktails on the rooftop overlooking the Hollywood Hills, or take turns ordering rounds in the RH bar.

Music Clubs Surround The Andaz Comfort.

In addition to the two legendary clubs mentioned above, the Andaz is conveniently located a short drive from the Viper Room, Baked Potato, Jazz Bakery, Troubador, Knitting Factory, Cat Club, and Key Club. Other locales, like The Comedy Store and House of Blues, are a short walk. And, the Andaz is within close proximity to several museums.

After long days and longer nights in West Hollywood, it's easy to get lost in the comfort of modern casual. Instead of posh, the Andaz has large, wide open rooms adorned with clean-lined furnishings that are fresh and functional. Sensitive sleepers will also marvel at the comfort of hyper-allergenic rooms.

The beds are all custom Sealy Posturpedic bed sets and Pacific Coast down blankets. And while flat screen TVs and WiFi have become all but standard in most hotels, the Andaz also delivers a few added touches like iHome stereo systems with iPod docks.

The Andaz West Hollywood Sits Comfortably At 9.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

While I wouldn't consider the area particularly family friendly and The Andaz seems to appeal to the more romantically inclined, it recently offered guests an adjoining second room for children 12 and under for 50 percent less. Another nice touch is the 24-hour room service, even if the overnight menu is limited. We were too tired to try it after a movie screening and after-party that ticked along until 2 a.m.

Of all the Hyatt brands, The Andaz is one of the most refreshing. The very first of the five hotel chain opened in the heart of London on Liverpool Street. Other locations include two in New York and another in San Diego. The latter, the newest addition, is located right in the Gas Lamp District. To check for hotels and flights to Los Angeles, try the Fare Buzz flight packages.