The much anticipated opening of the Hollywood W hotel, may have perhaps happened a little bit prematurely. It’s situated in the prime location of Hollywood and Vine, directly by a Metro station (whether in fact anyone starts to use the metro system in Los Angeles, time will tell) and minutes from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Mann Theatre, Kodak Theatre and the hub bub of tourist central.
The entrance is slick and subtle. There are at least 10 valet cute boys in a line waiting to take your car — but watch out for the charges, a rather steep £23 a day. A red carpet has been added at the front and back entrances of the hotel, adding that Old School Hollywood Glamour and making everyone feel like a star.
The hotel opened it doors at a cost of $350 million dollars and with a price tag this high and in a recession this big, no wonder they were keen for those doors to open. As you walk in, the design is dramatic with a spiral staircase sweeping down. There are 305 rooms and suites in the hotel. Ours was kitsch, cute, and comfortable with a corner-mirrored bar and a window seat filled with cushions, but unfortunately no view except of the car park. There wasn’t a bath, but pluses include a very comfortable bed.
There are three restaurants, the Drai’s Lounge and the Mediteranean tapas restaurant Living Room at the W and the French restaurant, Delphin. We opted for Delphine’s and it was slightly disappointing, the food didn’t match the price tag and we were neglected at our table waiting to order for too long.
But the Bliss Spa, on the other hand, is very impressive. The design is a fusion of spots, patterns and metallics. There were steam showers and a sauna, plus a long list of treatments. The therapists were very attentive and it was certainly soul soothing, and the products were gorgeous And the Champagne and chocolate brownies were a very welcome extra.
The W will have a rooftop pool and bar which they weren’t quite ready to reveal, but I’m sure when they do, you will get incredible views of the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory.
I am a fan of the Global W, Starwood hotel chains but this one has some problems. The W brand is cool, comfortable and slick but I felt W Hollywood is overdesigned. And despite the huge cost, the napkins were looking raggedy four weeks after being open. But it’s definitely going to be a ‘scene’ and it’s perfectly situated for flying in for a few days and wanting to see Hollywood.
Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028 + 1 (323) 798-1300;Starwoodhotels.com. Doubles from £145 per night.
