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oday, West Hollywood, or WeHo as it’s otherwise known, is still an iconic city of energy and vibrancy that will draw you in with its charm and decadence. Take, for example, the world-famous Sunset Strip. A 24-hour hive of activity; you’ll want to spend as many hours exploring this iconic street as you move from high-end fashion boutique to gourmet eatery to renowned music venue. And alongside its sparkling night-life and celebrity credentials, WeHo is also known for an unwavering dedication to art and design, making places like the Pacific Design Centre must-sees.
Our Favouri te W Boutiques E
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est Hollywood is at the centre of the fashion world. A city of iconic streets and strips, exclusive items and unique stores. And just to prove it, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite boutiques where you can expect to find the most distinctive and sophisticated items in town.
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Balenciaga. Deemed the ‘master of us all’ by Christian Dior, it’s reasonable to suggest that Cristóbal Balenciaga is one of the most innovative fashion designers in the world. And this season’s line, created by Alexander Wang, certainly lives up to such a reputation. Located on the iconic Melrose Avenue, this store allows you to indulge in some exciting designs; think studs and short A-line dresses.
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Sieze Sur Vingt. Originally opening in New York, owners James and Gwendolyn Jurney have now branched out to the glamourous Melrose Avenue where they have truly made an impact. Sieze Sur Vingt offers a unique and technically innovative shopping experience with tailors calling in via Skype wearing 3D glasses to ensure your suit fits the shape of your body.
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Jay Wolf. If you want to find some of the finest designers all under one roof, then Jay Wolf is just the place. Husband and wife co-owners Jay and Jackie Wolf have selected the best lines, ranging from world-renowned brands including Paul Smith, to their very own range.
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3.1 Phillip Lim. 3.1 Phillip Lim is now a star of the fashion world, so if you know your stuff, you’re bound to know him. Still, even if you aren’t familiar with his work, trust us when we say that Lim seems to know exactly how to complement the female waistline with his beautifully crafted dresses and trousers.
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est Hollywood has everything you need for that ultra-chic weekend of self-indulgence. It’s a shopping mecca. It’s glamourous. It’s brimming with gourmet chefs and cocktail bars. Always sunny, close to the beach…we could go on forever. But we won’t. Instead, we’ll introduce you to our brand new weekend in WeHo itinerary.
The shops are calling.
Night Falls.
Day one in WeHo will be all about the shops. We’ve arranged for your very own personal shopper to meet you in your hotel lobby and take you to some of the city’s most famous shopping districts, as well as a few lesser known ones. From Melrose to Beverly Blvd, you’ll be faced with the world’s hottest trends and designer labels, so the temptation to spend, spend, spend is very real.
As night falls in West Hollywood, the atmosphere really heats up. Pump Restaurant will be your first port of call this evening. As you enter the courtyard surrounded by century-old olive trees, you’ll feel as though you’re in Europe; the atmosphere is quite magical. We’d recommend heading over to the SkyBar at the Mondrian Hotel for beautiful views and delicious cocktails
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Luxury Lifestyles.
West Hollywood Glamour.
Wander from art gallery to design shop and prepare to face the temptation to spend once more. There’s an abundance of quirky cafes and lunch spots here too, so we say do as the locals do and dine alfresco and watch as the world of WeHo goes on around you.
You’ve got one more day in this iconic city of glamour and we’ve got plenty of options for you. With the kids (or simply feeling like one)? Then how about a VIP Universal Studios experience? You’ll be able to jump the queues and enjoy a day of pure adrenaline. Alternatively, keep your weekend chic with an architectural tour of the area followed by yet more al fresco dining and cocktail sipping.
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o w y l l o H t s e W s e h s i D Top 5 E
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ome to some of the finest and most experimental chefs around the world, it’s no wonder that West Hollywood is a food lover’s haven. Thriving with tasty local cafes, incredible lunch options and gourmet cuisine, neither you nor your taste buds will be disappointed with our choice of the city’s most delicious offerings.
Black Cod at Laurel Hardware.
Josephine’s Clam Cakes at Connie & Ted’s.
At Laurel Hardware you can expect delicious, local organic produce in this neighbourhood restaurant. With so many flavoursome choices on the dinner menu, we have gone for the Black Cod. Served with spigarello, sweet corn and fish fumet, this dish is packed with flavour and plenty of protein to prepare you for a night out amongst the glimmering city lights.
Inspired by the classic clam shacks and fish joints you’d usually find in New England, this vibrant restaurant serves up some of the best seafood in town. With lobster by the pound and Wild White Mexican Shrimp for mains, we’d start off this feast with Josephine’s Clam Cakes. You can choose from six or even a dozen of these handmade delights which make it a perfect little sharer to really wake up those taste buds for the meal ahead.
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Flautas De Camote at Gracias Madre.
Pasta Mama at Hugo’s.
Settle down in this chic Mexican eatery and indulge in Chandra Gilbert’s carefully selected plant based menu that’s full of bold flavours. For an authentic Mexican feast we’d go for the Flautas De Camote; rolled tacos filled with sweet potatoes, caramelised onions and of course, guacamole. You don’t need to be vegan to enjoy this one.
Once a local butcher’s shop with a staff member called Hugo, now an exciting restaurant at the forefront of West Hollywood cuisine, Hugo’s boasts a delicious menu of healthy dishes. And it’s the Pasta Mama that gets everyone talking at this local favourite. It’s the fresh pasta, scrambled eggs and a dash of Hugo’s secret seasoning that makes this dish what it is, but if you are feeling slightly more adventurous you can even create your own plate to rival this tasty menu.
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Lamb Meatballs at The Eveleigh. From the pretty front garden to the casual interior, The Eveleigh is a lovely place for a casual bite to eat and time and time again it provides flavoursome dishes that really speak for themselves. Our favourite? The Lamb Meatballs. It may seem a simple dish, but the chefs here can certainly cook it to perfection with the addition of their very own crunchy breadcrumb salsa invention.
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The Andaz West Hollywood
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entrally located and wonderfully boutique, the Andaz Hotel has managed to position itself as the place to be in WeHo, and for good reason too‌
Location.
Your Room.
The Andaz is as close to the heart of West Hollywood as you can get. Located right on Sunset Boulevard, you need only step out from the Lobby to be surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic shops, venues and restaurants. Coming from LAX? Your driver will have you checking into the hotel in under an hour.
Simple yet undeniably styl and views out over the suns make these rooms so unf adorned with striking artwo comfortable and the mod with luxury amenities.
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lish; it’s the large windows set strip and LA skyline that forgettable. The walls are ork, the beds are large and dern bathrooms brimming
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Why We Like it. The Andaz West Hollywood is iconic, and WeHo itself one of the most famous cities in the world, so no one can be blamed for arriving at this luxe hotel with high expectations (we did). But, just as we thought it might, The Andaz surpassed all of ours. From the hotel’s stunning rooftop pool (the highest in LA) to the exquisite service that’ll make you feel like royalty, the only downside to our stay at this hotel is that fact that we ever had to leave.
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o H e W t s e B The s l i a t k c Co E
and Where to Find Them
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hether you want to rekindle the allure of the Golden Age, embrace stunning views above the bright lights or simply sit in a local’s haunt and watch this interesting city buzz around you, we’ve found the best bars and their tastiest cocktails that will make your night one to remember.
The Pink Slip at Bar 10. Bar 10 is a popular bar with a fantastic selection of comfort food and snacks to accompany their signature drinks. Combine the heat of a jalapeno pepper with cucumber, strawberry, agave, lime and, of course, a dash of Hangar1 Lime Vodka to get the incredible flavours of The Pink Slip.
Dark and Stormy at Cactus Lounge. Set on the iconic Sunset Boulevard in the Standard hotel, the Cactus Lounge, with its walls draped in images of the desert, makes for a comforting and casual evening. After a busy day exploring this fabulous city, we think that the Lounge’s classic Dark and Stormy cocktail is the perfect accompaniment for a chilled night out. The national drink of Bermuda (who knew?); this cocktail consists of dark rum and ginger beer on ice.
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Slow Dance at Harlowe. Inspired by the Golden Age, this atmospheric bar boasts stunning interiors and promises a lively crowd and a delicious array of cocktails prepared by their talented mixologists. Step back into Hollywood’s most opulent era and enjoy a glass of the Slow Dance, a distinctive cocktail comprising of St. Germain, Galliano, allspice dram, lemon and sparkling wine.
Espresso Martini at Skybar.
Mary Funkin’ Poppins at Church Key. This restaurant come cocktail bar is the brainchild of California’s very own Steven Fretz and his innovative ideas. To really wake you up we’d suggest the Mary Funkin’ Poppins. Offering a twist on the traditional British tea phenomenon, this drink combines Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Green Chartreuse with Earl Grey and honey.
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For some of the best views in Los Angeles, the Skybar at the Four Star Mondrian Hotel is a great place to sip a cocktail and watch the sun go down. We particularly like the Skybar’s Espresso Martini for its innovative take on this classic Hollywood favourite. Adding a shot of coffee to a delicious martini offers tons of flavour and packs the energy you need for a night on the town.
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The London West Hollywood L
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ocated just off the Sunset Strip and close to the glamorous Beverly Hills, The London West Hollywood is a chic hotel whose location ensures you experience the perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxation.
Location.
Your Room.
This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of West Hollywood and is only three miles away from the iconic Walk of Fame. Landmarks such as the Beverly Gardens Park are within easy reach and Los Angeles International Airport is just a 45 minute drive away.
Each room at The Londo beautiful private sun ter and the bathrooms encom oversized showers and ba out for your daily invitation where you’ll be served fr charcuterie, all prepared chefs.
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on is complemented by a rrace overlooking the city mpass true luxury with their ath tub. Remember to look n to join The Breakfast Table, ruit, pastries, cheeses and by the hotel’s exceptional
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Why We Like it. There are lots of reasons to love this hotel; the fantastic location and incredible service are just two. But beyond your beautifully designed suite is the hotel’s incredible rooftop pool. With a breath-taking backdrop and heated to 83 degrees in the winter months, you can start your day with a swim above the iconic Sunset Strip all year round.
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n i p U What’s . . . o h e W E
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est Hollywood is a city of glamour, class and fun. It exudes the perfect combination of exclusivity and let-your-hair-down vibes, so whichever trip you’re looking for, chances are WeHo will be able to provide it. Just to prove it, here’s an itinerary that will cover all the bases.
Wander The Streets.
A different Perspective.
It might sound pretty simple, but one of the best ways to truly get to know WeHo is by wandering its beautiful streets. You’ll finish the afternoon famished and laden with shopping bags, so it’s back to the hotel for a quick freshen up before we transport you to E.P & L.P Restaurant where you’ll finish your first night dining on Southeast Asian cuisine at an exclusive rooftop location.
Just a stone’s throw from the buzz of downtown West Hollywood lie some stunning natural landscapes, so today we’re going to ensure you see the best of them. You’ll be heading out on a two hour guided horseback tour through the hills of Griffith Park where you’ll enjoy some of the best views anywhere in LA.
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Stay Classy.
Today you’ll be exploring the WeHo district once more on a private architectural tour. You’ll come face to face with huge celebrity homes from the past and present and begin to truly understand the glamour of Hollywood’s glory days. It’s an ideal tour for those looking to combine sightseeing with a thorough history lesson and you’ll come away with some great stories to share back home.
You’ve got one more day in this iconic city of glamour and we’ve got plenty of options for you. With the kids (or simply feeling like one)? Then how about a VIP Universal Studios experience? You’ll be able to jump the queues and enjoy a day of pure adrenaline. Alternatively, keep your weekend chic with an architectural tour of the area followed by yet more al fresco dining and cocktail sipping.
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A Lesson In History.
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The Mondrian S
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ituated amongst the gourmet restaurants and thriving nightlife of the Sunset Strip, Mondrian Los Angeles is a perfect spot to explore West Hollywood. This luxury boutique hotel also offers an amazing open air swimming pool and Skybar that boasts some of the best panoramic views of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.
Location.
Your Room.
This centrally located hotel captures the vibrant energy and ultimate glamour of West Hollywood with some of the best clubs, restaurants and shops right on your doorstep. Directly across the street from the Comedy Club and the iconic Hollywood Hills, this prime location will make sure you’re able to sample all this town has to offer.
Choose from a fine range created by Puerto Rican d Ortiz and offering contem For dramatic views, choos private terrace complete w
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e of exquisite suites, each designer Benjamin Noriegamporary, distinctive décor. se the balcony suite with a with chic outdoor furniture
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Why We Like it. With its wonderfully chic suites, this hotel screams elegance, and nothing can quite beat sitting around the pool beneath that WeHo sunshine. We probably spent 80 percent of our time by the water, sipping cocktails and feeling like movie stars. When in WeHo…
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e often look to Instagram for travel inspiration, and most recently, we’ve even been scouting out local accounts that offer a real-time look at some of our favourite locations. It’s a practice we’d highly recommend if you’re looking for a true local-perspective. This month, it was Instagrammers from West Hollywood that left us starry-eyed. Here are the top 5 WeHo accounts you should follow to add a bit of Hollywood glamour to your Insta feed.
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@WEHODESIGNDISTRICT West Hollywood’s design district is an area that champions the very best in fashion, art, design and so much more. If you’re this way inclined, then you’ll enjoy the posts that you’ll see coming from this highend district’s dedicated Instagram feed. @VISITWEHO The tourism board’s Instagram may seem like an obvious choice, but there’s no need to worry, you’ll find no cheesy or staged photos here. Instead, the board have tapped into the local perspective, posting photos they’ve been tagged in from other accounts alongside their own, expertly shot images. @THESUNSETSTRIP Of course West Hollywood’s most famous offering would have its own Instagram account. And it’s hard not to love the quirky posts @TheSunsetStrip provides. From historic shots of the celebrities that have graced its venues to endless photos of mouthwatering food and drink; this is the account to follow for a real sense of what WeHo is all about.
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@ANDAZWEHO The Andaz West Hollywood is a legendary establishment that has welcomed the likes of Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones over the years. Now, it’s one of the area’s leading luxury hotels and the @ AndazWeHo Instagram account is out to prove it. Rooftop pool views, exclusive parties and nightlife shots; if this addition to your feed doesn’t induce wanderlust, we don’t know what will. @WEHOARTS This is your one stop shop for all things arty and theatrical. An account that is all about publicising current exhibitions, shows and wider local talent; @ WeHoArts will could easily plan your trip for you. It will make you realise just how diverse and vibrant West Hollywood really is.
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