Once notorious for its celebrity guests and their wild and crazy stays—Jim Morrison once hung from a window by his fingertips here—Andaz West Hollywood is now making a different kind of name for itself as one of Hollywood’s newest, most exclusive, and most unique hotels.
To say that the building is considered a landmark and a piece of important history in the world of rock ‘n’ roll’s finest would be an understatement. What once began in 1963 as Gene Autry’s Hotel Continental, Sunset Strip’s first high-rise hotel, has, throughout the years, taken on many different faces. In the 70s, it adopted the name Continental Hyatt House, but it was more well-known to its ruckus-causing rock star clientele as its appropriate alias, “Riot House.” During the Riot House days, no event was too shocking, none too extreme. In one particular crazy (and likely drug- and alcohol-infused stays), Keith Richards threw a TV from his room on the 10th floor. The hotel was so well known for catering to rock ‘n’ roll royalty that music-inspired films Almost Famous and This is Spinal Tap were filmed there to incorporate the most authentic feel of the exciting locale in the films. In 1997, the hotel changed faces again, assuming the name Hyatt West Hollywood, but musical geniuses like David Bowie continued to hold parties and press events behind Hyatt’s fabulously private closed doors.
Today, the hotel’s rock star past has been somewhat put to sleep and replaced with a more modern yet elegant feel. The 14-story, 238-room hotel has now assumed the name Andaz West Hollywood, and has been completely overhauled by the architecture and interior design firm of Jason Goldstein. The design concept is based around simplicity, creating an open feel with the extensive use of glass, bringing the outdoors inside. What once were the infamous balconies where outrageous parties and mayhem raged are now light-infused glass sunrooms for guests to bask in the warm California rays. The hotel also boasts a 3,600-square-foot rooftop sundeck with a heated pool, the highest rooftop pool in all of Los Angeles, flanked by private cabanas and daybeds. A 3,000-square-foot rooftop ballroom, offering awe-inspiring views of the glorious City of Angels, is also situated on top of Andaz. But perhaps the most impressive feature of this new luxurious property is its new 100-seat restaurant and bar, RH. Famed for its talented culinary team and the delectable dishes they create—as well as the kitchen’s design, another truly impressive feature—RH has caused quite a stir in the elite dining world.
