Chamberlain West Hollywood

Deep in the heart of West Hollywood, on a quiet residential street between Sunset and Santa Monica, the Chamberlain is actually quite a bit cooler than it looks. This is no backhanded compliment — in a reversal of what seems to be the standard procedure in Los Angeles, the Chamberlain presents an unassuming public face, and keeps its surprises to itself.

From the outside, this ’70s apartment building doesn’t attract much attention — though someday this architectural style will be back in fashion, at which time West Hollywood will be its Mecca. Inside, though, it’s a different story; rooftop swimming pools, for example, are always in style, especially with panoramic views of LA and the Hollywood Hills, and the lobby sets the tone.

The bedrooms are impressive as well — the interiors are striking, modern-luxe, perhaps more masculine in its blues and greys than some other SoCal boutiques. Each room, improbably enough, comes with a gas fireplace for when the temperature dips below 70. These rooms are for nesting, little homes away from home — some suites even come with kitchenettes.

Then again the bistro and bar are probably all you’ll need, and when you’re ready to stretch your legs the Chamberlain is close by to the Sunset Strip as well as the many bars and restaurants of West Hollywood. This one will probably never become the kind of destination hotel that’s the center of its own nightlife universe, but for the Chamberlain’s guests, that’s as it should be — West Hollywood has enough going on as it is, and a stylish place to lay one’s head is a welcome addition indeed.

How to get there:
The Chamberlain is a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport; the trip can take over 45 minutes in traffic. Valet parking is available for a fee.