Sandwiched between the boutiques of Melrose, the clandestine cocktail bars of Hollywood, the nightclubs of WeHo and the tourist attractions of the Sunset Strip, this wood-clad building was once an old people's home, and now offers a good-value base for exploring LA's urban sprawl. And the next-door restaurant is a handy option for French/Canadian cuisine (including fondues, brunches and cocktails), courtesy of local wine-bar specialists Severance. 30-something travellers on a budget will be in heaven.
Highs
- The artsy environment; a true Los Angeles experience without breaking the bank
- Stylishly outfitted with characterful knick-knacks, quirky art, piles of hardcovers, leather armchairs and colour-pop cushions
- Custom beds and luxury linens gave us a comfortable night's sleep
- Delicious breakfasts included butter biscuits with fruit, cheese and spiced honey when we stayed
- A great, central location
Lows
- Light on trimmings and glamour: no temperature control, kettle, wardrobes or drawers in your room
- Service, though friendly, was minimal when we visited, and certainly not 24/7
- Thin walls and set right on a busy road, so noise may be an issue for some; bring ear plugs
- More kitsch than functional, so better suited to young vacationers rather than older guests travelling with work
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Hotel
- 32 rooms
- Adjoining diner (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
Warm tones and vintage furnishings create a cosy vibe in the 32 rooms, though some might find them a little dark or spartan. There are 4 types to choose from (Double or Queen options, some with sofabeds), and whilst each room has its own unique aesthetic, common themes are found across all: cork walls on at least one side, grey shagpile carpeting, deep greens, woody browns, rich purples and firm, delightfully comfortable beds. Several Queen rooms have step-out balconies, and complimentary WiFi runs throughout.
I liked the eclectic furnishings and characterful desks and chairs, but be prepared for a minimal 'all you need, nothing you don’t' approach to facilities. There are no wardrobes or drawers - instead, hangers on a funky ladder - and no kettles, alarm clocks or temperature controls. We found that our room got rather hot.
The flatscreen TVs, settee sofas and shabby-chic details are appealing but it’s the bathrooms that are the saving grace of these overly un-done rooms. Despite being small, everything is there. The robes are plush, the tubs are deep, and the fittings are classy enough to make you feel like you’re in a 1950s Hollywood Hills home.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is not your average American fare. We chose from butter biscuits with fruit, cheese and spiced honey (amazing, melt-in-the-mouth), a more traditional yoghurt, granola and fruits, or sweet treats like lemon bars and cherry almond scones. Basically, don’t expect a '1 egg, 2 eggs' type menu, and be sure to wash it all down with their excellent coffee. At weekends, delicious-sounding brunches include shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and pecan praline pancakes.
The next-door diner, now operated by Severance, promises Montreal classics such as French onion soup, rosti poutine, beef tartare and a rotating list of cheese fondues. It's a casually sharp hangout, with a wide range of drinks, from wines and punch to bottled craft cocktails.
There are heaps of other restaurants nearby; ask reception for a recommendation.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Shop! Trendy Melrose Avenue is on your doorstep, and shopping meccas such as Rodeo Drive, The Grove and the Beverly Center are nearby
- Explore Hollywood - visit the Walk of Fame on Sunset Strip, take a bus trip round the stars' homes, hike up to the Hollywood sign to feel small, then do a tour of Paramount Studios
- Head to local rooftop lounge bars to drink cocktails as the sun sets
- Take a cab to the ocean and stroll along the sand between the iconic Venice boardwalk and Santa Monica pier
- Spend a morning at the Pacific Design Center or browse art and interior design galleries on Robertson Blvd
- The legendary House of Blues on Sunset Strip serves up addictive ribs and performances by the likes of Billy Ray Cyrus, Robin Trower and Morrissey
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
Kids
Whilst children are welcome, there are no specific facilities to keep them entertained. Baby cots can be provided, babysitting can be arranged, and Queen rooms have a pullout sofabed for 1 extra person.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
On request.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Palihotel Melrose is on Melrose Avenue in the West Hollywood district of LA, southern California.
By Air:
Direct flights to Los Angeles International Airport, aka LAX (20km away), are available from almost anywhere in the world - click on the links below for a list of airlines serving this airport.
From the Airport
Transportation via taxi takes about 30-40 minutes. Allow extra time during peak periods (7-10am and 3-7pm). The taxi fare from LAX is US$40-50.
By Car:
Los Angeles is criss-crossed by a network of busy superhighways. Traffic is either travelling at the speed of light or at a complete standstill. See our car rental recommendations.
By Train:
Amtrak operates trains along the Californian coast, connecting San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and all points in between. Trains arrive at Union Station, north of downtown. Southern California Metrolink trains leave from the same station.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com
More on getting to California and getting around
Airports:
- Los Angeles International 20.0 km LAX
Other:
- Beach 8.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km