Set in the heart of the Melrose district, this trendy hipster hideaway offers a scaled-down approach to boutique amidst some of LA's best shopping. There are just 32 rooms, plus some sociable seating spaces and a pretty little internal courtyard; nothing more. But the décor is deliciously vintage and the vibe is super-friendly.
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, and piles of hardcovers when we stayed
- 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 certainly not 24/7 when we visited
- Thin walls and set right on a busy road, so noise may be an issue for some; bring ear plugs
- More funky than functional, so better suited to young vacationers rather than older guests travelling with work
Best time to go
Los Angeles is a 24/7, year-round destination, with sights and attractions open for tourists most days of the year. In terms of weather, things can get steamy in July/August/September, and evenings will be cool in the winter months, but generally you’re in for a treat with fair weather and blue skies.
Our top tips
Rent a car! The automobile rules LA and having one will greatly enhance your time here. Drive to East LA and explore the trendy areas of Silver Lake and Echo Park, or head to the coast for a sundowner.
- Boutique Hotel
- 32 rooms
- Cafe / restaurant
- 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. There are 3 types to choose from (all with king bed), and most have a similar aesthetic of red-white striped fabrics, cream walls, blond-wood floors, plus retro lamps and other vintage fittings.
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 (just a ceiling fan).
The bathrooms, despite being small, are pampering, with a rain shower (or a tub in the Suite), Diptyque toiletries and plush robes. You almost feel like you’re in a 1950s Hollywood Hills home.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast at their Blue Daisy Café 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 cafe stays open until 9pm, offering lunch and dinner menus that feel quintessentially LA: healthy, hearty, and with international influences. Expect chicken tacos or charcuterie to start, a selection of loaded salads, mains of saffron salmon risotto or pappardelle pasta and crepes for dessert. It's a casually sharp hangout, with a wide range of drinks, from wines and fizz to craft cocktails and bottomless mimosas.
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.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots 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
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