Andaz 5th Avenue, Entrance

The Andaz brand is Hyatt’s newest, offering travelers an alternative to classic luxury.  While some may dub the new brand as Hyatt’s “W Hotel” alternative, we think it’s totally different, and in ways that you’ll really like.

Don’t get us wrong, we admire the W Brand in many ways, but Andaz takes a fresh take on modern luxury, without the hype of loud nightclubs and sometimes attitude laden staff. 

Our editors got a first look at Andaz 5th Avenue recently, including an introduction to their on property restaurant: “The Shop”.  Wow was the overwhelming sentiment (a rare one from our sometimes picky editorial staff)  The Shop features a casual yet elegant setting on 5th Avenue with an open kitchen format and a fun yet relaxed atmosphere.  “The Bar Downstairs” (that’s literally its name, honest) is definitely a must visit.  The cooking continues downstairs in perhaps an even more casual setting, and the list of unique cocktail offerings is nothing short of amazing.  Try the Velvet Spice: a mixture of Sailor Jerry Spice Rum, Punt e mes, Velvet Falernum and House Orange Bitters… tasty!

The Shop

The Bar Downstairs

Trip Kick will soon be providing a full overview of the Guest Room Experience at Andaz 5th Avenue, so stay tuned.  We hear they have some pretty exciting guest room options!

Many of you have been waiting for the first word on Edition Hotels, a joint venture or sorts between hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International.  An odd couple you might say?  Perhaps not a marriage you might expect, but let’s just say these two have lots of chemistry.

Waikiki Edition is the brands’ first property, and we got a first look this week while in Honolulu.  While Ian Schrager’s signature style is evident throughout, there is also a sense that the sometimes over the top whimsical flare seen in some of his other properties (ala Gramercy Park NYC) isn’t quite as strong here.  So what’s the verdict?… we LOVED it!

Waikiki Editon Reception Desk

We all have our personal preferences in terms of hotel personality, brand etc.  I think we can all agree however that boutiques can sometimes disappoint- rooms might be too small, service has an attitude or the hotel just hasn’t invested as much as it might need.  Edition takes all of the desirable elements of a boutique hotel- vibrant personality, an intimate level of service and hip design- and delivers an experience that is both consistent and seamless as a large name brand hotel, made possible by the backing of Marriott.

Edition’s Waikiki is the first of several properties worldwide (including upcoming locations in Istanbul, Barcelona and South Beach), but if this is what we should expect every time, we’re very excited.

So let’s talk about Edition Waikiki.  The arrival experience is very different than any other Hawaii property you might expect.  Missing are the lei’s, “Aloha” at check-in or statues of dolphins in the porte cochere.  Instead, Edition welcomes you with a low key yet attentive arrival experience.  You certainly know you’re in Hawaii, but it’s not contrived in any way.  The lobby area is fun and hip but still a reminder of where you are(you’ll love the surfboards behind the front desk!)  After a welcome drink and quick briefing on the hotel, we were escorted to the guest room elevators.

The Lobby (Notice the bookshelf in the background- it moves at 4pm and opens to the lobby bar area- a neat touch indeed)

Edition’s warm contemporary design continued into the guest rooms.  Because this Edition occupies a previously existing hotel, there were certain design constraints (ie. Not all room types have balconies), however they’ve done a wonderful job at transforming old to new.  In fact, most guests might even be hard pressed to notice the fact that this hotel wasn’t built new from ground up.  The vast majority of room types offer some type of ocean view, including views of the neighboring harbor, ocean view and pool views.

Guest rooms are simply yet elegantly appointed with luxurious finish work including large plantation shutter dividers in the bathroom and window areas.  While minimalist, guest rooms are quite cozy in feel with subtle reminders of Hawaii- most notably a wall mounted tribute to local heritage- a ukulele, shells, starfish etc.  Regardless of room type, bathrooms are outfitted with walk-in glass showers, and select deluxe one-bedroom suites offer separate shower and deep soaking tubs.  Rooms with 1 King Bed feature outdoor lanai’s.

Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, 1724  (1 King Bed & Living Room/Desk Area)

Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, 1724 (Bathroom Area, w/ Separate Shower & Tub)

The View from a One-Bedroom Ocean Suite  (Room Number 1110)

The common areas of the hotel are meticulously designed with utmost imagination and attention to detail.  While the hotel itself isn’t quite ‘beachfront’, it offers a convenient location with wonderful views of the water and easy access to nearby beaches and lagoons.  Waikiki Edition does offer two distinctive pool experiences on the 1st level of the hotel including a beach style pool (surrounded by sand) as well as a traditional pool, both offering pool bars and full service.  While being oceanfront is a nice touch, we never really missed the sometimes crowded feel that other Waikiki resorts experience; Edition is more of an oasis away from the crowds.

The ‘Sand’ Pool (one of two pools offered at Edition Waikiki)

Edition Gift Shop

The Common Areas, near Poolside

Our initial impression of Edition was overwhelmingly fantastic… While some of Ian Schrager’s other properties have received mixed reviews in terms of room size, service etc., it’s clear that his talents coupled with the backing of Marriott will prove to be a huge success. Waikiki Edition has executed their product in a way that is enormously creative, yet comfortable and familiar at the same time- we look forward to seeing more of their properties in the near future!

Unless you’re experiencing an Indian summer, chances are that the crisp fall weather and the brewing winter storms already have you dreaming of your next tropical getaway. Leave it to the luxury-savvy folks over at Hard Rock to tempt you in your time of need—need for an extravagant resort to help you beat the winter blues, that is. Nov. 1, 2010, marks the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana, located on the eastern-most tip of the Dominican Republic. The all-inclusive resort, previously known as the five-star Moon Palace Resort, has been re-branded to weave Hard Rock’s edgy style with the stately experience Palace Resorts provides.

Located on 21 acres of white sand beaches, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana is ready to cradle its guests in the lap of luxury. The 1,800-room resort has “Rock Star Suites” complete with jellyfish tanks, villas fit for a king (of rock ‘n’ roll), and rooms that have double Jacuzzis and double showerheads. The walls of the resort are adorned with music memorabilia that pays homage to both local and international artists and celebrates a diverse range of musical genres—not just rock ‘n’ roll.

While the all-inclusive aspect of this resort is certainly one of its prime qualities, what’s really impressive is that the decidedly family-friendly resort is an experience in and of itself. Golfers will be thrilled to hit the links at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that boasts 18 holes spread across 155 acres. Gamblers can seek solace in the more than 48,000 square foot Las Vegas-style casino that has a high-limit poker room, 457 slot machines, a VIP lounge and 40 tables featuring games such as blackjack, roulette and craps. Workout fiends and those who like to stay active will appreciate the 15,000 square foot Body Rock fitness center and the rock-climbing wall. Two tennis courts are also available, as well as billiards, ping-pong and other table games. After a hard day of play, wind down with a massage or facial at Rock Spa, the most widespread spa in the Caribbean.

If you have little ones in tow, take them to one of the 11 pools, preferably one of the four that has a swim-up bar so you can relax poolside with a fruity beverage. The resort also has a lazy river, a mini-golf course, waterslides, a Kids Club and an ice-cream stand. Move over Disneyland, it looks like Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana is gearing up to be the new happiest place on Earth.

For up-to-date information, visit www.hardrockhotels.com/puntacana/.

What market has Jimmy Buffett not conquered? Well, he can certainly knock hotel entrepreneur off his bucket list. This past June 28 marked the grand opening of Mr. Buffett’s newest venture, The Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Pensacola Beach, Fla. After two years and 50 million dollars, the gulf-front resort sprung from the ashes of a former hotel that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. While this might be mecca for parrotheads, what does a stay at Margaritaville hold in store for patrons who don’t know all the lyrics to “Cheeseburger in Paradise?”

Hotel Basics

The immaculately white hotel with blue accents sits on 800 feet of gulf-front land, with an additional 800 feet overlooking the bay. Upon arrival, guests are served fresh orange juice as they enter the lobby, albeit, a margarita would seem much more fitting. The earthy color scheme of the lobby evokes a preppy Cape Cod inn as opposed to a hotel said to embody the island escapism that inspires Buffet’s music. That being said, it’s classic and simple, proving that less is often more—a mindset fitting for a beach getaway.

Guest Rooms

With a 162 guest rooms on this sun-soaked property, Margaritaville doesn’t lack rooms with views. Bay-view and gulf-front views are available, as are 24 Corner King Executive rooms with wraparound balconies that provide a more panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. Guest rooms have tiled floors, oak furnishings, HD flat screen TVs and, drumroll please, a Margaritaville station on the in-room SIRIUS XM Radio. Room service is also available seven days a week. Room rates range approximately from $195 to $450 a night, depending on the season and availability of accommodations.

Swimming Pool

Once you set foot on the outside hotel grounds, you will really want to kick off your sandals and embrace the island state of mind. The luxe swimming pool is long and narrow, surrounded by brightly colored lounge chairs. A poolside tiki bar offers a full bar and even food if you feel like waiting a full 30 minutes before you go swimming.

Dining and Activities

If chilling beach side is more your style, head on down to Land Shark Landing, a beach gazebo serving up delish food and cold beverages such as fish tacos with chili lime cabbage slaw and refreshing beers. There are plenty of activities to partake in down at Land Shark Landing besides overindulging, including beach ping pong, volleyball and the less strenuous hammock lounging. During the summer, live entertainment is offered seven days a week. If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, try Frank and Lola Love Pensacola Café, named after Buffet’s popular 1982 jam “Frank and Lola.” The dinner menu boasts local seafood, mouth-watering cuts of steak, salads and an impressive wine selection. Breakfast and lunch are also served at the café, and there’s sure to be something for everyone. The hotel announced in September that the restaurant would start serving brunch every Sunday.

For up-to-date information, visit www.margaritavillehotel.com/

If Las Vegas is a playground for adults, then Sin City needs an abundance of nurseries for all of the gamblers, partiers and tourists to rest in at night. So if you think Las Vegas couldn’t handle another luxury hotel, then think again—Vegas is a city of excess. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, set to open its doors December 15, 2010, promises to dazzle its guests with a truly unique Vegas experience, even for those who think they’ve exhausted the city’s possibilities. So let’s take a sneak peak behind the hype and see what The Cosmopolitan really has to offer.

The Basics
Located at the heart of the Strip between Bellagio and CityCenter, The Cosmopolitan is a 2,995-room resort with 50-story East and West towers. The hotel, which is situated on 8.7 acres of land, has views of the Las Vegas skyline that’ll make your head spin faster than a roulette ball. With a gamut of noteworthy interior architects such as Jeffrey Beers, who designed The Cove Atlantis, and David Rockwell, the brains behind the Kodak Theatre, there’s no questioning the assertions that The Cosmopolitan is visually stunning. It was recently announced that The Cosmopolitan partnered with Marriot International’s Autograph Collection, integrating the new property into Marriot’s collection of elite hotels that set the standards for luxury and style—not a bad endorsement.

The Rooms
Oversized, residential-style accommodations get as spacious as 5,400 square feet, not including the 10 three-story bungalow-style suites. Many of the rooms offer private terraces, kitchenettes complete with a microwave and a refrigerator, and a separate living room, so guests can enjoy the comfort of complete privacy. All rooms offer wireless Internet access, plasma-screen TVs and luxurious marble bathrooms — some even boasting a Japanese soaking tub. Special amenities aside, even a stay in the affordable room City Room is bound to be a decadent Las Vegas experience.

Entertainment
If you’re looking to get lucky in Vegas, the hotel’s 100,000 square foot casino offers state-of-the-art gaming technology and glass walls—a far cry from the stereotypical Vegas casino where you can’t tell what time of day it is. The Cosmopolitan is also introducing the first-ever Casino Cabanas. And in true Vegas tradition, an epic pool is a must for every luxury resort. The Cosmopolitan has three to choose from: the Boulevard Pool, which overlooks the strip; the Bamboo Pool, which offers a more private swimming experience; and the Day Club Pool, which has a lounge feeling during the day and doubles as a nightclub when the sun goes down.

Indulge
Las Vegas is known for its culinary prowess, and The Cosmopolitan isn’t sparing a dime when it comes to satisfying the palates of its hungry guests. With currently 12 restaurants to choose from, guests will be able to feast on a wide array of dishes created by some of the country’s most celebrated chefs and restaurant brands, including sushi from Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill, Chinese and Mexican fusion from China Poblano, and tapas from Jaleo. After your meal, you won’t have to travel far for an authentic Vegas nightlife experience. Whether you prefer a low-key night of drinks at the elegant Vesper Bar, watching the game with local sports-bar enthusiasts at Book & Stage, sipping trendy cocktails at The Chandelier or dancing to house music at Bond, The Cosmopolitan has somewhere for all of its guests to let loose.

For up-to-date information, visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.

W Exterior

The W Hollywood is a wonderful new addition to the Los Angeles hotel scene, and we’d like to share our first look with you!  In keeping with the hip traditions of W, the W Hollywood is no exception- it’s hip, groovy and oh so Hollywood.

As you probably already know, W’s are know for their whimsical approach to building hotels- incorporating a fun, modern theme while also reflecting the unique style of their destination.  W Hollywood is located on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, just a short walk from Hollywood Boulevard and Highland, home to the Kodak Theatre (where the Academy Awards take place every year)  The location is ideal for visitors or business travelers alike.  The immediate area itself is still growing, but the location offers easy access to most major sites in Los Angeles.

The W Hollywood “Living Room”, aka Lobby

The W Hollywood is comprised of both guest room and residences, separated into two buildings.  There are 265 Guest Rooms and 40 Suites in total, some offering views of The Hollywood Sign & Hollywood Boulevard.  Standard Guest Rooms range in size from 380-500 Sq. Ft. depending on the location and category, and suites go up to 1,600 Sq. Ft., some of which offer outdoor terraces.

While every category is special in our eyes (we couldn’t resist the W beds, always a treat), we really liked the Cool Corner Suites “Rooms Ending in 01″.  Cool Corner Suites offer a unique floor plan, corner location and spectacular views of the Hollywood Sign!  Regardless of which room type you reserve, you’ll enjoy comfy beds (with feather beds & the best linens), walk-in glass showers (with window to the bedroom, don’t worry- it’s partially frosted), flat screen televisions, an impressive mini-bar offering and several other fun W goodies. 

Wonderful Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 642)

  The TV & Desk Area

  W Munchies

Cool Corner Suite, “01″ Series, 1 King Bed

If the guest room experience isn’t cool enough, be sure to check out the Rooftop Pool.  Often “the place” to be seen, the pool offers cabana service as well as a full outdoor bar and restaurant.  Lounge around the pool, or take a dip- you’re certain to be entertained.

The W Hollywood is also home to Drai’s Hollywood, a now famous nightspot for celebrity gawking and just having a good time.  Drai’s is located on the hotel rooftop.

What we really liked about W Hollywood:

• Innovative Guest Rooms with Lots of Features, Comfy Beds & Fantastic Walk-In Showers
• Brand new build; W Hollywood has the luxury of being a brand new hotel- so everything has that fresh smell we love!
• W Acura Experience, The W will take you anywhere, complimentary, within 2 miles of the hotel
• The Rooftop Pool “Wet”, you’re certain to have some good people watching, maybe even a celebrity or two
• Convenient location with easy in/out, surrounding streets aren’t too crowded like most LA streets

The W Hollywood is a wonderful LA getaway hotel, offering an abundance of luxury and cool at the same time.  Guest rooms extremely comfortable with a wide range of amenities designed to suit the frequent business traveler or the weekend jetsetter.

Hotel Palomar Lobby Area

The Hotel Palomar is one of Chicago’s newest hotels, located in the desirable “River North” area of Downtown.  This newly built boutique property, is part of Kimpton Hotels & Resorts, offering a wide variety of custom tailored services and amenities.  This Palomar property offers 261 guest rooms and suites, each offering a contemporary city feel with elements to remind you of Chicago’s history.  Hotel Palomar also prides itself as being one of Chicago’s few truly Green Hotels.

Hotel Palomar Chicago was built as a multi-use condo/hotel development, and the building itself is brand new as of 2010.  While neighboring buildings are still undergoing construction, the Palomar has opened in a neighborhood that is close to the Chicago River, and just a few blocks from the city’s famous “Magnificent Mile”, Michigan Avenue.  While the immediate block or two might feel still “in the works” the hotel resides in a very convenient part of town.

Palomar’s lobby area resembles a sophisticated high rise condo entrance, complete with a small reception area, and cozy yet trendy sitting area.  The lobby is home to the hotel’s evening complimentary wine hour, a standard at every Kimpton property.  The wine hour is a great opportunity for guests to unwind, meet with fellow guests as well as the hotel management.

Trip Kick Tip:  When staying at Palomar, grab a glass of wine (they offer both red & white) and head up to the hotel’s private rooftop terrace!

Sable Kitchen & Bar

Sable Kitchen & Bar is located on the lobby level of Hotel Palomar Chicago.  Sable offers New American Cuisine with innovate cocktail offerings in a truly upbeat and hip setting.

The Guest Room Experience:

Let’s talk about the guest rooms, perhaps the most important component to any hotel experience!  We’ve been generally impressed by Kimpton’s guest room experience at our stays throughout the country, but we think it’s fair to say that Hotel Palomar Chicago has certainly hit the nail on the head this time better than ever before.  Having the luxury of designing a property from scratch probably was a tremendous help (properties such as The Hotel Palomar D.C. didn’t have this privilege).  Hotel Palomar has paid a great deal of attention to the details, and have made the guest rooms feel contemporary yet classic, a sometime tricky balance when designing a hotel.

While the hotel itself won’t be known for its jaw dropping views, the rooms have been designed to make you feel at home, while also reminding you that you’re on vacation.  Room categories range from standard “Deluxe Rooms” to “King Spa Premier Rooms” up to larger suite offerings.

Trip Kick Tip:  Book the “King Spa Premier Room” category for the best value.  King Spa Premier rooms offer upgraded bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs (for 2) and we actually liked them better than the suites!  King Spa Rooms ending in “04″ were our personal favorite: these are corner rooms that really do feel more like a suite.

King Spa Premier Room (Room Number 704)

Jacuzzi Tub & Separate Walk-In Shower, Room Number 704

The Palomar Chicago has a few Suite Category rooms including the “Luxury Suite” which offers a three room layout, including separate living room area, bedroom area and bathroom area.  These room types are particularly suitable for guests traveling with families, or business travelers wanting to conduct business in-room without having guests in the bedroom area.  While they do offer more space, we still preferred the “King Spa Premier Rooms” which offer a more open floor plan.

Luxury Suite, 1 King Bed, Living Room Area  (Room Number 1527)

All guest rooms and suites offer large flat panel television entertainment areas, as well as fully stocked mini-bars.  As you can see, furnishings are both sleek and classic in design.

Rooftop Area (A wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine & take in the city views)

Other on property amenities offered at the Palomar Chicago include a rooftop indoor heated pool (a very rare feature in Chicago hotels) as well as a state of the art fitness center, with pleasant city views.

The Rooftop Pool

What we really liked about Palomar Chicago:

• Convenient, Downtown Address
• New Build Hotel with Sleek, Contemporary Lines & Residential Feel
• Complimentary Daily Evening Wine Hour for Hotel Guests  (5-6pm in the Lobby Area)
• Complimentary Guest Room WiFi
• Rooftop Deck & Views  (No Bar, but this makes it quiet & less of a fuss!)
• Rooftop Indoor Heated Pool
• Luxurious Bathrooms in King Spa Premier & Suite Category Rooms

There’s nothing quite like a brand new hotel, and while the Palomar Chicago won’t be new forever, they’ve designed this hotel to last.  Elegant, contemporary lines along with a true “boutique” feel make this Downtown Chicago property a worthwhile luxury hotel contender worth considering.  Guest rooms are elegant, yet fun, and offer exceptionally comfortable beds, indulgent bathrooms (particularly in the higher end categories) and convenient features (such as complimentary WiFi!)

For more guest room information on Palomar Chicago click here!

Los Angeles hotels are plentiful, and often make every attempt to capture a “cool factor” that hasn’t yet been achieved.  We were excited about experiencing the Palihouse Holloway in West Hollywood, as we knew it wasn’t going to be just another L.A. hotel.  A property with only 37 rooms can certainly have its benefits, but we’ve also learned that smaller hotels can sometimes be lacking in the expenditure department, some offering fewer service and amenities than larger scale hotels.  Let’s just say that Palihouse surpassed our every expectation, and restored our faith in the ability for boutique hotels to really deliver an experience which exceeds that of its larger hotel counterparts.

Perhaps the best way to describe Palihouse’s feel is ” pied-a-terre” the French expression for “second residence.”  In fact, Palihouse was designed as an all suite residential-style concept hotel, and they’ve done it in a way that would even impress the folks at Architectural Digest.  Whether you’re staying for one night, or one year, Palihouse gives you that high-end residential feel while also preserving all that’s good about a luxurious hotel stay.

The Arrival Experience:

Upon arriving Palihouse, you are welcomed by an unimposing lobby space complete with eclectic yet tasteful designer furnishings.  The lobby feels more like a living room area, and that’s really the whole point.  The reception area (or front desk at most hotels) is intimate in design, and intended for a very personal check-in process.  We noticed the lobby staff that was eager to help at all times, whether it was fetching a cool cocktails or assisting us with connecting to the complimentary wireless internet.

Evenings and weekends are often filled with a-list celebs, and L.A.’s most fashionable, but in a very understated exclusive way.  Never did we feel put off as some might feel at other “hot spot” hotels throughout Los Angeles, rather the hotel takes a very sensible approach by maintaining a low key vibe even when very busy.

Palihouse Lobby Area

“The Hall, Courtyard Brasserie” Restaurant

Let’s talk about the guest suites:

Palihouse offers 37 Guest Suites in Total ranging from 600-2000 square feet. All guest suite areas are accessible only by a remote key fob, a nice touch which adds to the privacy factor. Classic Guest Suites, located in the front side of the hotel, offer a generously sized layout with 1 King Bed and a Kitchenette.  Corner King Suites are also located in the front of the hotel, and offer a prime over sized corner location with a separated living room and small kitchen area.  Studio, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Residences are all located in the rear of the hotel and offer true residential-style floor plans with lofted ceilings, full kitchens and outdoor terraces.  All guest suites feature a stunning decor with individual touches that reflect the style of a truly discerning city dweller.

Corner King Suite (Room Number 404)

Loft Residences feature condo-style comforts including Full Kitchens, Hardwood Flooring, Outdoor Terraces as well as high ceilings.  These room types are ideal for extended stays, but are also wonderful for shorter weekend/weeknight getaways.

One-Bedroom Loft Residence, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 311)

Two-Bedroom Loft Residence, 2 King Beds (Room Number 319)

All Palihouse guest suites feature large bathrooms, most with over sized walk-in showers, and some with shower/tub combinations or separate showers and bathtubs.  Loft residences feature one full bathroom as well as a 1/2 bath in the main living room area.  Amenities in all accommodations include fully stocked kitchens as well as in-room laundry machines.

What we really liked about Palihouse:

• Chic, yet understated guest room experience
• Complimentary parking & internet for every room type
• Large guest rooms
• Large guest bathrooms (most with walk-in showers)
• Personalized experience
• “The Hall, Courtyard Brasserie” Restaurant, It was truly one of our favorite hotel restaurants (a must try)
  

Hotels are all about the experience, and Palihouse has done an extraordinary job at creating a hotel experience that is both luxurious and not so hotel like.  Palihouse offers a highly sought after central West Hollywood location, and a design scheme that rivals most hotels we’ve seen.  For those who seek something truly unique, stylish and out of the ordinary, Palihouse is your L.A. address.

The JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE has just opened as a part of a multi-use development which includes the JW, The Ritz-Carlton (opening later this month) as well as The Ritz-Carlton Residences.  Downtown was definitely missing a luxury hotel development, and this one is certain to impress.

The JW Marriott has 878 Guest Rooms and Suites in total, making it a large property but one that also feels more intimate than your typical convention hotel.  Speaking of typical, the JW is anything but; this property is a complete departure from anything you might expect from the Marriott brand.  Absent are the classic reds and traditional pasley’s.  The JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE has taken on a very contemporary feel, with an expansive & hip lobby space, cool fresh accommodations and a long list of resort style amenities and services.  The JW is located at L.A. LIVE which is downtown’s newest entertainment complex, featuring the Nokia Theater, Regal Cinemas as well as Staples Center.  As a guest of the JW, you’ll never be at a loss for entertainment options.

JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE features an jaw dropping lobby experience, appointed in bright yet sophisticated tones and offers a unique vantage point which views the Nokia Theater on one side, and the downtown skyline on the other.  The theme is both upbeat and modern, and you’ll quickly learn you’ve chosen the right place to stay.

Earlier this week, we had a brief opportunity to view some guest rooms and suites at JW, and we’re excited to share our report with you.  The guestroom hallways are adorned with a playful palette of colors, and the windows from the elevator area are a reminder of where you are, downtown!  The standard guest rooms or “Deluxe Category” offer plenty of space and feature a very luxurious yet fun furniture setup.  The entrances feature a bright orange credenza, something you won’t see at your average Marriott hotel.  Everything from the bedding experience to the furnishings are upscale and represent an emphasis on the contemporary flare this hotel is trying to deliver.  Yes, perhaps the design is a bit more conservative than some boutique hotels you may have encountered (such as The Standard Downtown) but in our opinion it’s more inviting and comfortable, and certainly more practical.  Bathrooms are quite large, and feature a spacious  walk-in shower (no tubs in most)  If a separate shower and tub is important, you may want to wait for The Ritz-Carlton to open, which is likely to offer larger bathrooms with separate showers and tubs.  The JW is shaped like  “T” and offers views in all directions, although the downtown views are probably our favorite.  Some guest rooms offer views of the Hollywood sign.

Deluxe Category Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 1972)  Views of Nokia Theater

The Executive King Category Rooms offer quite a bit more space in an open floor plan design; these rooms also feature wonderful direct views of downtown (a wonderful view at night!)  Jr. Suite Category Rooms feature a corner location with only a bit more space than the Executive Rooms (we honestly thought the Executive Rooms were a bit nicer…)  The hotel notes that Jr. Suites are ideal for families, as the entryway is large enough to accommodate a roll away bed and keeps the kids somewhat separate from the main area of the room.

Executive King Category Room  (Room Number 649)

Jr. Suite Category Room, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 667)

Some features are shared by both properties, however The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott each offer their own pool area.  The JW’s main pool area is located on the 4th Floor, and offers a resort-like feel, a well designed space for a city hotel.  The JW also offers an expansive fitness center and spa (the spa has not yet opened) located on the 2nd Floor.

This was a first look at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE, and we look forward to our next visit.  Downtown Los Angeles has changed dramatically over the past few years, and this project represents the direction of this change.  We were truly impressed by this JW and hope that it’s representative of the type of design we’ll see in other Marriott hotels and resorts in years to come.

Stay tuned for detailed guest room information on TripKick.com!