Lobby Area, Hotel Palomar

The Hotel Palomar Washington D.C. is located in the Dupont Circle area of the city, known for its hip style and central yet not too touristy location.  Palomar is part of the Kimpton Hotels & Resorts group, a chain known for its uniquely designed boutique properties with utmost attention to personal service and style.  The Palomar brand itself offers a sophisticated city experience, bringing all the elements for a small boutique hotel into a cool city hotel package.

Even with 335 guest rooms in total, Hotel Palomar D.C. offers personalized touches such as a complimentary wine hour, a welcomed perk for those guests looking to wind down at days end.  Other services include a generous pet policy (you’ll want to stay on floors 4 & 7 if you have a pooch), and an all around friendly staff which feels more like family.

First Impressions:

Hotel Palomar enjoys a vibrant location while also feeling a bit removed from some of D.C.’s busiest attractions, something we very much appreciated after a long day in the city.  Palomar’s lobby is intimate, offering a small scale feel, fully equipped with a fireplace and comfortable sitting areas.  Albeit simple, Palomar strives to make you feel at home while also giving you a taste of hip and trendy.  Our check-in process was smooth and efficient, and our keys were delivered by a front desk staff that was both friendly and knowledgeable.

The Guest Room Experience:

The Palomar offers a wide array of guest room types starting from Deluxe to Spa Kings to Spa King Suites to Executive Rooms to Presidential Suites.  We particularly liked the “Executive” room type, as these room categories offer lots of space (what most other hotels would consider suites) and usually front facing views.  Motion category rooms feature a variety of exercise options including in-room bikes, treadmills etc.

Most guest room types feature upgraded bathrooms with Moen Square Sinks, Aveda Bath Products, and shower/bathtub combinations.  Select guest room types including Spa Kings and Spa King Suites offer larger bathroom options with deep soaking bathtubs and separate walk-in showers.

Executive 2 Queens (Room Number 903)

Executive King (Room Number 422)

In-Bath Amenities:  Aveda Products

Deluxe “Cozy” King Room  (Room Number 537)

Hotel Palomar D.C. combines the best of boutique and mid-size hotel by providing an endless number of amenities and services, while also preserving what’s best about a boutique hotel.  Palomar’s “Sculpting Room” (or Fitness Center) along with the hotel’s outdoor pool, bring services sometimes never found in city hotels, large or small.

What we really like about Hotel Palomar D.C.:

• Mid-size Hotel with Boutique Feel
• Complimentary Evening Wine Hour
  
• Complimentary High Speed WiFi
• Personalized, Friendly Service
• Excellent Pet-Friendly Policy
• Fantastic Location, Walk to Georgetown, 1 Minute From Dupont Circle Metro Station
• Generously Sized “Executive” Category Rooms
  

Hotel Vitale’s Landmark Suite Terrace

Our pursuit to find one of San Francisco’s most unique hotels was quite successful on our recent trip.  Meet Hotel Vitale, part of Joie de Vivre’s luxury collection of hotels.  In keeping with “JDV’s” boutique spirit, Hotel Vitale is both intimate and full of life.  Vitale’s approach is simple: modern, fresh and nurturing.

First Impressions:

Upon arrival you’ll immediately notice a zen-like feel, as Hotel Vitale has designed a contemporary yet inviting lobby experience that mimics the soothing tones of nature.  The hotel itself is a “stand alone” building, a unique design that benefits from a fantastic waterfront location with views of the Bay Bridge and Embarcadero.  Unlike other properties located in crowded areas of the city such as Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf or even Knob Hill, Hotel Vitale is within close proximity to everything you’ll want to visit in San Francisco, yet far enough where you’ll be away from the city rush.

The Guest Room Experience:

Hotel Vitale prides itself on offering uniquely designed guest rooms that reflect a cool, clean and luxurious feel.  Vitale’s guest rooms will appeal to all the senses, through the use of aromatherapy (Vitale uses ‘Fresh’ products with fantastic scents in Waterfront King & Suite Category Rooms, and Lather Products in all other room types).  Little touches have been incorporated to make for a truly well rounded experience; guests will enjoy complimentary WiFi, complimentary use of the fitness center, iPod/MP3 docking stations, well stocked mini-bars with a wider variety of options.

There are a large number of room types ranging from Superior Rooms (averaging over 300 Sq. Feet) to Landmark Suites (averaging over 720 Sq. Feet)  Superior guest rooms are generously sized, and feature the same amenities as most other room categories.  Room layouts, bathroom features and views will vary as you go up in room category.  Waterfront Rooms offer dynamite views of the San Francisco Bay & Bay Bridge, a site seldom seen in other San Francisco hotels.  Waterfront rooms also feature spa inspired walk-in showers. Regardless of your room type, guests can enjoy one of two rooftop terraces, designed for relaxing and enjoying the view.  Bring a glass of wine, or even a book, and enjoy.

Waterfront King Room (Room Number 608)

Panoramic Suite (Room Number 716)

Spa Vitale, located on the 8th Floor of the hotel, offers a truly unique Spa Experience on the hotel’s Penthouse level.  A wide array of services and treatments are available, including an outdoor rooftop bath experience.  As seen below, guests are pampered in an outdoor city setting that is both calming and unique.

Spa Vitale

Hotel Vitale’s Lobby Space

Uniquely located, uniquely designed and tremendously well executed, Hotel Vitale was impressive all around, to say the least.  Hotel Vitale is everything a Boutique hotel should be, while also delivering a level of service on par with its five star counterparts.  For those travelers seeking an oasis in the city, this is it, you have arrived!

What we really liked about Hotel Vitale:

• A rare secluded yet convenient Waterfront location
• Calm & Soothing feel throughout the hotel
• Luxurious, Fresh feel
• Spacious & Exceptionally well appointed Guest Rooms
  
• Stunning Views
• Rooftop Decks for Guest Use Only
• Americana Restaurant: Fantastic Food & Great Outdoor Seating Area
• Highly Personalized Service
  

Check out Hotel Vitale on TripKick.com

A Walk Through Paris by Guest Blogger: Christopher Back

To launch my new post as Paris Destination Expert at TripKick.com, I decided to create a special walking tour of Paris just for Trip Kick users.  A walk that you can enjoy on foot in Paris or from a comfy chair at home.  The neighborhood I’ve chosen, from the Place Vendome to the Louvre, is on the top of everyone’s list of places to visit in Paris.  But, I’m going to show you a side that is lesser known, with some interesting history and stories of intrigue.  We’ll even approach the Louvre in same way as its last royal resident, Louis XIV and show you a side of this famous building that few tourists take time to see.

We’ll start at the Renaissance Vendome Hotel; a great boutique property with chic guestrooms, an intimate scale and a rare indoor pool in their luxurious spa.  It’s a great place for business and comfortable for family travel.  I’m sure you’ll appreciate their attention to detail and friendly service.

Insider Hotel Info. on The Renaissance Paris Vendome at TripKick.com

As the name implies, the hotel is located just off the historic Place Vendôme on a quiet street parallel to Rue St Honore, one of the best shopping streets in Paris.  Even if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s just a short walk from the Louvre and many other famous sights we’ll explore during our walk.

Along the way we’ll see a church with a magnificent altar inspired by Bernini’s altar at St Peters in the Vatican, hear stories about assassination plots by a scheming Catherine de Medicis, and find time for chocolate treats and a great burger if you’re feeling a little hungry.  You probably didn’t realize you’d find all of this within a few blocks of the hotel.  We’ll also visit a large sculpture installation ordered by former Paris Mayor and President Jacques Chirac, which he found so ugly that he halted construction as a public eyesore.  The artist was forced to sue the city to complete his work and now it’s an artistic highlight for many visitors.  Often, art is not appreciated until people have a chance to consider it for a while.

The same is true for the Louvre.  We’ll explore the evolution of its construction and hear stories of public outcry surrounding the expansions and renovations that have taken place over the last 800 years.  Did you know that in the 1850s the massive expansion launched by Napoleon III was considered too modern and out of keeping with the older 16^th Century structure?  Ironically, this is the same criticism heard following the completion of I.M. Pei’s now-iconic pyramid in the late 1980’s.

No matter how many times you’ve been to Paris, there are always new layers of history to uncover.  That’s the fun of coming back again, and what keeps me studying further.  After nearly ten years in Paris, I still learn new things every day and I hope this walk will inspire you to get to know my adopted city better.

Enjoy the walk and don’t forget to stop for a treat along the way.  After all, food is truly one of the greatest pleasures of Paris.

Let me know what you think of the walk, I’d love to have your feedback.

If you have questions about Paris, don’t hesitate to contact me!  Who knows, your question might inspire another blog post on TripKick.com.

Download the Walk By Emailing: tripkick@parisprivateguides.com.  You will receive a return reply with a PDF of the walk.

About Guest Author Christopher Back:

A long-time Paris resident and California native, Christopher’s diverse background combines with an in-depth knowledge of Parisian life, culture and history.  He followed his studies at the Sorbonne by completing  a full-time program covering history of French art, architecture and decorative arts at Christie’s France, the world renowned auction house.  Christopher is also a gourmet chef, with training at the Cordon Bleu and l’école du Ritz-Escoffier in Paris, including a brief stint working in the kitchens of the Hotel Ritz in Paris.

Besides his work with TripKick, Christopher is the Director of Paris Private Guides which offers a wide variety of private tours of Paris.  In addition to a personalized approach to clients, the company takes special care to provide accessible tours for seniors and others with reduced mobility.

Paris Private Guides

Find Christopher on Facebook

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!

Four Seasons Chicago, Lobby Experience

Chicago is well known for its luxury hotels, as the Windy City is home to the Four Seasons Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, Peninsula Chicago and numerous others.  The Four Seasons Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton Chicago are sister properties, both located off Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue)  Although normally competitors, these two hotels enjoy a unique relationship as they are both managed by Four Seasons (a relationship started when Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp licensed Ritz Carlton’s name for his first U.S. property)  Both hotels have recently unveiled renovations that have added contemporary touches while preserving their timeless elegance and unparalleled reputation.

Four Seasons Chicago:

The Four Seasons Chicago offers a unique guest room experience, with guest rooms occupying floors 32-46 (an almost unseen feature, as most newer hotels position guest rooms on lower floors, and residences on higher floors)  Regardless of where you are in the hotel, you are certain to benefit from a stellar view.  We were particularly pleased with our lake & Michigan Avenue view (which can enjoyed in most Odd Numbered Rooms)  Deluxe Four Seasons Executive Suites, Located in the “25″ series of the hotel, offer perhaps the very best views in the hotel.

Four Seasons Chicago has transformed the guest room experience into something more contemporary (from its once more traditional past) offering a warm array of colors and smart furnishings.  Perhaps our favorite feature (which can be experienced in any Four Seasons hotel) is the oh so comfortable bed.  What’s better than a truly divine bed?… How about a divine bed with a view?  Four Seasons Executive Suites and Deluxe Executive Suites feature a larger layout with a separate living room and bedroom area.  If you’re traveling with your family, be certain to request an Executive Suite on Floors 30 or 31, as select suites feature unique floor plans with Kitchens as well as 1.5 baths.  These floors were also last to be renovated, and feature a different decor from the rest of the hotel. (See photos below)

Four Seasons Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Separate Living Room & Bedroom Area  (Room Number 3111)

Four Seasons Executive Suite, Lake & City View  (Room Number 3111)

The Four Seasons Chicago features an unrivaled guest room experience (perhaps with the exception of The Ritz-Carlton Chicago) as well as a long list of amenities and services designed for the savvy business or leisure traveler.  Among the many features you may enjoy include an expansive Fitness Center & Spa, Indoor Pool, Elevator Access to the adjacent 900 Shops Mall as well as Season Restaurant.

Detailed Guest Room Information @ TripKick.com

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, a Four Seasons Hotel:

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, located just across the street from the Four Seasons, offers a luxurious hotel experience with a more traditional approach.  Guest rooms have been modified with a more contemporary scheme, however they still retain a more conservative (albeit indulgent) design.  Guest rooms also benefit from fantastic views (perhaps more Lake oriented than the Four Seasons guest rooms) Similarities include the Four Seasons Bed, as well as all of the other amenities you will find at the Ritz-Carlton’s sister property.  While the Four Seasons felt more understated (and perhaps even a bit more quiet & private), The Ritz-Carlton offers an expansive lobby with a traditional layout.

Guest Rooms Ending in 01-07 as well as 29-33 Feature spectacular Lake Views.

Detailed Guest Room Information @ TripKick.com

Ritz-Carlton Suite, 1 King Bed, Separate Living & Bedroom Area  (Room Number 2707)

King Suite, Living Room Area  (Room Number 60)

We had a chance to experience 6 Columbus, a Thompson Hotel, while in NYC last week and we have an exciting report to share with you.  When visiting Manhattan, location is always paramount.  What we truly love about 6 Columbus is both its location, and not-so-conventional hotel feel.  6 Columbus is a quaint gem located at the doorstep of the Time Warner Center as well as Central Park.  With only 88 Guest Rooms & Suites in total, you’ll feel as though you’re living in a posh NYC apartment with one of the best location’s in town.

6 Columbus features an inviting, albeit small, lobby space with a staff that aims to please.  Absent are the hundreds of patrons you’ll often find in most NYC hotel lobbies; we were off to a good start.  As most other frequent travelers will note, enjoying a quick yet friendly check-in process is always preferred.  You certainly won’t find check-in lines at 6 Columbus, nor will you find the hustle bustle stress of a convention hotel.

Pod Room, 1 Double Bed  (Room Number 92)   (02 rooms have desk, 07 rooms are slightly larger but have no desk)

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed + Balcony  (Room Number 103)

6 Columbus (Six Columbus) offers several different room categories ranging from “Pod Rooms” to “Columbus Loft & Thompson Penthouse Suites”  Pod Guest Rooms are ideal for individual business travelers, or those guests staying only 1 or 2 nights.  Measuring in at around 175 Sq. Ft., Pod Rooms feature 1 Double Bed, and are extremely quiet.  Other Room Categories include Queen Rooms, Queen Deluxe & King Deluxe Rooms.  All Guest Rooms are outfitted with tastefully appointed furnishings with a retro flare.  Our favorite room type is the “Studio Suite”, particularly those located at the back of the hotel (Room Numbers 103 & 104)  Studios feature outdoor terraces, hardwood flooring and are located on floor 10 & 11 of the hotel.  Room Numbers 103 & 104 also come equipped with larger bathrooms with both Walk-In Glass Showers as well as Bathtubs.  As a side note, all standard Guest Rooms on the 9th Floor feature hardwood flooring.

A Sample of 6 Columbus’ In-Room Amenities:

• Bigelow Bath Products
• In Room Snacks by Dean & Deluca (Mini-Bar Offerings)
• Flat Panel Televisions & iPod Docking Stations
• Shower/Bathtub Combination (Separate Showers & Bathtubs in Select Studio & Loft/Penthouse Suites)

Lobby Area, 6 Columbus

Many travelers often stick with larger scale hotels for fear of choosing a boutique hotel that might disappoint.  Admittedly we’ve often had similar fears, as some boutique’s don’t quite deliver what they advertise.  We say with confidence however that 6 Columbus exceeded our every expectation, and offered every bit of convenience that we would hope for in a larger hotel.  6 Columbus offers residential style luxury along with city sophistication, making it an ideal Midtown Manhattan hotel choice.

Find the Best Rooms at 6 Columbus Here

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Enjoy sweet treats and unforgettable moments with Starwood’s romance package or special savings with irresistible Valentine’s Day rates.

Lobby

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has recently debuted its newest brand: Andaz.  Taken from the Hindi word “Andaz” it means “personal style” or “stylish”  And Stylish it is.  Formerly the Hyatt West Hollywood, Andaz West Hollywood is nearly unrecognizable for those who have stayed here before; its stunning arrival experience will lead you to believe you’re in an entirely new hotel.  And this isn’t too far from the truth either- in fact Andaz has used very little of the old framework, essentially transforming it into a new hotel.

Andaz takes a new approach by delivery everything a luxury minded traveler might desire in a contemporary hotel experience.  Yes you could say that Andaz competes with the W Hotels of the world, but the mentality seems to be quite different.  Upon arriving the Andaz West Hollywood you are quickly greeted by one of the many personal lobby hosts, a rare yet sought after touch that few other hotels in the world seem to do right.  Gone are the front desks you might traditionally find at the check-in process.  Instead, you are pleasantly welcomed and seated in the lobby area with a laptop savvy attendant, who will later become your personal host for anything you might need throughout your stay.  The sound of “White or Red Wine?” was so much more welcoming than the traditional “Last name please?” approach you typically find.  While sipping on a glass of California Wine (of course a reminder of you where you are…) your credit card and personal details are taken, and keys are issued.  We’re told that these lobby hosts are trained to sense whether a guest is wanting to get to their room quickly (ie. late arriving business travelers) In either case, we loved the check-in.

Wine Reception Area

Andaz West Hollywood has made substantial changes to the guest room experience, and created a contemporary yet sophisticated atmosphere that echoes the hotel’s chic surroundings.  For those rooms in the “View” category (Rooms Ending in “05-19″), what were once balconies have now become enclosed sitting areas with floor to ceiling windows.  An ingenious idea, not only did View category rooms pick up some extra space, but they make these rooms feel more “suite-like” offering an extra place to sit and take in the view.  Bathrooms have been newly outfitted with white carera marble, walk-in glass showers and new vanity areas.  Albeit a tad bit small, the bathrooms are exceptionally well appointed and feature exclusive bath amenities and Frette towels & bathrobes.

View Room, 2 Queen Beds (Room Number 1106)

For those of you who always complain about outrageous mini-bar charges, you’ll love that Andaz includes all non-alcoholic mini-bar items at no charge.  Us Trip Kickers almost always make a “snack & water” run once we arrive at our hotel, but Andaz provides this for you on a complimentary basis.  Items include sodas, large bottled waters, juices & mixers as well as a generous offering of snacks- all replenished daily. Kudos to Andaz for making this a brand standard.

For those who are discerning about the hotel bedding experience, you will love the Andaz Bed.  Outfitted in nothing but the best, Frette Linens of course- you’re certain to fall in love.  Other impressive guest room features include larger flat panel televisions, bedside iPod docks and a second television in the window sitting area (View Rooms Only) 

For those who desire a bit more space along with a prime corner location, The Andaz Suites (Rooms Ending in “05″ and “19″) are a wonderful option.  Andaz Suites benefit from fantastic views of Los Angeles, as well as a generously sized room with a separate living room & bedroom area.  Andaz Suites feature hand picked local art along with custom furnishings and 2 Full Bathrooms (a rare feature even for suites)  The Sunset Suite (Room Number 1420) offers an impressive space and an outdoor terrace with fantastic Hollywood views.  The Sunset Suite features a separate bedroom and living room, and boasts features such as a walk-in closet, upgraded bathroom with Walk-In Glass Shower & Separate Deep Soaking Tub along with views of the city.  In case you’re in the mood for entertaining, The Sunset Suite also features a wet-bar area and second half bath.

Andaz Suite, 1 King Bed  (Room Number 419)

Sunset Suite, 1 King Bed (Room Number 1420)

Feel like taking a quick break from the action on the Sunset Strip?  Andaz features a rooftop deck with stunning city views, if you aren’t going to take a swim- at least check out the view.  During appropriate seasons, rooftop bar service is available.

Rooftop Pool Area

Classically trained in France, Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault has debuted RH Restaurant at the Andaz West Hollywood.  RH offers a breathtaking open kitchen design, along with a menu selection that will impress even the most sophisticated palette.  Archambault features some unique offerings along with a few classics as well, all perfectly executed in a hearty yet contemporary fashion.  After enjoying dinner, segway into the RH Bar, a vibrant setting on the Sunset Strip with a fun and exciting atmosphere.  

RH Restaurant, Open Kitchen Design

The Andaz West Hollywood offers personal style, personal service and impeccable design in a concept that we truly loved.  We can see how this brand will quickly catch on for those travelers who not only seek cool design, but personalized service to go along with it.  It’s often the little things that make for a memorable hotel experience, and Andaz has scored big points for those of us who seek a luxurious experience in a cool package.

Find the Andaz West Hollywood by Clicking Here & Get Find More Information About Which Rooms to Request

We recently launched our “Trip Kick Picks” program, where members receive access to some of the best hotel deals on the web.  Be sure to sign up for our Newsletter on the TripKick.com homepage, and you’ll receive our next exclusive list of deals!