The Sunset Tower Hotel Los Angeles

A little over a decade since owner Jeff Klein first reinvented the landmark Sunset Tower, creating what is known today as the unofficial epicenter of Hollywood, 2018 marked a time for “the lady” (as he often refers to the building) to get a facelift.

Klein embarked on a refresh of the hotel and common areas with his personal touch; with the goal of restoring its heart and soul while not compromising the character of such an iconic building.

Klein’s proudest accomplishment was the opening of the Tower Bar in 2005 soon after he bought the property. Following its enormous success, the latest renovation plans were created so that the rest of the hotel could keep up with the quality and popularity of the Tower Bar.

The style is subtle, chic, understated and elegant. Design highlights include a new dark and sexy bar, a reimagined restaurant and updated pool area- with its quintessential LA vista beyond. There are pink leather semi-circular booths and sofas covered in fabric that Klein designed himself.

Further additions include a dedicated bright and airy new 7,000 sq ft gym in John Wayne’s former apartment, and the Joanna Vargas Spa one level above offering expert facials and massages.

Deluxe Rooms & Suites have been redecorated in a dusty pink tone, with soft cream and brown accents; and feature bespoke wallpaper in the bathrooms created by famous fashion illustrator Donald Robertson, with louche scenes from the hotel’s life, from the Sunset Boulevard sign to a martini in the Tower Bar.

THE TEAM
Sunset Tower is all about characters. Klein himself is more host than traditional hotelier and this is reflected in how ‘at home’ the great and good of Hollywood feel in situ at the hotel, bar and restaurant.

Gabé Doppelt serves as Tower Bar’s elegant Maitre’d. A former magazine editor, Doppelt seamlessly choreographs the room with grace. Sunset Tower probably has one of the most paparazzied doorways in LA but the irony is that in this social hub, in the world of social media, no pictures are allowed inside.

General Manager Troy Pade, a recent New York transplant, has also joined the team at Sunset Tower to run the day to day operations and elevate the experience as the hotel enters the newest chapter of her storied life.

HISTORY OF A HOLLYWOOD LANDMARK
Designed in 1929 by architect Leland A. Bryant, the Sunset Tower (as it was originally called) was a trendsetter from the moment it opened.

Its dramatic setting on the Sunset Strip and elegant Art Deco styling, together with its proximity to famous restaurants and nightclubs of the 1930s & ’40s, contributed to its landmark status.

West Hollywood has always catered to celebrities wishing to draw attention to their star power. The Sunset Tower embodied these aspirations, counting among its former residents Howard Hughes, John Wayne, Billie Burke, Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Paulette Goddard, Zasu Pitts, and even gangster Bugsy Siegel.

Leland Bryant specialized in luxury apartments, but the Sunset Tower was his crowning achievement.

His work was predominantly in Period Revival, but with this building he proved that he was equally adept with the then contemporary Deco style. To attract a demanding clientele, the Sunset Tower incorporated the latest in both technology and design.

There were modern conveniences, like outlets in every bathroom for electric shavers, and the windows were made larger to take advantage of the spectacular views. The Sunset Tower is a Hollywood landmark. Up to the 1950s it was as much a tourist attraction as the Hollywood sign itself.

It has appeared in a number of films, including The Italian Job, Get Shorty, The Player and Strange Days. Its first literary mention was in Raymond Chandler’s Farewell, My Lovely (1940). The film version of that novel, Murder, My Sweet, released four years later, was its first screen reference.

Our Penthouse Suites are panoramic luxury apartments with a large separate living area, one California king size bed and wraparound terraces offering sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles.

The limestone bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, stand-alone showers with floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-legged vanity consoles with brass fittings.

DINING

A cozy rendezvous inspired by early Hollywood, The Tower Bar and Restaurant offers an elegant haven for the discerning. The Tower Bar also offers casual dress poolside dining with a unique indoor/outdoor setting and incredible, sweeping views of the city.

The Tower Bar is the chicest and most welcoming room in town, with a fireplace and discreet niche seating for privacy. Housed in Bugsy Siegel’s former apartment on the ground floor and connected to the newly expanded Terrace Bar- the experience is elegantly choreographed by Maitre D’ Gabé Doppelt.

As Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour tells The New York Times, “Gabé’s superpower was knowing what was going on at all times- being in the middle of everything, seamlessly connecting everyone…as if by magic, everyone would somehow end up meeting exactly who they were supposed to.”

Steeped in the mystery of a glamorous Hollywood long past, walnut-paneled walls frame sweeping views of the city. Here guests can sip cocktails in flattering rose-colored light, lulled by the playing of famed jazz pianists.

“An elegant safe haven for the players,” says owner Jeff Klein, “where a duchess can be a devil, and a celebrity can dine with his family one night and his mistress the next.”

The reimagined Terrace Bar offers an expanded cocktail & dining experience with dark wood paneling, booths and cocktail tables. The Terrace Room is bright & airy, with custom pink suede semi-circular banquettes and sofas accented by potted palm trees.

The refreshed outdoor portion of the Terrace offers a relaxed, casual setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Crisp white cushions, a covered travertine lanai with a view of the swimming pool and spectacular views of LA make even the locals feel as if they’re on vacation.

The terrace is also available for private events with a separate entrance.

The pool

at Sunset Tower Hotel is tranquil and relaxed, with sweeping views of the city as a backdrop, a perfect place to sunbathe, lounge, have a drink, or enjoy a meal. Delicious market food is freshly grilled and served in a glamorous outdoor setting.

THE SPA BY JOANNA VARGAS AT SUNSET TOWER HOTEL
The Spa by Joanna Vargas is nestled within the historic Hollywood landmark of the Sunset Tower Hotel. Ms. Vargas is known for vetting skincare technologies and modernizing facials and body treatments to the satisfaction of the most demanding clientele.

MANSION FITNESS by DARREN MISARESH at SUNSET TOWER HOTEL
The team at Mansion Fitness has transformed John Wayne’s former apartment into a gorgeous 7,000 square foot bright and airy indoor-outdoor facility located on the 3rd level of the hotel. Established in 2011 by Darren Misaresh, Mansion Fitness caters to Los Angeles’ fitness elite.

Hotel guests are offered 24-hour access to the facility, which is home to state-of-the-art treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, free weights, and features equipment from Canali, which is exclusive to Mansion Fitness on the west coast.

THE TERRACE

Sunset Tower Hotel offers an array of unique spaces to host events of any size. From weddings to premiere parties, private dinners or executive meetings, let us help you host, plan and cater your next special occasion.

The Terrace is available for parties up to 500 people. This breathtaking indoor/outdoor room, with a private entrance off Sunset Boulevard, a pool, and sweeping southern views will turn your event into a memorable experience.

Website: www.sunsettowerhotel.com

Rooms: 81

Price: from 305 EUR per night