History
Rock & Roll, celebrities, and entertainers! The Andaz Hotel was once infamous for its rowdiness back in the Summer of Love era. Built in 1963, originally known as The Continental, this hotel has a rich history with it being one of the first high-rise hotels on Sunset Strip. In the 1960s there was a famous nightclub called the Whisky A Go Go & Gazzari’s (now The Key Club) that drew in some of the most iconic entertainers in American history. Jim Morrison, Led Zeppelin, members of The Who and The Rolling Stones and Little Richard are just some of the few rockers and entertainers to stay at this hotel throughout the years.
The stories of mischievousness and parties still bring a “rock on” energy to the hotel to this day. The hotel was given the nickname The Riot House or Riot Hyatt when many of its residents would throw things off their balcony during the party nights. From furniture and electronics to beer bottles, the rowdiest of entertainers would try to hit signs and marks across the street from their balconies. The nickname still remains today, and in our opinion brings a sense of rock and roll charm!
Location
As you now know, in the 1960s this hotel was the first high rise hotel on Sunset Strip. Sunset strip is a well known street in Los Angeles where you will find plenty of restaurants, bars and more! West Hollywood is the 84th city in Los Angeles County and remains one of the most popular districts to go to when visiting LA!
Budget
While Andaz Hotel is a well known luxury hotel in the prestigious West Hollywood district, it's rates are fairly reasonable! For peak times during the weekends you can expect to stay for $250-$300 a night you can get yourself a King Room with a flat screen tv, free wifi, and a view! Sometimes they have rates with breakfast included as well.
Amenities
The Andaz Hotel has all the amenities you could look for in a hotel! Their efforts towards the COVID situation are thorough and hospitable as well leaving your stay feel safe and clean.
Spacious Rooms - The rooms were extremely clean and spacious. We booked a corner suite that overlooked Los Angeles, and we couldn’t ask for a better view! If you are like us and you need your morning caffeine you can ask the front desk for a coffee machine to be brought up to your room (they have been temporarily removed from the rooms due to COVID safeties). How is that for amazing hospitality?!
Sanitation Zone and Complimentary Snacks - In the lobby you will find a sanitation section with free masks, hand sanitizer and protocols for the hotel’s cleanliness and safety regulations in regards to COVID. Don’t forget to pick up the book “The Andaz Story” where it walks you through the history of the hotel - trust me it has a lot of fun facts you don't want to miss! They also give complimentary water, orange juice, and snacks by the front desk for you to feel comfortable when you check in to your room.
Pool and Rooftop Bar - the beautiful pool has 360 degree views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA. Cabanas are available for you to lounge out out while escaping the sun for a bit.
Does the sun leave you feeling thirsty? Welcome yourself to their pool side bar where you can choose from an assortment of cocktails or an ice cold beer! The pool is by far an amazing spot to watch the sunset as it drops behind the Hollywood Hills in the evenings.
Fun Fact: It remains the highest roof top pool in Los Angeles!
Riot House Restaurant & Bar - The restaurant has some of the best food selections for you to choose from. Due to COVID they provide to go breakfasts/meals that you can either enjoy in your room or up by the pool. For breakfast they provide a selection of dishes and pastries! In the evening don’t miss out on their delicious fried hot chicken sandwich!
Fitness Center - The fitness center is available to guests by reservation (COVID precautions). If you are feeling like you need to hit the gym for a bit after all the delicious meals you have had, just call down to the front desk and book your hour time slot. When we were at the gym we enjoyed all of the equipment to ourselves and it was great! They even have a peloton available, fancy!
In House Market - In between the lobby and the kitchen you will find the Andaz Market. The market comes equipped with all your cravings, necessities, and souvenirs! You can also select a bottle of wine or choose from their selection of bottled cocktails to enjoy in your room.
Conference Rooms - With more and more people working remote, sometimes it is nice to take your laptop to a different location compared to staying in your room to take your calls. On the second floor from the lobby you will find a secluded area with tables you can use to take your meetings.
LGBTQ+
When we saw that Andaz Hotel was nominated for the 2020 Gay Travel Awards for one of the most LGBTQ+ accepting hotel in the world we knew we had to visit! In the mid 1980s West Hollywood became a self proclaimed gay city with progressive social change for the LGBTQ+ community. The hotel has always remained with its reputation as a historical landmark for acceptance towards queer travelers. If you are a gay traveler we definitely recommend staying here on your future trips to West Hollywood!
Over 40% of residents in West Hollywood identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans. Being queer in the West Hollywood district you will feel safe and welcome anywhere you go! This district has long been known as not only one of the gayest parts of Los Angeles, but also in America! Andaz hotel is a short 10-15 minute walk or cab ride to Santa Monica Boulevard where you will find loads of gay bars, restaurants, and shops. Stop by The Abbey Food & Bar for a drink and people watching!