Review: Andaz West Hollywood a Concept by Hyatt — Roaming Cactus - Travel

Background

We ended up at the Andaz West Hollywood due to a delightful scheduling opportunity. It was time to head up north to Portland to visit my family, and we were able to find me a first class seat on a well-timed Alaska flight LAX-PDX using our stash of British Airways Avios.

We had also been trying to find a good time to make a mid-week trip to the Comedy Store to see some stand-up. So, we booked ourselves at the Andaz West Hollywood which is next door to the Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip.

The Andaz West Hollywood has a rich history having hosted the world's most notorious rock and rollers like Led Zeppelin among many others, and the history and imbues it into the aesthetics which gave the space personality and depth.

Quick rundown
Visiting the Andaz West Hollywood was an incredible experience! From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by their exceptional hotel staff. Every single person we encountered from the valet, to the desk clerks, to the restaurant servers and housekeeping staff demonstrated a dedication to providing excellent service. The interior of the hotel is absolutely stunning; it feels modern and luxurious without any stuffiness or pretension.
We also really appreciated the fact that the Andaz West Hollywood promoted Pride celebrations during our stay, with rainbow decorations and additional materials presented upon check in to affirm Hyatt’s commitment to inclusion and acceptance of all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. This is such an important message, and we were so glad to see the hotel taking a stand for equality.
Overall, our stay at the Andaz West Hollywood was nothing short of magnificent. We felt welcomed and taken care of throughout the whole visit, and could not have been more pleased with both the hospitality and quality of service provided by their staff. The excellent location, beautiful interior, and passionate commitment to inclusion and acceptance of all humans made our time there so memorable. We look forward to visiting again soon!

Booking

We booked this as a cash stay through Hyatt Privé. The Hyatt Privé program comes with similar benefits that you would get when booking through other programs such as AMEX FHR or Virtuoso. On our dates the room rate was $350/night for a 1 King room. After booking, we were upgraded to a 1 King Sunset Boulevard View room. Any decent hotel in the West Hollywood area is going to be in the $300/night range.

Booking through Hyatt Privé, the Andaz West Hollywood features the following benefits:

$100 property credit
Room upgrade
Breakfast for 2 at the Riot House on site restaurant
Welcome amenity - $25 voucher for the hotel market
Guest welcome letter
Early check-in
Free Wifi

Note: The $25 welcome amenity for the market which was definitely not lame. It was one of the best in-hotel markets I’ve experienced. They had small bottles of Simply and other fancy juices. There were small bottles of good brand liquor and wine. There were individually wrapped food options, classic candies like M&Ms and locally made cookies (sadly not plant-based).

Location

The Andaz West Hollywood is in a great location for tourists visiting Los Angeles. The West Hollywood area is reasonably clean, safe, and there are dining and entertainment options within walking distance or a short Lyft.

You can find endlessestaurants and bars on the same block, Fairfax and Melrose are a short drive, as is the Los Angeles County Museum. Beverly Hills is only about a 10-15 minute drive, the Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood Walk of Fame are right around the corner, it's about 30 minutes to the LA city center.

Arrival

When we arrived at the valet, we were greeted warmly by two friendly staff members. They handed us a stub with a unique QR code for our car and took care of our luggage with efficiency and professionalism. The valet attendants even offered to charge our vehicle overnight - a truly invaluable service that made the process much easier. The QR code was scanned when we were ready to leave, which sent a text directly to the valet desk and made our departure a breeze. Thanks to their great service, our parking experience was nothing short of exceptional!

At the check-in, we were pleased to find a pleasant and accommodating front desk attendant. We only waited for a few minutes before it was our turn, and from then on we were well taken care of. The staff member was incredibly friendly, attentive and helpful in orienting us to the hotel - they showed us around, highlighting useful amenities such as the complimentary snacks at the reception table, and even informing us of our Hyatt Privé benefits and welcome gift.

They also provided a great service when it came to changing our cash into smaller denominations - even while being distracted by other guests who were coming up to ask questions or seeking assistance. All in all, the entire process was stress-free and enjoyable.

Room

The room was an impressive sight to behold, with a vast amount of living space in comparison to its original size. Thanks to the remodel that had taken place, the balcony had been converted into extra living area, giving it an even grander feel.

Though some may joke that this remodel was prompted by rock and rollers who were known for throwing televisions off the balcony onto Sunset Boulevard below, the truth is that no one really knows why it happened.

Whatever the reason, this newly modified room had more than enough space for all of its furnishings - large credenzas, oversized coffee tables, comfortable chairs and chaise lounges, as well as a desk. A small closet contained a robe and slippers, so anyone staying there could experience total comfort during their stay.

View

We were so fortunate to receive an upgrade to a 1 King Sunset Boulevard View room (we were originally booked in a Hollywood Hills view), which provided us with an unparalleled view of the bustling cityscape below.

From six floors up, we had a sweeping vista of Sunset Blvd and the greater Los Angeles area that stretched out before us; it was truly breathtaking! We could take in all of the hustle and bustle of the city while lounging in the sitting area – formerly a terrace – without feeling overwhelmed by its noise.

If we had not been upgraded, our room would have come with a view of the Hollywood Hills instead, but nothing quite compares to being able to take in the sprawling metropolis from above.

Bed and linens

The cozy bedroom was a pleasant escape with its inviting king-sized bed and four plush pillows - two soft and two firm, providing the perfect combination for sleeping whether you preferred to starfish or snuggle. The mattress was firm yet comfortable, allowing for supportive rest throughout the night. With ample room on the bed, there was plenty of space to stretch out while still enjoying the warmth and comfort of a shared bed.

Bathroom

The bathroom was larger than average, providing plenty of room to spread out. There were cubbies for towels, toilet paper, and shower mats in case you wanted to keep your feet dry outside of the shower. My dock kit fit perfectly on the counter.

For those who want to take their pampering session a step further, there was even an advanced magnifying mirror that allowed you to check in on your skin up close. A luxurious bar of soap and a bottle of body lotion were stocked for your convenience.

In the shower itself, large dispensers filled with fragrant shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner ensured your grooming routine was easy and indulgent. A hair dryer provided extra convenience so no need to bring one from home!

Television

The room was well-equipped with a large flat screen tv, complete with the standard hospitality greeting message. It was convenient to find that more and more hotels are now providing streaming options for guests' personal media, and this particular television had built-in Chromecast. This allowed users to easily connect their devices and access content such as movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, and photos on the big screen. With this feature available in the room, there was no need to worry about being bored or disconnected - you could always watch your favorite movies or listen to your favorite songs from the comfort of your hotel room.

Storage

The closet was a cozy and well-equipped space, with two sliding mirrored doors that made it appear even larger than it actually was. Inside, there was plenty of room for storage, including a spacious luggage rack to hang items from and two credenzas.

One of the credenzas held a mini fridge, drawers for smaller items such as clothing accessories, and an open cabinet which provided ample space to store bags or other personal effects.

There was also a desk inside the closet, allowing one to take care of any business or task within the comfort of their own closet. All in all, the closet provided a great deal of convenience and flexibility in terms of storage options for anyone staying in the room.

Room amenities

The room we stayed in boasted a Keurig machine, providing us with the perfect way to get our caffeine fix without any hassle. Not only that, but the mini fridge gave us a convenient place to store leftovers or other foods needing refrigeration.

While there wasn't a mini bar in our room, if you're looking for some snacks and drinks, Riot House Market in the hotel lobby offers an outstanding selection of alcoholic beverages as well as other goodies. The range of options at the market is sure to make even the most discerning guests happy - from craft beers to small-batch spirits and even gourmet snacks. Whatever you are craving, you can find it at this incredible establishment.

Hotel vibe

The Hyatt Andaz West Hollywood stands out for its unique interior design, bringing together a unique blend of modern and vintage styles. The elevator doors are adorned with a stunning mural print of iconic vinyl records from the likes of John Coltrane, Herb Albert, Led Zeppelin and more. The atmosphere inside is relaxing and inviting; a place where guests can feel at home.

Guests who have stayed in the hotel range from personal travelers, families, to business travelers - all of whom are warmly welcomed by the attentive and diligent staff. Each detail within the hotel has been carefully crafted to evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia - creating a memorable experience for everyone who visits.

Hotel bar and restaurant

We tried the rooftop bar for happy hour upon our arrival and the hotel restaurant for breakfast prior to our departure the next day.

The Sundeck

The spectacular Sundeck rooftop bar is one attraction that should not be missed in West Hollywood. Enjoy the awe-inspiring 360 degree views of the city while you sip on a delicious cocktail from their extensive selection of liquors, including Uncle Nearest. Lounge in comfort with outdoor seating, cabanas, and plush loungers.

There is a pleasant atmosphere that's great for relaxing or socializing; whether you want to chat with other guests or just take in the sights and sounds around you, you'll find something to suit your mood.

The friendly and attentive service will make sure your time spent up here is an enjoyable one. With its unbeatable atmosphere and breathtaking views, the Sundeck is an ideal spot to spend time with friends or simply unwind after a long day.

Riot House Restaurant

The restaurant has a lot of great seating options from the cozier interior or the window seats overlooking West Hollywood and the Sunset Strip. We opted for the window seats which were a series of 2-4 person tables with one side backing up to comfy bench seating with pillows and chairs. The two spaces are open but divided by a 360 interior bar which appears to supplement the interior bar making the space a great candidate for events.

We started off with a hot cup of coffee and a soothing cup of tea, accompanied by a side of oat milk which added a subtle sweetness to the beverages. For breakfast, we decided to share two plates - an avocado toast and an acai bowl. The avocado toast had all the components necessary for a delightful dish: the bread was nutty, seedy and delightfully crunchy while the avocado was mashed together, guacamole-style and topped with pickled vegetables like yellow squash, carrot, celery, cauliflower and onion as well as microgreens scattered on top.

Although it was tasty and satisfying, it wasn't quite one of the greatest avocado toasts ever. On the other hand, the acai bowl provided us with optimal satisfaction; it featured thick scoops of perfectly chilled acai that were complemented with slices of sweet banana and strawberry along with crunchy whole blackberries. To add texture to this delightful bowl, there were also sprinkles of toasted coconut shreds as well as granola clusters that contained pepitas, almonds, cashews, dried cranberries (red and golden) and oats - creating a refreshing yet fulfilling meal altogether!

Riot House Market

The Andaz West Hollywood in-hotel market is a truly remarkable experience. Not only does it offer a wide selection of quality products, from adult beverages, juices, sodas, and snacks to trinkets and Andaz West Hollywood swag, but also has something to please everyone's taste! Whether you're looking for sweet treats such as candy or chip varieties, or savory snacks like crackers and chips, you'll be sure to find a satisfying snack at the Andaz West Hollywood market. In addition to satisfying your cravings with snacks and drinks, they also have plenty of unique trinkets for you to take home as souvenirs. From T-shirts and mugs with the hotel logo on them to keychains and other small items that are perfect for remembering your stay by. The diverse range of products available at the Andaz West Hollywood market coupled with its unbeatable convenience makes it one of the best in-hotel markets around.

Other facilities

Gym

There was a fitness center though we did not use it. From a cursory check in to check it out, I found it nice, clean, well air conditioned, and it had a great view. It was spacious, clean, and there was plenty of equipment.

Pool

Perched atop the rooftop terrace was a cozy yet elegant arrangement of seating and lounging areas for up to two dozen guests. On Wednesday evenings, the venue bustled with visitors enjoying friends and drinks during happy hour. An eye-catching spectacle amidst the scene was an enormous inflatable swan floating in the pool. Surrounding it were numerous lounge chairs and cabanas with gorgeous views of West Hollywood and its nearby environs.

Unique/Miscellaneous property amenities

Posted throughout the hotel were small notices informing guests of the option to text a number at any time for anything. I found this to be unique, convenient, and useful. It extended to valet service which made it much easier to coordinate and operate. We didn't notice a business center, but business services are available. Likewise, laundry service is available, but we did not need it for a 1 night stay. Room service is available, but we didn't get a chance to try it on this occasion.

They do have EV charging on-site. The valet fully charged our car overnight, saving us another $15 trip to a supercharger in the morning.

Conclusion

This is one of the nicer hotels, for so many reasons, I’ve had the opportunity to experience, and I’d gladly return especially for the right price and gifts. The location for us was very convenient being right next to the Comedy Store and within reasonable distance to the airport, and other attractions like the ocean. The service was spectacular and abundantly inclusive. The climate for inclusivity is not temperate and is prone to volatility so to see and experience Hyatt’s commitment to their inclusion of diversity was refreshing, comforting, and hope inspiring. I will definitely return and look forward to it! It's definitely our favorite Hyatt hotel West Hollywood has to offer.

The Comedy Store is right next door to the Andaz West Hollywood, one of the main reasons we selected this hotel. On Wednesdays, the lineup is always a surprise until the last minute with cheaper ticket prices before the lineup is announced. Sure enough, we got a great lineup including Marc Maron (I love you), Bobby Lee (I love you), and Whitney Cummings (I love you). We were also graced with several other lesser known legends or soon to be legends who had [mostly] hysterical sets overall.

Gosh, I sure do love collecting and using points. Thanks to Joe’s travel habits, we never hoard points unless we’re saving for something like a specific international business flight to southeast Asia. He’s fabulous at encouraging spending them. As he says, you never know if one day they’re going to change the whole system and devalue or change the points structure - good advice for all types of travel points! I recall the las time Marriott did this and it royally sucked for many and definitely disincentivized me from staying in that chain.

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