Amy Risley

Sunset Tower

  • Where:
  • Why:A Valentine's Day sleepover
  • When:February 2013
  • Who:Me & My Sweetheart
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Sunset Tower The quirky postcard that came with our dining tab now has a permanent spot on the pin board at home.

The quirky postcard that came with our dining tab now has a permanent spot on the pin board at home.

Sunset Tower A corner banquette in The Tower Bar...great spot to imagine combing through script notes with your pal Clooney.

A corner banquette in The Tower Bar...great spot to imagine combing through script notes with your pal Clooney.

Sunset Tower There are concierges, and then there's Tim...Sunset Tower's dashing hotel ambassador. You want to sit with him for hours and hear his stories, but he's too focused on catering to whims with enviable grace. When I first saw him he was moving mountains to ensure a couple got a last minute table in the bar to celebrate their 50th anniversary, on Valentine's Day!

There are concierges, and then there's Tim...Sunset Tower's dashing hotel ambassador. You want to sit with him for hours and hear his stories, but he's too focused on catering to whims with enviable grace. When I first saw him he was moving mountains to ensure a couple got a last minute table in the bar to celebrate their 50th anniversary, on Valentine's Day!

Sunset Tower The bed. Exquisite linens and a wonderful night's sleep.

The bed. Exquisite linens and a wonderful night's sleep.

Sunset Tower The perks are plural. A $25 certificate to use in the spa!

The perks are plural. A $25 certificate to use in the spa!

Sunset Tower A bathroom fit for Marylin. Monogrammed robes, a TV in the candle-lined tub, and Kiehl's amenities.

A bathroom fit for Marylin. Monogrammed robes, a TV in the candle-lined tub, and Kiehl's amenities.

Sunset Tower Ohhh don't mind if i do...and check out that twilight view!

Ohhh don't mind if i do...and check out that twilight view!

Sunset Tower Breathtaking views of Hollywood and Downtown LA.

Breathtaking views of Hollywood and Downtown LA.

Sunset Tower Warm cookies delivered at bedtime. Yes.

Warm cookies delivered at bedtime. Yes.

Sunset Tower Our living area the morning after an indulgent room service feast.  I love eating cheeseburgers in a fancy setting, and this one was beyond delicious.

Our living area the morning after an indulgent room service feast. I love eating cheeseburgers in a fancy setting, and this one was beyond delicious.

Sunset Tower Enjoying a simple, healthy breakfast spread on the terrace while peeking over our shades in an attempt to celebrity spot.

Enjoying a simple, healthy breakfast spread on the terrace while peeking over our shades in an attempt to celebrity spot.

Sunset Tower Classic Hollywood portraits illustrated with comical quotes line the walls, courtesy of the hotel's interior designer Paul Fortune. Nothing compliments class and good taste like a little dose of humor!

Classic Hollywood portraits illustrated with comical quotes line the walls, courtesy of the hotel's interior designer Paul Fortune. Nothing compliments class and good taste like a little dose of humor!

Sunset Tower The pool terrace is intimate and crazy comfortable. In a down-to-the-last detail way, even the metal railing has a cosmetic treatment. Perhaps a little-known fact: non-guests can cozy up and catch rays for a $75/day fee.

The pool terrace is intimate and crazy comfortable. In a down-to-the-last detail way, even the metal railing has a cosmetic treatment. Perhaps a little-known fact: non-guests can cozy up and catch rays for a $75/day fee.

Sunset Tower A massage room for two at the Argyle Spa.

A massage room for two at the Argyle Spa.

Sunset Tower I wish my camera could do this steamy nook justice. The private hammam, complete with its waterfall wall, is a hidden treasure that must be experienced.

I wish my camera could do this steamy nook justice. The private hammam, complete with its waterfall wall, is a hidden treasure that must be experienced.

Sunset Tower Sunset Tower. A Hollywood celebrity in its own right and home to the illustrious Vanity Fair Oscar Party...you can't help but feel like you're walking the red carpet when you arrive.

Sunset Tower. A Hollywood celebrity in its own right and home to the illustrious Vanity Fair Oscar Party...you can't help but feel like you're walking the red carpet when you arrive.

Highs & Lows

  • For a place so grand and iconic, there's still an intimate vibe. The staff have a way of making you feel as if you're the most important person there regardless of whether you have an IMDB page.

  • The history, and the current ownership's way of preserving it. Postcards, old photographs and printed booklets are at the ready to give you a sense of the legends that have been there before you.

  • Attention to detail. From the perfectly polished art deco features, to the abundance of fresh flowers and the way the bellmen sweep open the door, you know a lot of thought goes into the way this place ticks.

  • The Argyle Salon & Spa takes primping to the next level, even if you're not being prepped for the Oscars.

  • Pampered People Problems: The TV in the bathtub didn't tilt down far enough for me to watch soaps while I soaked...sigh.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 48/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Hollywood Landmark Luxury Hotel

  • Vibe

    Low key chic

  • Location

    West Hollywood on the Sunset Strip.

  • Rooms

    74

  • Music

    Contemporary crooners, live jazz if you're lucky.

  • Year Opened

    Originally opened in 1931, Renovated in 2006.

  • Designed By

    Original Architect: Leland A. Bryant | Current Interiors by Paul Fortune

  • Health & Wellness

    Yes

  • Restaurant

    The Elegant Tower Bar & Casual Poolside Cafe (with fab views of LA)

  • Bar

    Posh & sophisticated...where you can imagine sipping fireside screwdrivers with Truman Capote. (yes, that was his favorite drink, and this was his favorite hotel)

  • Children

    Yes, but it's not really a kid scene.

  • Price

    Rooms start around $295 and the experience is well worth it.

The Hammam

The Hammam

Sunset Tower Hotel, Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Cocktails at Tower Bar

Cocktails at Tower Bar

Sunset Tower Hotel, Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Griffith Park Hike

Griffith Park Hike

Griffith Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Sunset Tower

Sunset Tower

8358 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States

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