W Hollywood Hotel

The "Livingroom"

I was a child in an opulent, Barbarella-chic candy store. The W Hollywood was finally open after years of construction, extensions and buzz, and we were on our way to the Grand Opening. We pulled into the vallet under a canopy of LED lights that assaulted the senses. An eager team of polished young men ushered us inside. Once we stepped in, the scent of fresh leather and the modern barbarella-chic decor instantly evoked a sense of familiarity. This was signature W design that we’ve come to know and love – Indulgent, cutting-edge, bold.

The target demographic here is clearly young, vein Hollywood. The DJ turns up the volume on his set as mirrors wrap around the Living Room, offering a glimpse of the eagerly groomed and scantily dressed. Seeming to ignore the fact that a twenty-something’s mood is never static, the lobby, lounge, concierge and bar, bleed into one aesthetically frantic room. The lack of compartmentalization offers no nuances to impede an unavoidable sense of boredom. It felt like after 45 minutes, there was nowhere else to go, and nothing else to see. My friend and I ordered a couple of mediocre drinks each (for a whopping total of $72), checked out the patio, and made our exit. A whole hour later, I’d seen everything I needed to. C’est le W Hollywood!