WHEN we pull up at Palihouse, just off bustling Santa Monica Boulevard in the heart of West Hollywood, it appears more like an exclusive boutique than a hotel.
Its chic, painted in black and white, and before our wheels have stopped completely, staff rush out to meet us and take our bags.
It’s another perfectly sunny day in LA and, once inside, we find one of the most effortlessly cool hotels we’ve ever stayed at.
It’s more like a clubhouse inside than it is like a hotel lobby, with a hand full of hide-out spots and in the centre of the hotel, a black and white tiled, open-aired restaurant called Mardi, which is one of WeHo’s most popular outdoor dining spots.
The interiors are eclectic with curated knick-knacks spotted throughout the foyer and worn leather couches.
It’s small but bustling at Palihouse, with 37 studios, one and two-room guest suites and loft-style residences.
The location is perfect for exploring the uber-cool neighbourhood, with the shops on Melrose Place nearby and the Sunset Strip a 10-minute walk away. Runyon Canyon is also just 15 minutes by car from our stylish digs.
Our one-year old spots taxidermy on the wall as our bags are loaded onto a luggage trolley and we’re directed to our room.
We ride the lift to the third floor of the low-rise accommodation. Our loft-style suite is huge – bigger than most LA apartments.
Split over two levels, we find a large house-size kitchen with an island bench and all the newest amenities our hearts’ desire – particularly the coffee machine.
The décor is cosy with large chesterfield sofas, patterned rugs and tartan blankets on the bed.
There’s a small outdoor patio on the first floor, a bedroom with an ensuite and a separate lounge area and office – the latter big enough to be our son’s room for the next couple of days.
Upstairs is an oversized main bedroom with a huge shower for two and a separate toilet. There’s also an outdoor terrace with a table tennis table. The bathrooms are sleek with white marble and feature in-house products.
The rooms are big enough and completely self-contained for a family to stay for longer periods, which is part of the appeal for many travelling actors and production staff who head to the Hills to make movies.
You won’t find a gym or spa here so if you’re a holiday exerciser, you might need to get your fix at Runyon Canyon. My husband and I are not, so we appreciate the break.
There’s also a rooftop bar, which is packed with locals drinking cocktails when we head up after getting unpacked. It’s no wonder; there are 360-degree views of Hollywood Hills and West Hollywood.
After a restful nights’ sleep, we head downstairs for a big breakfast at Mardi. We enjoy eggs and fresh orange juice and then we have the valet pull out the car for a day of exploring.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
