Skip to main content

Luxuriating L.A. Style at the Andaz West Hollywood

Stepping into the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood is like taking a page from the book of rock and roll history. Led Zeppelin used to rent out multiple floors at a time for their crew and entourage, where drummer John Bonham famously drove a motorcycle through the hallways. It’s the site where Robert Plant supposedly cried out, “ I am a Golden God!” while overlooking the Sunset Strip, inspiring that scene in Almost Famous (scenes from that movie along with This is Spinal Tap were also filmed on site). Keith Richards reportedly dropped a TV out of a window in room 1015, and Jim Morrison lived there until management gave him the boot for dangling over the pavement by this fingertips.

Recommended Videos

The hotel’s rich history, of course, is only a small part of what makes the property so amazing. Like we’ve come to expect with our experience at Andaz properties, walking into the West Hollywood location feels like home. The atmosphere is vibrant and bustling but also is just as relaxed as if you were staying with a friend. You’re greeted with a welcome glass of wine upon check-in, so no precious downtime is wasted without a buzz. While you’re waiting for your room – or later when you’re waiting for a cab – check out the second-floor gallery. We were lucky enough to experience some never-before-seen photos of legends like John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix.

Related: The World’s Most Over-The-Hop Hotel Pools

IMG_0551-2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Max Schwartz

The rooms are everything you could want from a sleek hotel on Sunset Boulevard. In addition to excellent amenities you would expect like a super comfy bed and beautiful marble bathroom with 360 rotating shower head that offers four different settings (this may have been our favorite feature, by the way), Andaz always goes the extra mile to make your stay extra special. The mini bar is stocked with free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (and booze, of course, if you want it) and all the tech necessities like flat screen TVs, iHome stereos and Wi-Fi. Try to snag yourself a view room, designed with a separate sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Sunset Strip and LA skyline.

Riot House takes care of your eating and drinking needs if you don’t feel like venturing out, serving local farm-to-table cuisine in the restaurant, room service and on the hotel’s rooftop sundeck. Up there, you’ll also find a gorgeous swimming pool where you can relax and soak up the California sun. The gym is open 24-hours so you can get your blood pumping whenever the mood strikes.

To learn more about the Andaz and to book your stay, check out their website. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

Amanda Gabriele
Amanda Gabriele is a food and travel writer at The Manual and the former senior editor at Supercall. She can’t live without…
From yellow penguins to midnight art strolls: My stay at 21c Cincinnati
Part hotel, part interactive museum
21c Museum Hotel

If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in the middle of an art gallery, Cincinnati’s 21c Museum Hotel makes that dream come true. On my recent trip to the Queen City, I checked in and quickly realized this wasn’t your average boutique hotel. 

Housed in the historic Metropole building, 21c is equal parts contemporary art museum and chic 156-room hotel, complete with a gallery, larger-than-life installations, and even interactive pieces tucked into hallways and elevators. From the moment you walk in, it feels less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a living art experience.

Read more
I tried the viral Amalfi lemon sorbet and here’s what surprised me most
The TikTok-famous Amalfi lemon sorbet: worth the hype or just pretty?
Italy lemon sorbet

On TikTok, "foodtok" and "traveltok" often overlap—two of my biggest passions. Before my trip to Italy, my TikTok "for you" page was inundated with reels of Italian lemon sorbet, served inside the lemon itself instead of in a bowl. Suddenly, I found my entire feed taken over by this eye-catching Italian lemon dessert, originating from Italy's Amalfi Coast.

As I saw more videos of this treat, I assumed it would be one of those treats that gain popularity based on visual appeal alone and often lack flavor. After all, the presentation in the lemon itself is undeniably appetizing. When I arrived on the Amalfi Coast, it felt only right to try this famous treat in the very place it was born. Here's what surprised me most about this frozen sensation (and why you should never assume based on what you see on social media).

Read more
Meet the man behind Serenbe, America’s most inspiring wellness community
Inside the creation of Serenbe: A biophilic community reshaping how we live, eat, and connect
Aerial shot of Serenbe

Few people have reinvented their lives—and the lives of others—as radically and impactfully as Steve Nygren. From pioneering Atlanta’s casual fine dining scene in the 1970s to founding Serenbe, a biophilic wellness community nestled in the hills of Georgia, Nygren’s journey is one of vision, values, and a deep commitment to living in harmony with nature.

What began as a spontaneous weekend drive to show his children farm animals eventually led to the purchase of 60 rural acres and a complete lifestyle shift. That grew into what is now Serenbe: a 1,400-acre community designed around the principles of sustainability, human connection, and holistic well-being. It is home to more than 1,500 residents, 700-plus homes, a boutique hotel, and one of Georgia’s first certified organic farms.

Read more