Nothing cures the post-summer blues like a bestie getaway. Although it’s not an escape to the South of France, a weekend in our neighboring “big city” is enough when you’re exploring with your partner in crime. So I got my girl, her dog, because Kimpton’s are dog-friendly (yay!), and we drove down south for the most Los Angeles weekend we could have—without acting like tourists.
Our first stop is Hollywood, where legends never die, and struggling actors wait tables at 5-star restaurants. We pull up to the Kimpton Everly Hotel, strategically located a block from the famed Hollywood and Vine intersection. The clean, modern design is not quite inviting, it’s cool. This is Los Angeles, afterall. With sweeping views of The Pantages, Capitol Records, the Hollywood Hills, and for those with 20/20 vision, glimpses of the Walk of Fame stars, it’s the place to be.
The suite is minimal, yet it totally works. Who needs grand wall art when the highlight of the room is an unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign? The king-sized bed is perched on a chic wood platform with crisp white linens atop, and although it’s beyond comfortable, the decorative-pillow adorned couch that leans against an impressive window is the most coveted spot in the room. Our puppy pal, Calhoun, agrees as he opts out of the bed the hotel provided for him (yes, they take their dog-friendly policy very seriously, and it’s such a treat for dog parents), instead taking a seat on the minimal navy couch.
In keeping with the “views for days” theme we settle in on plush black chaises on the rooftop pool deck, to catch up on some work (read: snack and drink wine in the sun). From the calming breeze to the skyline, this is the place to be. Our friendly waitress brings by avocado fries and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, while dropping some major news: the Everly, as all Kimpton hotels do, offers a complimentary “social hour!”
We ditch the breezy scene for the Ever Bar, strategically located in what appears to be a livingroom-type space...That is, if your living room has floor-to-ceiling windows, an antique-inspired pool table, mismatched leather chairs (yet each one appears to be the best seat in the house), and a compilation of wall art that’s absolutely Pinterest-worthy. Kimpton is definitely on to something with their wine hour – which originated in 1981 at the company’s first-ever hotel – because the room is bustling with clinking glasses and lively chatter. We cozy up on a set of worn-in leather chairs across from a German couple. After two rounds, we begin talking and getting to know our new friends. Turns out, the girl knows my childhood friend from Moscow who now lives in Munich! It is a small world indeed, and without this wonderful tradition we would have never met. Three rosés later we exchange “WhatsApp” contacts, say our goodbyes, and head to Sugarfish for sushi (a must if you’re in LA). Next on the agenda is a night on the town at 1 OAK Nightclub.
After a very eventful night, we manage to pack up and head to our second hotel of the weekend, the Kimpton La Peer. Our new destination involves a bit of driving (hello, infamous Los Angeles traffic) and a neighborhood change, to West Hollywood. Blue tiles cover the outside entrance in a vibrant fashion – fitting, considering we’re in the heart of the Design District, just steps away from Melrose and Santa Monica Blvd. The lobby, oh my.
Overwhelming conic columns meet concrete walls, a vertical garden wall is juxtaposed with a curved brass ceiling accent, and each nook is composed of unique furniture with velvet, paint-splatter, and gold playing subtle accents. Calhoun, we are not in Santa Barbara anymore...it’s more like we’re in a chic gallery. In every detail, it’s apparent that LA-based designer Gulla Jónsdóttir, was taking inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood, from the fashion to the high-end furniture showrooms. It’s model WeHo. A tour of the inviting pool later, we get to our room, and I’m ready to copy everything for my next apartment. A grey, white, and black palette dominates the room, while warm wood pieces break up the contemporary vibe. It’s Cali-cool. I’m torn on my favorite part of the room: it’s has to be a tie between the Jeff Koons-like gold balloon bunny and the massive soaking tub (that provides a muted view of the bedroom).
Post-neighborhood exploring we arrive at Viale Dei Romani, the hotel’s signature restaurant that melts California’s best into traditional italian dining. The combo works, as nearly all of the tables are occupied, in large by locals who flok for the delectable carbs. We take our waiters recommendation and order the Pasta alla Piastra, coined the “world’s best Bolognese,” a bold move, if you ask me. A king salmon tartar and an endive blue cheese salad later, our pasta comes. Note: it looks like a lasagna on its side, but in fact, the dish is composed of layered airy flat noodles with a rich bolognese sauce. This brazen concoction comes sans cheese, but if you ask nicely you can get parmesan on the side. After devouring every last bite, I can without a doubt say that I also ate my words – sorry, Italy this one’s the winner. A couple wine glasses and French 75s (my drink du jour) later we meet with some friends at The Highlight Room, a trendy rooftop lounge. We rub shoulders with celebrities' kids and Instagram influencers while sipping on bottle service cocktails with mainly twenty-one year olds. It’s an experience, and we fully soaked it in (free drinks included).
While our first day’s location lives and breathes a “less is more” mentality, the second opts for “more is more,” and both are fabulous in their own right. Would I do it again? Maybe in a year...when I’ve recovered from the madness that is Hollywood. The hotels however, I’d go back any day of the week—preferably at five o’clock, for rosé and mingling in the golden hour glow.
Originally published in the Sept/October 2018 issue of Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine.
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