Andaz

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts just opened its second property under its hip new Andaz brand, located on Los Angeles' legendary Sunset Strip, the Andaz West Hollywood. The first Andaz opened in 2007 in London. Eschewing the usual check in process, Andaz guests are received in the Andaz Lounge, a "non-traditional multi-use social space" where they're greeted by an Andaz Host who serves the functions of the front office agent, concierge and bell attendant as well as providing insight into the neighborhood. At the 14-story Andaz West Hollywood, New York-based architecture and interior design firm Janson Goldstein LLP developed a "series of engaging spaces featuring design sensibilities tied to the locale."

Beginning with a dramatic glass garden pavilion set off the main entrance, the hotel showcases a commissioned cascading hand-painted metal disk 11-foot sculpture by renowned New York-based artist Jacob Hashimoto. Throughout the hotel, there are installations from Los Angeles artists and impromptu music performances from some of the city's up-and-coming musicians. The public spaces , from the dramatic rooftop terrace (above) with heated pool and daybed seating to the vibrant restaurant and bar are the focus at Andaz. The hotel boasts spectacular panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills on one side and the Sunset Strip and downtown Los Angeles on the other.

In addition to the magnificent views, the Andaz's 257 rooms, including 20 expansive suites, include sitting areas and many also features a glass-enclosed sunroom overlooking Sunset Boulevard. The design incorporates eco-conscious elements, with features such as special coating on the sunroom windows to reduce solar heat gain and bring in more natural light, as well as wood flooring that has been harvested under regional environmental guidelines using sustainable forestry practices. The Andaz is the site of the former Hyatt West Hollywood, known until 1997 as the Continental Hyatt House, a favorite of traveling rock bands.

The first hotel in Hyatt's new Andaz chain is open for business. Andaz Liverpool Street, London is the beginning of a brand that is meant to be eco-conscious, reflective of local culture,personal, and of course, luxurious. The hotel has no front desks at check in, no separate concierge desk or receptionist. Instead one contact, the "Andaz Team Member" responds to guests' personal tastes, requests and preferences. Guests are checked in via Tablet PC`s, either en route to the guest room, or upon arrival. The room rate is inclusive of breakfast, internet access, healthy mini bar items, laundry and a selection of DVDs. The hotel has five restaurants that specialize in sushi, pub food, fine dining, seafood and bistro fare. The hotel also has a new art collection in the guest corridors and East End Contemporary Art Tours are launched from the hotel. Also local chracters have created iPod play lists that appear on loan iPods in the Andaz living room which replaces the lobby area. The eco-conscious angles in the London hotel are that the toilets use 80% less water, a computer-controlled boiler reduces fuel use, intelligent lighting, locally-sourced food and the use of fair-trade purchasing. Rates begin at $810 for single occupancy and $850 for double occupancy.

The former downtown headquarters of JP Morgan Chase, 75 Wall Street, a rose-colored brick tower, is making the switch from office building to luxury condos and a hotel. The building will be home to an Andaz hotel, the recently announced new luxury lifestyle arm of Hyatt. The 250-suite hotel will take up the lower part of the building while the upper 24 floors will be home to 350 condominiums. The Rockwell Group, an architectural design firm, will be reconfiguring the interiors and public spaces.

The residences will have loft-like layouts from studios to three bedrooms. There will also be duplex penthouses with custom library walls, fireplaces and terrace with wet bars. Other details include large picture windows, 10-foot ceilings, white marble baths, cerused oak flooring and an overhead storage system to maximize space. Amenities such as room service, catering, housekeeping and concierge service are also planned. The tower will also feature Club 75, a lifestyle area that will house a fitness center, massage treatment rooms, media room and game room. On the 42nd floor rooftop there will be a solarium, lounge, sandy beach, hot tub, hammocks, grills and a lounging area with a fireplace and a kitchen. Completion is set for 2008.