Sunset Boulevard

The Hip New Andaz West Hollywood

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.

Gallery: Andaz West Hollywood

Tags: Andaz, Andaz West Hollywood, AndazWestHollywood, Hollywood, Hotel, Hyatt, Los Angeles, LosAngeles, Sunset Boulevard, SunsetBoulevard

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sunset Boulevard, Handbag of the Day

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

That is one long name for a handbag! For having such a long name it's a pretty normal looking classic clutch without any outrageous features going on -- except for crazy fashion appeal if you're counting that! This bag strikes me as one of those timeless designs that truly can be considered an investment since you'll certainly be able to use it for years to come with a variety of outfits. Made of monogrammed vernis embossed leather with calf leather trim it features golden hardware with a logo plague on the front, flap top with snap closure, a detachable golden chain shoulder strap, and a zip pocket plus six card slots on the interior. $810

Gallery: Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sunset Boulevard