The Sunset Strip, a stretch of Sunset Boulevard between Crescent Heights Boulevard and Doheny Drive, is one of LA’s most iconic neighborhoods. It was the setting for counterculture protests in the 1960s, rock and roll decadence in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and it exists today as a showcase for the good life, providing some of the most elegant hotel rooms on the Westside, along with live music venues, fine restaurants and a number of boutique shopping options.
But things are always changing in this legendary area, so here’s a quick overview to some of the top new developments on the Sunset Strip.
Formerly the Hyatt West Hollywood, the newly refurbished Andaz West Hollywood takes its place among the neighborhood’s top hotels. Rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, linens by Frette and complimentary minibars make the $48 million project anything but a hardcore rock and roll experience.
Another hotel to get a new lease on life, the London West Hollywood is the former site of the Wyndham Bel-Age hotel and has been completely reworked, opening in 2008 to critical acclaim. The rooms are mini suites with Waterworks bath products and design elements assembled by David Collins Studio. The hotel features a rooftop pool deck and most rooms provide views of LA or the Hollywood Hills.
House of Blues Sunset Strip Photo by flickr/paul giunta
With several well-known music venues in the area, the Sunset Strip has been a destination for music fans for more than four decades. But the latest addition to the scene is the Sunset Strip Music Festival. Sunset Boulevard will be shut down for outdoor stages (scheduled to take place Sept. 10–12), and the area’s six signature music venues (House of Blues Sunset Strip, Viper Room, The Roxy, and Whisky A Go-Go, Cat Club, Key Club, ) will also feature concerts. Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne will be honored at this year’s festival. Artist lineup and ticket information will be announced soon. Visit www.ssmf.com for more information.
BLT Steak is the West Coast debut restaurant of acclaimed chef Laurent Tourondel. The menu features only the finest cuts of meat, including certified black angus, American Wagyu and Japanese Kobe beef. If you’re in search of dessert, or just a good sugar rush, head to Buttercake Bakery for delicious cakes, cupcakes, cookies and tarts.
If you’re looking for a great place to grab lunch in the area, check out Sunset Deli. They serve a variety of hefty sandwiches made with the finest ingredients. At Tony’s Steak House you can order classic Italian dishes along with steaks and chops and see the chefs prepare the meal in the exhibition kitchen.
House of Blues Sunset Strip Photo by flickr/paul giunta
