Loews Hollywood Hotel

In 2013 and 2014 a full-scale renovation was done on the Loews Hollywood that updated the decor throughout this hotel. The result is contemporary look meets utilitarian details, such as the electrical outlets conveniently placed everywhere, even under the bar and embedded in coffee tables. The entrance, under an enormous arched glass awning, has clusters of mid-century-style white armchairs next to little white-lacquered side tables and slate-gray rectangular planters. Inside, the lobby and first floor are bathed a moody wash of grays and purples. Streamlined cushioned seating wraps around the square, mirrored columns and the concierge and reception desks are cut from massive blocks of marbled black stone. Despite the lofty ceilings, polished floors, and gleaming chrome details, a few small beach-y hints appear, like the decorative bleached driftwood and terrariums on lounge surfaces.

The Loews Hollywood is literally attached to the Hollywood & Highland Center, a block from Hollywood Boulevard and its Walk of Fame. It’s a heavy tourist area, and there’s plenty to see within walking distance, including the Dolby Theater (where the Academy Awards are held) and the Hollywood Roosevelt (where the first Academy Awards took place). The hotel is also near the Hollywood/Highland metro stop, providing efficient access to other parts of town. Los Angeles in general is known for its bad traffic, and the Hollywood area suffers especially, making the attractions within walking distance all the more appealing. In traffic, it can take 90 minutes to reach the hotel from Los Angeles International Airport.

The decor of the 628 rooms lightens up the dark lobby's color scheme with a lighter dove-gray monochrome palette offset by royal-purple throw pillows and sherbet-colored table lamps and office chairs. Standard rooms are 400 square feet, and most have desirable city views (some with floor-to-ceiling windows), with the Hollywood-Sign and Skyline View categories topping the list. The walls are decorated with Hollywood photography, some printed on metal, adding a subtle reflective element to the monochrome fabrics and matte-wood furniture. A few mod, mid-century touches, like the hexagon-shaped side tables, lend rooms a Hollywood Regency glam. All rooms have work desks with ergonomic chairs, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars, and Keurig coffeemakers. The tiled bathrooms have either average shower/tub combos, or updated large walk-in showers, plus toiletries and magnifying mirrors.

Loews has a rooftop pool surrounded by a large sundeck with white shaded cabanas, white lounge chairs, sky-blue umbrellas, and loads of planters with lush greenery. Views of Hollywood are included, but from the 5th floor some angles are blocked by the upper floors of the hotel as well as other buildings. A fragrant waft of Bergamot emanates from the Balance Spa, which has a nail salon on top of the usual range of massages and facial treatments. There's also a fitness center equipped with treadmills and cardio bikes and an attached yoga studio. A generous amount of event space (77,000 square feet in total) can be found among a dozen meeting rooms and the large Dolby Ballroom, which has a seating capacity of 2,000. Catering is provided on-site with menus created by Wolfgang Puck. For regular dining, Preston's serves contemporary California cuisine starting with a breakfast buffet (not included in room rates), and the H2 Kitchen & Bar provides a trendy social space off of the lobby with small plates and craft cocktails.There's a 24-hour business center with computers and printers for guests' use. The hotel is pet-friendly (for a fee), and pets of any size receive their own bedding, water bowls, and doggie goodie bags.