In a magnificent display of hospitality, the lavishly restored, newly named Hotel Angeleno opened its doors to over 500 invited guests, wining and dining them with fabulous wine, exotic litchi nut or pomegranate martinis and an endless array of mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres. Besides hanging out around the pool sitting area, which has a lovely outdoor fireplace, the lucky visitors also had access to all 17 floors, some of which offered fun treats such as a hand massage, handwriting analysis or Spanish guitar.
The architectural integrity of this towering circular building, where Sunset meets the 405, has been preserved. The renovation has been limited to its luscious new interior, designed by Joanna Perlman, co-owner of the hotel along with her brother, Greg Perlman, principal of GH Capital. This completely transformed boutique hotel has, most assuredly, cast off any vestiges of a Holiday Inn association.
Perlman had the huge challenge of designing around this landmark structure to create an inviting interior that is both classic and fun, befitting the Brentwood-Bel Air neighborhood in which it prominently stands. It is evident that she met this challenge, as the moment you enter the lobby you are greeted by an intimate living room designed with a combination of classic beauty and just enough touches of “hip” to feel luxurious without being intimidating.
The 209 cozy guestrooms, each with a view balcony, are decorated in calming neutral and deep brown tones, with the beds dressed in crisp white linens. The hotel offers every modern amenity and is in very close proximity to the Getty Center and Skirball Cultural Center for which the hotel provides a free shuttle.
The crowning touch is the West restaurant and lounge, high atop the penthouse that, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a spectacular view of Los Angeles from Palos Verdes to the Pacific Ocean. Executive Chef Josh Moulton created what he calls the first Italian steakhouse fusing Italian and American culinary traditions.
With room rates beginning at $189 per night, which also buys you a complimentary wine reception, Hotel Angeleno is a very affordable alternative to some of the larger, more expensive Santa Monica and other local hotels.
Hotel Angeleno, 170 Church Lane, Brentwood, 866.ANGELENO, www.HotelAngeleno.com
