Ian Schrager, in partnership with Marriott International, brings the first true luxury hotel experience to the Sunset Strip—the West Hollywood EDITION—is also the only West Coast location in the EDITION collection.
Nestled between Beverly Hills and Hollywood, the site where the hotel now sits was once occupied by the restaurant Scandia, where Frank Sinatra once had a private office and his own shower upstairs; and where, as a college student, Schrager witnessed its first renaissance in the late Sixties and early Seventies.
“It’s been 12 years since we began working with Ian Schrager, and The West Hollywood EDITION marks our 10th hotel opening together. Our organic partnership has melded the best of what each of us brings to the table. With Ian’s expertise and vision on this particular project, The West Hollywood EDITION is an oasis of sophistication and quickly becoming a part of the fabric of the city’s culture,” said Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International in press materials.
“We are in the Mona Lisa business…we aspire to be the best hotel in California; that’s always our approach. With architecture, design, entertainment and service, we try to offer something that people have never experienced before,” said Schrader in press materials. “I was lucky enough to be part of West Hollywood’s second cultural rebirth, and now with a whole new wave of hotels, apartments and restaurants, I’m happy to be part of its third renaissance, recapturing Sunset Boulevard’s magic and immortalizing it with that same ethos.’
The History
Sunset Boulevard cemented its status in the pop-culture zeitgeist in the late Sixties and early Seventies, as a gathering place for youth and the counterculture. West Coast musicians such as The Mamas and the Papas, The Doors, The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield (Neil Young, Stephen Sills and Richie Furay) and Harry Nilsson flourished in venues up and down the Strip such as Whisky a Go Go, the Roxy and Pandora’s Box. In 1965, The Byrds performed their iconic hit “Mr. Tambourine Man,” written by Bob Dylan, at Ciro’s Le Disc club. The next year, a clash between youth and police trying to enforce a curfew (“The Riot on Sunset Strip”) inspired Sills to write the Buffalo Springfield song “For What It’s Worth” that became an anti-war anthem famous for the lines, “I think it’s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound?/Everybody look what’s going down.” Meanwhile West Hollywood was also home to The Troubadour, where, in 1970, Elton John made his debut and Glenn Frey and Don Henley met and decided to form The Eagles. David Geffen’s Asylum Records signed that band, as well as artists Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Brown and many others helping to popularize the “soft rock” genre and create the ‘California Sound’ that became known worldwide.
Although the area experienced its highs and lows, The West Hollywood EDITION pays homage to its enduring history by reviving the Golden Age energy and creating a new kind of gathering place for visitors and locals alike on Sunset Strip. “The streets were filled with music and people from all over the country were pouring into California to be a part of it. Sunset Boulevard became the voice of a generation and we are trying to recapture that same magic and energy with EDITION—not by repeating the past but by evoking it and by steering the future with that same spirit” says Schrager.
The Property
Upon entering the driveway off Sunset Boulevard behind a wall of lush foliage that includes Alepo Pine, Arbutus, Camphor, Carolina Cherry Laurel, Olive and Ficus trees where guests are transported into what feels like a private home that’s both a part of the action and an idyllic respite at the same time. It took 850 tons of soil and 56 species of indigenous plants to create, but it was important for EDITION to reflect the literal nature of Southern California.
Famed British architect John Pawson created the modern building at 9040 West Sunset Boulevard from the ground up, using rich materials such as the Western Red Cedar for the entryway and outsize front doors, and Italian travertine for the soaring lobby area.
Inside, the eye is drawn to a prominent installation by Los Angeles artist Sterling Ruby. As with each EDITION, the artwork reflects its unique locale, in this case, L.A.’s art-driven cultural scene. Ruby’s mobile “The Scale” incorporates industrial objects as a reference to the grittiness of the Sunset Strip while also implying the dense ecosystem of dangling foliage that covers much of the hotel. At the far end of the lobby, an outdoor courtyard and fire feature draw guests in, while casual yet refined seating areas throughout and an inviting bar encourage social interaction.
Every level of the hotel takes on different personalities, offering unique experiences, from the subterranean club Sunset to the 360-degree show-stopping vistas from the lush landscaped garden in the sky, to Michelin-starred chef John Fraser’s Ardor restaurant on the main level, along with a state-of-the-art multimedia performance and event space, and a spa blending wellness, mindfulness and beauty.
Culinary Indulgence
California native Fraser, who is spearheading the food and beverage experience at The West Hollywood EDITION, has created the signature restaurant Ardor as a showcase for vegetable-forward healthy California cuisine with flavors inspired by local ingredients. Recognized as one of the best vegetable chefs in the world, Fraser’s menu features an artful balance of produce and meats, using techniques from around the world and products sourced hyper-locally. Each dish is made with organic ingredients and focuses on the essence of food, prepared simply and presented socially for a contemporary culinary journey.
Ardor’s greenery-filled garden was built for al fresco dining in the finest traditions of Napa. The cocktails, as well as those served in Lobby Bar, The Roof and Sunset, range from classic libations with a modern approach as well as bespoke creations emphasizing mezcals and tequilas. The wine selection will highlight Fraser’s connection with Northern California, where he trained before moving to New York in 2005.
One cannot think of the Sunset Strip without the dazzling views afforded by its orientation at the base of the mountains and high above the city and beaches. The Roof at The West Hollywood EDITION offers dreamy 360-degree vistas that stretch from the ocean of Santa Monica to the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles. EDITION is one of the few buildings that offers both bird’s-eye views of the homes nestled in the green hills to the north, and the city lights to the south, making it a must-see during the day and night, where it seats 130 in a soaring glass and beamed indoor-outdoor space.
By day, guests at The Roof can soak up the sun and views in chaise lounges beside the beautifully landscaped pool that sits atop a terraced deck adorned with wooden bench seating, mature trees and rows of terra cotta potted plants. The Roof’s menu offers Latin and tropical-inspired cocktails with Southern California flair. A deep list of mezcals and tequilas are met with fresh, vibrant, and colorful California citruses, along with wellness cocktails incorporating fresh pressed juices, Kombucha cocktails, a substantial list of rosés, and a selection cocktail options.
Creatures of the night will be drawn down below to Sunset, a highly anticipated modern and new kind of gathering place in the spirit of the dozens of clubs that dotted Sunset Strip in the 60’s and 70’s. With a focus on both great cocktails and great music, Sunset has been curated by acclaimed DJ Zen Freeman. The venue has an adjacent intimate room for smaller parties, where dark wood-paneled walls and deep green velvet seating evoke a speakeasy vibe rather than a dance club, with a pool table and a private room adding to the laid-back atmosphere.
Accommodations & Wellness
Because every traveler ultimately judges a hotel by its guestrooms and its service, no detail has been overlooked in the private areas. The 140 guestrooms and 50 suites feature a soothing and sophisticated light neutral palette and whitewashed Siberian Larch wood throughout. Floor-to-ceiling sliding screens filter the sun while providing privacy. EDITION signatures such as freestanding tubs and Le Labo products are found here too, and the signature Le Labo fragrance that has become a cult favorite among guests is also present throughout the property.
The Spa at The West Hollywood EDITION weaves together wellness, mindfulness and beauty through treatments and experiences that embrace healthy lifestyles and ecological well-being. Service rooms include technology-forward treatments with sound and light, recovery therapies to restore the mind and body, and ancient rituals such as self-guided meditation. Inner health and nutrition are a focus with plant-derived products, including essential oils. Finally, a 2,077-sq/-ft., 24-hour gym caters to all workout needs and will have the latest state-of-the-art fitness machines including Peloton bicycles.
Reservations are now open with opening rates starting from $395. The hotel will open in preview this Fall and officially open November 12, 2019.
For more information, visit editionhotels.com/weho.
