A city club attitude pervades at the spendy Mondrian. Socializing begins in the revamped lobby bar and lounge, extends through the all-white Asia de Cuba restaurant, and then moves out onto the sparkly patio to the divans surrounding the pool. Hotel guests gain access to the Sky Bar—still a scene most weekends. Designer Benjamin Noriega completely redid the rooms, adding bamboo floors and an oversize mirror—think mod-looking glass—that swivels to reveal a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms have a convenient wall of hooks, pocket door, and rain showerhead. Sheer curtains hide the closet. Windows are now double-paned for quiet, a good thing as street noise from Sunset Boulevard is constant to the north and the pool and Sky Bar echo with party people year-round to the south. Pros: pool, spa, and nighttime social scene means never having to leave the property. Cons: $32 per night valet parking only, late-night party scene, inflated prices.
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