Fodor's Expert Review Chateau Marmont Hotel

Built in 1929 as a luxury apartment complex, the Chateau is now one of the most unique see-and-be-seen hotel hotspots in all of LA. A remarkably good-looking, young, and super creative crowd of artists, writers, actors, and photographers roam about this historic haunt. Even with an ‘it’ crowd, the hotel is decidedly not a party spot (save for the random private events by the pool), but a calming, countryside oasis set on a hill in the middle of West Hollywood. Charming, private, discrete, and with a five-star level of service, the Chateau is a one-of-a-kind hotel that Hollywood dreams are made of.

room

There are 63 total rooms that include nine separate cottages and four two- to three-bedroom bungalows. Because of its former apartment status, standard rooms come complete with full kitchens, living rooms, and balconies that overlook the hills and pool down below.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Balconies on the lower floors can easily be seen by the balconies on higher levels, so don't do anything weird, man.

bathroom

The bathrooms feature original tiles that were hand-painted in Malibu back in the 1920s. If you’ve ever been in an old Hollywood apartment, you’ll recognize the pink and blue hued tiles and old fixtures that are part of this hotel’s charm.

lobby

Climbing the stairs into the lobby, guests are treated to a large chateau ballroom with high, painted wood-beam ceilings, steel chandeliers, red carpets, and mismatched eclectic furniture. Creative types post up here during long days of work as they sink into the leather-worn couches. Off the lobby is a small bar and sitting area and towards the back is the Chateau’s indoor/outdoor restaurant.

pool

Winding through the tree-lined paths, guests will find themselves at the 24-hour oval-shaped pool, surrounded by bungalows and large bamboo reeds. This isn't a DJ-led party pool, though there is a ping-pong table, but there are often events and private parties that congregate around the water throughout the year.

gym

Guests will be forgiven for having trouble locating the gym, which is disguised behind Room #74. Inside, there is standard cardio machines and free weights.

The hotel partners with both Equinox and Crunch gyms and have passes for guests who want a more robust gym experience.

dining

The unnamed restaurant of the hotel stretches out to a gardened terrace. Tented, the dining area has a French/Moroccan feel with wicker chairs and overhanging foliage. Guests can get breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night traditional American cuisine.

Photo: @asocialhummingbird

drinking

There are two bars inside the hotel--one at the back of the restaurant and one to the side of the lobby.

Photo: @asocialhummingbird