Long before the craft coffee shops, yoga studios, and cold-pressed juiceries, Sunset Strip was the mecca of entertainment, celebrity debauchery, and all things Los Angeles. Over the years, the magic and excitement have abated, but there still exists a place that holds the glitz and glamour of old.
Hidden in plain sight and situated high above the strip and an earshot away from venues like Whiskey Go Go, where one could see The Doors or Guns N’ Roses on any given night, is where you’ll find the Mondrian Los Angeles.
Originally built in the 1950’s as an apartment complex, it became what we now know as, the stylish and modern establishment known for its whimsical and fantasy-driven design, celebrity guests, and eats and drinks that hold court amidst the scenery.
Imagine walking down the strip and bumping into the likes of Jimmy Page or Hollywood’s elite as you roll into the hotel’s larger-than-life entry doors. One feels as Alice stepping into a world of wonder and delight. The lobby is fitted with oversized plants and a massive orange curtain intentionally designed by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, the brilliant mind that designed some of our favorite spaces, to create curiosity.
Noriega-Ortiz’s creation flows into the hotel suites. Entering the Penthouse suite, one senses this is not an ordinary suite. A “looking glass” mirror conceals a flat-screen TV, making each of our dreams of seeing ourselves on the screen come true. The suite is fit for a king and is the place you’ll want to rest your head after a night on the town. It is time to leave your bags and check out the rest of the amazing hotel amenities.
The pool at the Mondrian is the ideal place for lounging and taking in the sun while fixed with blooming vines and bolstering trees that would make anyone feel like royalty. By night, the pool area becomes a romantic hideaway with hundreds of flickering lanterns, while enjoying a signature Mondrian cocktail, and taking in panoramic views of the city.
Truly California inspired, The Ivory on Sunset brings comfort food a chic upgrade and with a relaxed and refined atmosphere that boast stunning views of the city of Angels, this is the perfect place for a date night in the main dining room, or brunch on the outdoor patio.
Spilling into the night and in true Sunset fashion one finds, perched above the pool, world-class DJ’s, fresh cocktails, and a unique atmosphere, the famed Skybar. The only place you will want to be as the sunsets and paints the California sky in pastel colors, palm trees in sight, and views all the way to Santa Monica. Skybar will truly make you feel like you have made it, while letting the night bring out the inner rockstar in all of us.
Words by Caleb Gomez
