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WONDERFUL WEST HOLLYWOOD

09.10.10

By Raven Krystal

West Hollywood is an epic destination for those who wish to truly imbibe the rich, living cultural history of modern music and sophisticated luxury through this city’s many famous music venues and posh hotels.

Located right in the middle of WeHo’s Sunset Strip chaos, the Sunset Marquis Hotel sprawls across five lush acres in spa-like serenity.

Opened in 1963, this gorgeous boutique hotel has transformed over the decades into a celebrity hotspot and urban getaway extraordinare. The hotel’s sumptuous suites and private villas range from junior to two-bedroom kingdoms, giving stars the freedom to go it alone or bring the entire entourage.

And even if you aren’t a star, haven’t you always wanted to feel like one? A stay at the Sunset Marquis definitely makes you feel like you’ve made it onto somebody’s Hollywood list.

As time has passed, the Sunset Marquis evolved into a hotel designed to delight the creative mind. The famous Nightbird recording studios, which are cleverly hidden beneath the hotel, are as technically advanced as they are layered with celebrity stardust. There’s even a little known secret involving a beautiful new photography studio available for guest use hiding amongst many other outlets for the initiated or aspiring diva.

Our villa, which was located on the corner of a free-standing Mediterranean-style two-story casita, welcomed us with pleasing neutral tones, grace and functionality. The private patio, sumptuous feather bed and enormous bathroom (complete with freestanding tub and rain shower) were exactly what we needed to get ready for, and recover from, some excellent rock music.

If one has no desire to risk paparazzi exposure before the show, the hotel offers many ways to luxuriate in complete privacy. Draw the drapes closed in a cabana by the more tranquil of the hotel’s two pools. Or, rejuvenate at the hotel’s creative, cutting edge, individual space-focused spa.

If you do decide to have a delectable meal at the onsite restaurant, you can do so without signing any autographs or getting a single photo snapped. Yes, the Sunset Marquis offers diversion tactics for its more illustrious guests at a nominal fee. So, if you’d rather sip cocktails at Bar1200, go right ahead.

Ready to hit the Sunset Strip? A short walk up a steep hill brings you to always busy Sunset Boulevard.

And just a couple of blocks away, the Rainbow Room awaits. This little slice of music history has fed and intoxicated the likes of everyone from John Lennon to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. One might be hesitant to order a meal at what looks like (and is!) an old rocker bar, but rest assured, the lunch and dinner menus stick to what they’ve known best though hundreds of trends and fads. For example, the spaghetti and meatballs is as satisfying as mother would make and anyone would be happy with the classic and juicy steak and succulent lobster.

In fact, a universe of food is within walking distance of the Sunset Marquis whether on or just adjacent to Sunset Boulevard. Always popular with rock and those that love it, Mel’s Diner is open 24/7 and its prices are almost as retro as its attitude, ambiance, and flavors. In stark contrast and just a short walk away, Salades de Provence is a little slice of French organic heaven in the mornings or at lunch.

Looking to go boutiquing, antiquing, or gallery hopping? Don’t bother with the car unless you’re planning a quick ride to Melrose or maybe even downtown LA. In West Hollywood, the unique, the indie, the unusual—boutiques of every sort beg you to be late for the show you’re supposed to be catching.

Is it at the Roxy? The Key Club? The Whisky A Go-Go? Or were you meeting up at the Viper Room first to find out? Yes, West Hollywood is home to all of these iconic late-night clubs and a few more.

Speaking of music, there are literally hundreds of musical performances on the Sunset Strip each year. Often, entire weekends offer nonstop music, including the Sunset Strip Music Festival, which takes place right on Sunset Boulevard itself.

In West Hollywood, it’s possible to go an entire month with something to check out every single night! This would explain exactly how the Sunset Marquis has become so beloved by stars and their gazers.

For sure, the relaxing and star-studded Sunset Marquis is THE perfect home base for enjoying all of what makes West Hollywood an utterly amazing urban getaway.

The Savory Coast

08.27.10

By Greer Wylder

Make travel plans for a quick trip up the coast to “Savor the Central Coast,” an upcoming four-day food and wine extravaganza held Sept. 30 to Oct. 3. And on Saturday, Oct. 2 six of Paso Robles top chefs, a local gourmet cheese proprietor and more than 25 renowned vintners will showcase their extraordinary wine and culinary talents at the city’s first-ever “Paso Glow” dinner, hosted by Celebrity Chef Tyler Florence and Sunset Magazine’s wine editor Sara Schneider.

You can enter win a pair of tickets to both events by entering the “Paso Glow Ticket Contest” on Travel Paso’s Facebook page (a total value of $420). The contest ends Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. Tickets to “Paso Glow” and “SAVOR The Central Coast” can also be purchased at www.savorcentralcoast.com.

And while you’re in Paso Robles consider staying at La Bellasera Hotel & Suites, it’s right in the hub of the wine region: 80 world-class wineries within 10 miles from the hotel.

It’s a Mediterranean and Italian influenced boutique hotel with suites that offer wet bars, kitchenettes, whirlpools, fireplaces and patios. Rooms and suites feature deluxe spa amenities, pillow top bedding with deluxe 300 plus count linens. And not that you’ll need much more food and wine after “Savor the Central Coast” but just in case La Bellasera boasts its own destination restaurant, Enoteca serving contemporary cuisine and specializing in fresh seafood.

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites at 206 Alexa Court in Paso Robles. 805.238,2834.

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