Hollywood’s iconic street corners have seen the birth of a million dreams — and broken hearts. And it’s that heritage which continues to tempt visitors to the city, even if these days some parts are more seedy than glamorous. But the debut of Hyatt’s luxury Thompson brand has brought something quite new to the neighbourhood.
Thompson Hollywood’s own brand of style is quite distinct from the curlicues of the grande dame hotels recalling the golden age when Hollywood Boulevard was the epitome of chic.
And its understated mid-century design is in sharp contrast to the quirkier hotels which have sprung up in recent years, catering to a creative crowd undeterred by what can sometimes be a pretty edgy district of the city.
It’s already attracting the celebrities of today — the influencers who have replaced the starlets of the silver screen, who gather to see and be seen at the hotel’s glitzy rooftop bar, with its beach club vibe.
Rooms channel Scandinavia but are actually the work of London design studio Tara Bernerd & Partners; despite the narrow building’s deceptive sense of being a smallish boutique hotel, there are 190 of them inside.
The wealth of wood and greenery flanking the lobby suggests an eco-theme, while the guest rooms themselves are distinguished by floor-to-ceiling windows framing eye-catching views, as well as by the spacious sleeping areas and bathrooms with classy terrazzo floors.
Beds are huge, linens are fine Egyptian cotton, televisions are smart, wardrobes are see-through for convenience and there’s plenty of space.
A neutral colour scheme, while a tad bland, provides a peaceful contrast with the noisy Technicolor hues of the chaotic boulevard a stroll up the road.
Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood - CREDIT Michael Mundy
Bar Lis at the Thompson Hollywood (Photo: Michael Mundy)
You don’t need a car to walk to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, with its iconic celebrity hand and footprints, or to reach the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, and the modern outdoor shopping mall on the corner of Hollywood and Highland.
If you do have your own wheels, the hotel does offer secure garaging, albeit at a price.
Expectations are high for the hotel’s restaurant, or rather restaurants. Mes Amis, designed by Martin Brudnizki (famous for some of London’s most stylish spaces), is helmed by award-winning chef Lincoln Carson, while Ka’teen, from Angeleno native Wes Avila, has been inspired by the Mayan city of Tulum, plus there’s Italian at Mother Wolf.
Staying not long after its opening, we only had the chance to sample food and drink in the rooftop alternative, Bar Lis. Here booths were cosily retro, the balcony a theatrical space from which to enjoy far-reaching panoramas and cocktails very well-made.
Food choices were minimal, but offerings included a decent plate of yellowtail sashimi and excellent French fries were fairly priced.
Service here had tipped firmly from high energy into chaos, however; a striking contrast to the politely efficient and low-key welcome at reception on check-in. And if neither extreme was typically Hollywood, the hotel’s peaceful escape from the buzz of LA (rooftop bar aside) proved the perfect stylish retreat.
Rates
Rooms at the Thompson Hollywood cost from around £300 per night.
Like this? Sign up for more with our JC Life newsletter here.
From fabulous recipes to parenting tips, travel and West End entertainment; insightful interviews and much more: there’s more to the JC than news!
