Hotelier André Balazs created this cheap-and-chic Sunset Strip hotel out of a former retirement home. The aesthetic is '70s kitsch: pop art, shag carpets and ultrasuede sectionals fill the lobby, while the rooms have inflatable sofas, beanbag chairs, surfboard tables, and Warhol poppy-print curtains. DJs spin nightly and lobby socializing begins at the front desk and extends to the blue AstroTurfed pool deck outside. Especially on weekends and holidays, expect a young party scene that can drift noisily into the halls. The 24-hour coffee shop is quite good, more modern classic than greasy spoon.
Posted by KShamburger from Dallas on 9/12/07
...then stay at the standard. The rooms are like dorm rooms. The service is the worst I have ever had anywhere. The atmosphere is ok. Don't ask for anything to be brought to your room unless you want to call them 3 times to get it and you might not get it anyway. If you decide you can't take it anymore and want to change hotels...they could care less. I guess the only good thing is they don't charge you anything for checking out early!
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