With the added prestige of reality TV celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s attachment and a featured role as the Grand Prize destination for the winner of last season’s Hell’s Kitchen, The London-West Hollywood has enjoyed a certain international hipness factor.

Formerly the site of the luxurious Hotel Bel Age, The London-West Hollywood has been up and running for less than a year, yet it has already received four Michelin stars, and made Conde Nast’s 2009 Hot List.

I was always a fan of the Hotel Bel Age, with its lovely rooftop garden, stunning view of the Los Angeles skyline, and the extravagant Franco-Prussian dining room Diaghilev that boasted elaborate tea and caviar services, so I was curious to see the transformation into The London.  But, in actuality, this was not a planned stay.

As sometimes happens while traveling and exploring new options, my initial booking did not pan out.  I had reserved a private guest room cottage at a boutique B&B on the Hancock Park edge of the Miracle Mile area near La Brea Avenue and 3rd Street, but the cottage, which turned out to be a converted garage, had water damage and smelled of mold when we arrived - a big “no-no.”  So, after a refunding of our deposit and the requisite apologies were given and accepted, Tony and I had to scurry to find a place to stay.

After shopping frantically for adequate hotel options, we hit a wall.  Only the funky Hollywood fleabags and high rise Sunset Strip hotels had rooms available for that night.  The former was obviously out, and the latter didn’t sound all that appealing, either.  While rates happened to be much lower than usual at the Hollywood Roosevelt and the Sunset Tower, we were not in the mood to party like rock stars, nor did we wish to endure the noise of Sunset Boulevard.  We wanted something a little more quaint.

Then, I remembered The London.  It wasn’t showing up in our searches, since it’s a relatively new property.  So we drove up, and did a walk-in.  And, we were good to go.

Like most hotels in this economic climate, The London was offering deals, so we decided to take advantage of the relatively low prices and booked a Vista Suite with sweeping views of Los Angeles glittering below.

The London sits just below Sunset Boulevard on San Vicente Boulevard, offering easy access to the scene without the hustle and bustle of the many of the hotels on The Strip, yet it features virtually the same stunning views.  It also boasts a swanky rooftop pool by which to enjoy those incredible views.

While checking in, we were regaled with stories about how crazy it was at the hotel earlier that day, because Gordon Ramsay was filming the final episode of Hell’s Kitchen up on the roof.  Now, I watch Hell’s Kitchen and enjoy the show, but I have to say that if the crew and media circus had been going on while I was checking in, I would have quickly opted for another hotel.  This was meant to be a vacation, after all.   Fortunately, production had wrapped and they were long gone by the time we arrived.  So, we enjoyed the fun of knowing we were associated with the final episode by proximity without the inconvenience of being subjected to it - the best of both worlds.

The London Restaurant is located off of the hotel’s ultra-modern foyer and was highly touted by the staff as being “Gordon Ramsay from Hells Kitchen’s restaurant,” although in actuality, Gordon Ramsay has recently sold his share of The London Restaurant.  While Ramsay is no longer affiliated with The London hotel, his name remains attached, and is still splashed vividly across all the hotel’s marketing collateral for that ever-so-profitable celebrity effect.

We did not have a chance to dine at The London Restaurant, as we had reservations elsewhere during our visit.  Although, people do seem pleased with the restaurant from what I have heard.  It certainly has an interesting look.  My assumption is that it was designed by Christina, winner of last season’s Hell’s Kitchen (with a little help, of course).  The word feminine definitely comes to mind.

On the other hand, suites at The London are sleek with modern decor in light neutral tones and clean lines.  The lavatory was exceptionally spacious and elegantly appointed, with a separate dressing area, large shower for two (or more) with multiple shower heads, and a beautiful soaking tub for two.  The balconies and terraces have nice amenities and details, as well.

Most of the accoutrement were in keeping with what one would expect from a four-star hotel, from the thickness of the towels, to the quality of the coffee maker and mini bar offerings.  The room service menu was top notch, with 24-hour service that appeared to be based on the menu at The London, with a nice selection of English Breakfast options.   The decorative tic-tac-toe game board provided in the suites was a playful deco touch.  (Although, if you are enjoying the suite properly, you - most likely - wil not have the chance to play even one game.)

On the down side, this was a suite in a four-star hotel, and yet there was no separation between the bedroom and sitting area.  Not even a divider or screen.  Also, there were basic upgrades that were drastically overlooked in the makeover, such as dual-paned windows.  The windows of the suites are woefully single-paned, so the noise level was quite present with sirens passing, etc., even though the property sits a half block below Sunset Boulevard.

In addition, there was very little in the way of ecological consciousness, if there was any at all.  For example, there was not a bottle of water available in the hotel that was more than four ounces. Furthermore, the lack of water was a real problem.   There were only four 4-ounce bottles of water stocked in the fridge in our room, and there were no vending machines or other outposts available by which to obtain more water.  When we called the front desk for water and asked for several liters, they sent a valet up to the room with four more 4-ounce bottles, for which we tipped generously - of course, despite the fact that it was inadequate (32 ounces was only enough for one of us - barely).  When we asked the attendant if he would kindly bring us more, he said we would have to call the front desk again.  Nice.

There were many inconveniences like that, and we had to call the front desk a few times.  We ended up shelling out a good deal of extra cash in tips for a one night stay, let me tell you.  My point?  This should not be the case in a four star hotel, where all of your basic needs should be anticipated and provided for - in advance.  Any calls to the front desk at a four-star hotel should only be made to request services or items that are considered “extra.”

Service was spotty across the board, from check-in through departure.  As we checked out of the hotel, we mentioned that there were issues, and that we were disappointed with their lack of eco-consciousness, and the manager laughed and said “we have a green bag in the room’” and that was all she said.  Need I say more?

The Devil is in the details.

Overall, it was a pleasant stay for the view, the comfort of sleek, modern, elegant surroundings, and the luxurious bathroom, but I would not give this hotel more than three stars.

If you decide to stay at The London - West Hollywood, book online for the best rates.  Right now, room rates on The London website start at $199 per night.  For a mini-suite in a beautiful three star hotel (hey, let’s call a spade a spade) with a great view and terrific bathroom , it is a pretty good deal.  Just make sure to bring your own water.

Visited on March 20, 2009

The London-West Hollywood

1020 N San Vicente Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA
(310) 854-1111

www.thelondonwesthollywood.com