Scene
A slice of old Hollywood, with plenty of peace and quiet
When you roll up the Palihotel’s short valet driveway and ascend a few stairs, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a retro-Hollywood dream. The glimmering pastel pool deck, which is visible right behind the front desk, is like a living mural of tinseltown’s golden age. It beckons to, literally, dive into the property.
The pool sits framed by two stories of rooms looking in on the sun-splashed action. You’ll likely find a crowd that’s attractive and tan — I did — donning sunglasses and sipping craft cocktails as they scroll their phones or chat under umbrellas. The place doesn’t feel crowded, though, as there’s no live DJ and it’s not open to the public. It’s like a mini-Roosevelt with all the charm of the tropical throwback pool deck without the throngs of visitors. It’s a perfect place to feel like you’re living the LA life, without having to pay the price tags that often come with it.
Location
Smack in the middle of the Sunset Strip
If your LA vacation is all about seeing the sights of Hollywood, you’d be hard pressed to find a better location than the Palihotel. It sits on Sunset Blvd. just a block or so west of La Brea, an easy walk to Hollywood and Highland, the Chinese Theater, and all the street performers who fill the streets during the day. That’s not to say you won’t need a car if you stay at the Palihotel – this is still LA — since you’ll need wheels if you want to see more than Sunset. But it’s convenient to the heart of the Hollywood action.
Some other cool things near the Palihotel Hollywood:
- If you’re here for the touristy stuff, you can walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The most famous pink sidewalks in the world are only a few blocks up La Brea, maybe ten minutes by foot.
- If you want more of a poolside party, the legendary Roosevelt Hotel is about ten minutes by foot. Even if you’re not there to rage, the place is filled with music and movie history (the first Academy Awards were held at the Roosevelt) and worth checking out for a drink or two.
- Hike to the Hollywood sign. A handful of trails will take you through the wilderness of the Hollywood Hills and drop you out right near LA’s most famous sign. The nearest trailheads are about 10-15 minutes away by car, and hikes take anywhere from 1.5-3 hours.
- Cruise the legendary live music venues along the Sunset Strip. Spots like Whiskey a Go Go, The Viper Room, and The Roxy Theatre are less than ten minutes by car.
- Tour the backlots and ride the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood. The theme park is infinitely more convenient than Disneyland, only about 15 minutes from Hollywood by car.
Rooms
Throwback gems with stocked mini bars and sinks by the bed
Palihotel Hollywood’s rooms are cool, quiet respites from the energy of Sunset. You can luxuriate in a plush all-white bed surrounded by green velvet and dark woods. Many of the rooms look out on the swimming pool, so you can feel a part of the scene without having to actually interact with anyone. Inside, you’ll find Nespresso machines and Smeg vintage mini-fridges packed with local beer, wine, and canned cocktails. Rooms also come with robes so you can dress for the pool.
One of the Palihotel Hollywood’s more interesting design features are its sinks set next to the bed. So if you’re sharing a room you can brush your teeth while your companion showers. It makes for a convenient morning wake-up, as there is a separated bath area near the entrance.
The Palihotel Hollywood’s rooms break down into the following categories:
- The Night Owl – Palihotel’s most unique offering is its room with the worst views, where curtains remain drawn and no light seeps in. It’s perfect for someone who plans to sleep until noon then start the party again, and includes a 1 PM checkout and a $10 gift card to In-n-Out Burger next door.
- Queen – The entry-level room spans 290 square feet, with globe light fixtures and a wardrobe to hang up your clothes. If you’re not planning to be in your room much, it’s perfect.
- Double – This room has two queen beds, and measures 324-420 square feet. You won’t find much work or sitting space, but for two people traveling together and plan to be out all day, it’s the move.
- King – The most common room at the Palihotel has one king bed and is anywhere from 225-280 square feet. This also includes pool view and balcony rooms, which comes with a banana plant and a couple of chairs on the balcony.
- King Suite – The Palihotel’s suites are a little strange. They include the same setup as regular king rooms, then offer some side sitting rooms with low-slung furniture and in some cases no windows. They’re not ideal for entertaining, but if you just want more space they fit the bill.
Amenities
An irresistible pool with fantastic drinks
Pool
The swimming pool is the Palihotel’s signature amenity, where guests can lounge by the water on oversized lounge chairs and immerse themselves in a pastel pink old Hollywood wonderland. Tropical plants line the pool deck, and waiters are readily available to keep your drink of choice filled.
Lobby Bar
Even if you’re not a guest at the Palihotel Hollywood the bar is worth stopping in. The menu of craft cocktails is fantastic, and with stools and banquets all within eyeshot of the swimming pool it’s a pleasant backdrop for a quick drinks meeting. Try the Eastside made with mezcal, cucumber, mint, and lime and you’ll never order a regular margarita again.
Benny’s on the Blvd.
Just down the entryway from the front desk you’ll spot a small, six-seat coffee counter. This is Benny’s on The Blvd, the small café where the Palihotel serves breakfast and lunch until 5 PM. The entire menu is available at the bar or by the pool. Though it is limited, the tacos are good poolside cuisine as are the chips and guac.
Fitness Center
The Palihotel Hollywood does not have a fitness center.
Parking
Valet parking is available for $48 a night. Be advised: Valets are only working from 6 AM to midnight, so if you have an early flight leave some extra time to have the front desk call security to escort you to your car.
