I used to be an insufferable snob about Los Angeles – and West Hollywood, in particular.
And then I actually came to the city (after 8 years).
I was wrong.
I expected a cultural wasteland, but I experienced the exact opposite. Everyone was kind (and genuinely so). The food was incredible. The weather was beautiful.
It was the perfect escape, even though I was in town for work. I stayed in West Hollywood, which was central to all my meetings and events. If you find yourself headed to Los Angeles soon, bookmark some of my recommended spots.
WHERE TO STAY IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
Mondrian Los Angeles
8440 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
I loved this hotel.
The Mondrian’s staff was warm and accommodated my early check-in request, with an upgrade to a studio suite.
‘Studio’ is a bit deceiving – the room was bigger than my last apartment. The suite had a large bar counter (which I used as a standing desk), a vanity area along with two sinks, and a large daybed in addition to the king sized bed and large desk.
The massive, dual-headed shower was my favorite part of the room. Weak water pressure is annoying while traveling, but the Mondrian‘s showers were pleasantly powerful. Especially after a 6-hour flight and intense workouts.
Outside of the room, the pool was my favorite part of the hotel. While it’s on the lobby level, it overlooks the city and is filled with plants and flowers. I relaxed with this book poolside for a couple of hours with a Paloma in hand. If it weren’t for this event, I could have stayed there for the rest of the day.
I took advantage of the Mondrian‘s dining options just once (chilaquiles and an almond milk latte the morning I arrived), but it was excellent.
WHAT TO EAT IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
Gracias Madre
8905 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
I’ve been hearing about this famed vegan Mexican spot from friends and in secretive Us Weekly readings, so it was at the top of my list to try.
It didn’t disappoint.
I opted for the prix fixe lunch and enjoyed the coliflor frito (covered in vegan cheese sauce, yum) and chorizo tacos. Both were so filling that I could only have one of my cookies for dessert. And even though it was lunch, I enjoyed a spicy version of their purista.
Beaming
605 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Beaming was recommended by a woman who was in my Barry’s class, who happened to work there. It’s a classic California health food/juice café that I would typically walk by in New York.
But when in Rome LA, do as the Angelenos do.
I popped over to Beaming for breakfast after a Cycle House class, with the intent of ordering a smoothie and leaving. But I ended up settling down with a pitaya bowl and a Cold Buster shot to fend off an incoming cold.
My only regret is that I didn’t have time to go again before my flight out. Next time…
Moon Juice
8463-3 Melrose Place
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Another standard Los Angeles stop, I popped in Moon Juice while exploring Melrose Place for a pick-me-up.
I figured I’d pick up something caffeinated and head out. But after chatting with their staff about the menu and the various powders, I opted for a Shilajit Resin shot and a Blue Tonic.
It could be a placebo effect, but that combination woke me up better than any coffee would, and recharged me for a long window shopping stretch as I walked back to my hotel.
Which people don’t do in LA. But you can’t take the New York out of this girl.
Night + Market
9043 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
I had a massive craving for Thai on my first day, especially after a workout and getting caught up on e-mails.
Googling “Thai West Hollywood” lead me to Night + Market. I didn’t read a single review – I just requested a Lyft while I gathered my things for the afternoon.
It worked out – insanely so.
The restaurant was darling, but the food was mind-blowingly good. I started with larb gai (spicy even for me!) and pad see ew (basic, but whatever) with fresh coconut water.
It was so good that I forgot to take a single picture of the restaurant or my food. Which means I just need to go again…
WHERE TO SWEAT IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
Cycle House
8511 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Another thing on my “when in LA” list was checking out Cycle House.
I think I’m still sore from it.
This was the hardest cycling class I’ve ever done, and I’ve done them all. It reminded me of Cyc in how it hit all the muscle groups, and I left with the best endorphin high ever.
I’d visit LA again just to take a class (followed up by a food crawl at the aforementioned spots)
Barry’s Bootcamp
1106 La Cienega Blvd #1106
West Hollywood, CA 90069
My friend Andrew – who’s in the best shape of anyone I know – swears by Barry’s. And when I told him I was headed out to Los Angeles, he insisted I do a class since it was so close to my hotel.
Andrew – you were right.
I went in for a Monday lunchtime class (arms & abs), and had an amazing class with Matthew Ragas. I was able to keep up for most of the class, but barely held it together for the final arms segment.
Thankfully, Matthew is still NYC-based (and a good friend of Andrew’s!), so I’ll be heading to his classes while he’s still in New York.
SoulCycle
8570 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
I took a page from Samira’s book and booked myself an early SoulCycle class before my flight. In hindsight, this wasn’t the best idea after both Barry’s and Cycle House, but I love the familiarity and the emotional uptick from a Soul class.
Nothing beats Hallie’s classes, though. I may need to head to Chicago just to ride with her.
WHAT TO DO IN WEST HOLLYWOOD
Alfred’s Tea Room
705 N Alfred Street
Los Angeles, CA 90069
One of my Instagram buddies recommended this charming tea spot, which I strolled over to after lunch at Gracias Madre. It was absolutely delightful – the design, the cups, and the incredible selection of teas. I couldn’t make up my mind, so I got small cups of chai and rose teas with steamed almond milk.
The chai was legit – almost as good as my mother’s. But the rose tea was my favorite. I can’t describe it – it was sweet but light and floral in the best way. I set up my laptop at one of the outdoor tables, sipped my tea, and had one of my most productive afternoons in a while.
Apartment by The Line
8463 Melrose Place, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90069
I’d been to New York’s Apartment by The Line, and stumbled upon the LA outpost while in Melrose Place. While the venue is known for its intimate shopping experience, I was focused fully on the incredible decor – especially the bathroom.
It was so good that I forgot to take out my phone and take actual pictures or videos. Trust.
But now I know exactly what my bathroom is missing – one of these beautiful chairs. Well. something like it anyway…
What are some of your favorite West Hollywood (or Los Angeles) spots? COMMENT below and let me know!
P.S – what to pack for a Los Angeles trip, and more travel diaries here.
