The Mondrian LA is a hot hotel which left me feeling a little bit cold mainly because of the clientele.
I was shooting a new TV series and was doing the LA thing… along with a million other shoots that go on daily in this city.
I have been to Los Angeles many times. I have stayed in many places but never the Mondrian LA until now.
I had been there years ago when it was brand new and boasted the hot restaurant Asia de Cuba. It was very hip at that time. It still holds on to that momentum now. But it’s not my fav place.
The hotel has a minimalist lobby. All white and very LA. The main level has outside dining for breakfast as it NEVER rains in LA and there is a restaurant inside that used to be Asia de Cuba.
The pool is more of a plunge pool. But unless you are in your 20s with a bikini and Chanel bag or a six pack you will feel rather old.
There is also a roof top bar that had a really clubby feel.
The rooms are spacious but strangely decked out in an odd homage to Hollywood glam. Mine had a huge spiking mirror that looked like a baby rattle and net curtains in place of cupboards. The room offered great amenities with excellent shower gels and soaps. I had a huge sofa that was like a wonder seat, it was quite cozy.
Now speaking about sitting. The seating around the hotel was strange; like an iron patio chair by the elevator and whimsical fur deco scattered within the harsh modern structure. I don’t think the design ethos really worked.
The hotel is in the heart of West Hollywoodso it’s close to Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is all good except this also means that you’ll be caught in the hub of LA traffic which now seems to stretch into 24 hours a day.
There are lots of restaurant choices nearby, but then again nothing is REALLY nearby in LA. Everything is a 20-mins plus drive and as far as walking is concerned, just forget it. It’s not the LA thing to do.
The Mondrian does not have a traditional loyalty program. It’s by invitation and based on staying over 30-40 nights. The Andaz which is owned by Hyatt is across the street and the Standard (very similar) is just a block away.
The Mondrian LA is a status hotel in LA but at 46, I felt a little old.
All in all I’d stay at the Mondrian again. It’s got some weird eccentricities but in LA however, that kind of works.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
To contact Daniel or learn more visit www.themodelcook.com or follow on Twitter and Facebook.
