Glitz, gourmet, and gains, oh my! The ultimate West Hollywood experience and itinerary.

Upon arriving in the vibrant city of West Hollywood, you are immediately transported to the ultimate dreamscape- where Hollywood glamour meets culinary excellence, wellness experiences, and dynamic fitness adventures.

From dining at celeb-frequented hot spots to exploring the sprawling surrounding cityscape on foot or bike, my West Hollywood experience was nothing short of incredible. Whether you’re on the hunt to spot trendy movie stars, are looking to indulge in a gourmet experience, or want to put your fitness goals to the test, I’m letting you in on the hidden gems of West Hollywood and how to embark on an escapade featuring the ideal blend of luxury, taste, and vitality.

Celebrities, Cuisine, and Cardio: My West Hollywood Experience

Where To Stay

The West Hollywood area features an abundance of accommodations to choose from, including ultra-luxurious escapes, budget-friendly properties, or stylish boutique hotels. All in all, there truly is something for everyone.

There is an array of iconic properties to look into if you’re planning your next getaway to the city, of which those include; The Hollywood Roosevelt (think vintage design, historic jewel), The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills (contemporary yet classic luxury), and The West Hollywood EDITION (stylishly chic).

Although there are multiple properties to choose from, if you’re looking for a hidden gem to rest your eyes during your stay in the heart of LA, the Mondrian Los Angeles comes highly recommended. This hotel is a cultural destination in the city center featuring rooms that offer sweeping views of the surrounding metropolis and/or iconic Hollywood Hills. On the brand’s website here, the property is described as having a “modern-meets-surrealist aesthetic” featuring bold patterns, clean lines, and modern accents which give the space a unique sense of character.

With a variety of different dining options and amenities on site, this is your one-stop shop that truly radiates West Hollywood buzz. Some of my favorite parts of the property were its in-house Atelier Boutique spotlighting local LA-based brands, and the Skybar Los Angeles, which is an idyllic outdoor venue to enjoy a nightcap all whilst taking in the bustling West Hollywood sights and sounds. 

What To Eat

From Hollywood glam to gourmet dining, my favorite part of my West Hollywood stay was undoubtedly the food.

The Los Angeles area boasts a diverse food scene, in which menu offerings are innovative, inventive, eclectic, and built on high-quality ingredients. As well, most establishments offer farm-to-table options to spotlight fresh and local ingredients. 

Interested in some of my go-to restaurants next time you find yourself in West Hollywood?

Check out these top spots:

Casa Madera (Mondrian Hotel)

Having frequented the Toronto Casa Madera location, the West Hollywood coastal Mexican establishment definitely lived up to the hype. A hidden gem located in the Mondrian Hotel, Casa Madera is “high-energy fine dining” as outlined here. This is the spot to sight-see celebs, sip on some incredible cocktails, and indulge in an atmosphere inspired by the Riviera Maya. 

The Mexican Coastal cuisine- honed by French artistry and Japanese precision- is to die for. Don’t skip the Al Pastor or Arrachera Tacos, Ceviche Blanco, or Yucatán Chop Salad. The charred sprouting broccolini is also *chef’s kiss.*

When it comes to drinks, there is a collection of delicious cocktails to choose from- some of which come with a sneaky performance inspired by different senses. Hint, try the Playa Paraiso or the Pog.

The Tower Bar (Sunset Tower)

The Tower Bar and Restaurant– located at Sunset Tower Hotel- is a must-try for breakfast because this cozy rendezvous inspired by early Hollywood features picturesque scenic views. My favorite spot for an early morning bite is the Terrace- which has been updated to offer a more casual setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It truly feels like a mini oasis.

Wondering what to get from the breakfast menu? For a savory option, try the Avacado Toast. If you’re looking for a sweet go-to, the Honey French Toast or Chocolate Chip Pancakes are delish. 

Cavatina Restaurant (Sunset Marquis)

Nestled in the heart of the Sunset Marquis, Cavatina is built upon notions of time and season, highlighting a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients. Having received Open Table’s Diner’s Choice stamp of approval for 2024, this is a can’t-miss opportunity when visiting West Hollywood as it feels like a true oasis. Having stopped here for lunch, the Main Lobster Roll was a crowd favorite – although the Alta Loma Club Sandwich was a close second.   

Merois (Pendry)

Merois– located on the rooftop of Pendry West Hollywood- features Chef Wolfgang Puck’s gastronomic expertise combined with upscale dining that truly elevates the unexpected. The menu itself blends nuanced elements of Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French/California cuisines making this an absolute must-try and hidden gem.

My top picks from the breakfast menu include the Brioche French Toast, Coconut-Strawberry Yogurt Parfait, and The Sunset Breakfast. However, the establishment also serves up a delectable dinner menu that’s a must-try for anyone looking for a great meal in the city. 

Ladyhawk

Ladyhawk by Charbel Hayek pays homage to modern Eastern Mediterranean cooking- but with a touch of California flare. This was easily one of my favorite meals of the trip. Featuring a stylish and contemporary venue, the menu is designed to engage all five senses offering a selection of mezze, featured items, and shareables that are perfect for a group setting.  

Some favorites from the dinner menu included the Mini Mezze, Za’atar Man’oushe, Octopus, and the Australian Wagyu Sirloin Shawarma. 

Stella Ristorante West Hollywood

To end off our trip, we opted for a cozy dinner at Stella Ristorante West Hollywood, which is a dynamic partnership between restaurateur Janet Zuccarini and Executive Chef Rob Gentile. This establishment features a menu that draws inspiration from 1950s Italy as well as the traveling hearth traditions of Italy’s coastal and pastoral regions—Southern, Central, and Northern—further enhanced with seasonal Californian ingredients.

We loved every single dish here, but some of the standout selections included; Carbonara Pizza Alla Romana, Nodini, Insalata di Stagione, and- the star of the show- the Su Fillindeu. This is known as the world’s rarest pasta, which is stretched to 256 thread-like strands and layered three times over making for an absolute must-try hidden gem. 

What To Do

Jon D’Amico’s Rock ‘n Walk Tours of the Sunset Strip

This unique, immersive experience featuring Jon D’Amico as your trusted guide combines iconic music history with a personal touch. This is a super interactive and engaging atmospheric walking tour that spotlights historic venues and rock n’ roll legacies as D’Amico details the cultural impact of the past and present music scene. 

My favorite aspects of the tour were D’Amico’s personal storytelling and experiences, as well as how he was able to offer a fresh take on various landmarks by touching on lesser-known spots and hidden gems. This is a must-try activity if you’re looking to further explore the legendary Sunset Strip. Although I participated in a daytime tour, D’Amico claims that his tours are better at night, so we recommend checking out evening tours that may offer a sneak peek at the city’s electric nightlife. 

Here are some highlights from the daytime tour:

• Barney’s Beanery- sitting in Quentin Tarantino’s Booth where he wrote the screenplay for Pulp Fiction
• Mystery Pier Books to meet owner and operator Harvey Jason (The Lost World Jurassic Park)

Keep in mind these tours are approximately 3 ½ hours from start to finish and feature walking at a brisk pace!

Bikes and Hikes Tour

I’m not the athletic type but I thoroughly enjoyed the Bikes and Hikes LA tour of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Embarking on an e-bike tour through the city, we were accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who walked (or should I say biked) us through the city’s hidden gems.

This is a must-try group activity if you’re not traveling alone (even if you are, you should definitely give this a go!) because it highlights celebrity homes, as well as iconic landmarks- plus, it covers the glitz and glamour of Rodeo Drive, as outlined here on the brand’s website. Trust me- you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy this activity. There are plenty of stops along the way to discuss your sightings and you’ll get to experience the city like never before.

Highlights of the tour included biking past Kim Kardashian’s fave brunch spot (Dialog Café) and stopping at Barney’s Beanery.

Helicopter Tour with Maverick 

See Southern California like never before with a thrilling Hollywood & Beyond Tour from Maverick. This was one of my favorite activities as this luxury helicopter experience offered an aerial view of SoCal where you’re able to spot iconic landmarks such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also be able to check out the Hollywood Hills from up high, with a birds-eye view of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park & Observatory, and so much more. 

Although this is a splurge-worthy opportunity, it offers unparalleled views you simply can’t pass up during your next visit.

Dogpound 

This could very well be classified as a not-so-hidden gem, but it was for someone like me who isn’t privy to what’s considered new and happening in the workout scene. 

Dogpound is a celeb-frequented (cough, cough Hugh Jackman and Taylor Swift, cough, cough) gym that inspires guests to smash their fitness goals with the help of a dedicated team of trainers. The gym offers in-person and virtual sessions as well as classes. This is a highly motivating setting to help encourage you to push your fitness goals due to the facility’s glowing celebrity endorsements, state-of-the-art equipment, and unique, holistic approach to training. 

Special shout out to Porter Airlines– in which it was my first time flying with the airline (but hopefully not the last!). The brand offers perks such as refined service (on every flight), complimentary snacks and beverages, and spacious legroom when traveling. I was truly impressed with how the brand takes a customer-centric approach to air travel while ensuring convenience, comfort, and excellent service at all times.

I can’t wait to fly with Porter again!

I loved every minute of exploring West Hollywood, and each property or activity added a unique layer to the tapestry of my overall trip. I truly fell in love with the city and how it continues to champion a unique blend of luxury, flavor, and energy. 

These memories will last a lifetime. 

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Published by HOLR Magazine

Image Credits: Samantha Vecchiarelli