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Riot Hyatt
The hotel which was home to some of rock’n'roll’s most infamous debauchery is set to be rebranded and glossed over by hotel giant Hyatt. The West Hollywood hotel is set to reopen on January 8th with a luxurious boutique feel under the label Andaz, a sub-brand within the company offering design-driven environments, vibrant social spaces, and friendly yet attentive service.
The hotel first opened in 1963 as Gene Autry’s Hotel Continental, the first high-rise on the Strip. Its location, close to noted celeb hangouts of the ’70s such as Whisky a Go Go and House of Blues, meant that it drew much business from bands on tour, leading to inevitable partying and the scene of Keith Richards’ television-out-of-window moment. Since then the hotel has hosted press and launch events for musicians ranging from Ray Charles to John Mayer. The rebranded Andaz aims to maintain such a “cultural playground”, reflecting “the colorful lifestyle of the neighbourhood”, says Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian, in the form of pieces from local artists, impromptu music gigs, and the opportunities for parties afforded by the carefully-designed social spaces throughout the hotel. Design and interiors have been under the control of New York firm Janson Goldstein LLP, promising sophisticated colour palettes, three-dimensional design, and functional and eco-conscious elements.
WWD also reported recently that the staff uniforms for the hotel are to be pieces from the collections of local brands Velvet and Vince. The uniforms are not dictated but rather chosen by the individual staff members, allowing variety and personal style to shine throughout the venue. It’s looking to be quite an addition to Sunset, and Andaz will be following it up with planned openings on Wall Street and Fifth Avenue, and Andaz Austin later in 2010. Eager Londoners can get a taste at the Liverpool Street venture, though no package will include sweet LA sunshine.
