Review: Kimpton La Peer Hotel

Set the scene.
Kimpton's opening is set in West Hollywood’s Design District—and it fits right in. L.A.-based Icelandic designer Gulla Jónsdóttir was enlisted to create the stylish interiors, and the result is a mix of natural materials (concrete, leather walls, white oak flooring) and custom furnishings, such as six-foot light sconces in the lobby. She also collaborated with artists, poets and photographers, personally selecting each work on display. Outside, olive trees and a vertical garden make the pool feel secluded and intimate.

What’s the story?
The latest opening from the California-based Kimpton outfit continues the boutique group’s clever appropriation of original, keen-minded architects and designers, who are set to work in some striking locations—Savannah, South Beach, Amsterdam. It never feels as if you’re being hosted by a large hotel group.

What can we expect in our room?
Standard rooms are somewhat small but still manage to feel bright and airy, in shades of grey and white with bronze and wood touches. There's also a complimentary mini bar and an in-room bottle service for made-to-order craft cocktails. The fourth-floor penthouse is used to showcase pieces from Jónsdóttir's own furniture collection.

How about the food and drink?
The Eastern Med meets SoCal at Ladyhawk by Charbel Hayek, where the menu offers sharable plates tabouleh, fattoush salad, half chicken with whipped toum, and charred veggies, all which pair perfectly with spice-forward cocktails. For breakfast and lighter fare, there’s the Courtyard Bar, which serves up the ubiquitous avo toast accompanied with juices and smoothies by Little West.

Who comes here?
Design-forward guests in creative fields, all feeling right at home.

How does it fit into the neighborhood?
This is right where you want to be in L.A.’s boho Design District, within walking distance of art galleries, cool coffee shops, and some top-notch restaurants—you could start at the homeware shops on Melrose Avenue, keep an eye out for graffiti murals, then drop into Craig’s for a vegan chicken parmigiana and a Skinny Amiga cocktail (tequila, lime, agave and pomegranate).

Anything else we should know about?
Open-air yoga classes are hosted on the rooftop; in-room JadeYoga mats make it easy to work out in private. There’s no in-house spa, but the hotel has a partnership with the Ole Henriksen spa at the nearby Sunset Plaza. Guests can book in-room services.

Bottom line: Why are choosing Kimpton La Peer?
For the feeling of a high-design hotel with all the Kimpton bells and whistles.