Palihotel Melrose

Rooms

Warm tones and vintage furnishings create a cosy vibe in the 32 rooms, though some might find them a little dark or spartan. There are 4 types to choose from (a couple of Queen options, a King or a spacious Suite), and the same aesthetic themes are found across all: cork walls on at least one side, grey shagpile carpeting, deep blues, woody browns, dusky pinks and firm, delightfully comfortable beds. The Queen with Terrace rooms have step-out balconies, and complimentary WiFi runs throughout.

I liked the eclectic furnishings and characterful desks and chairs, but be prepared for a minimal 'all you need, nothing you don’t' approach to facilities. There are no wardrobes or drawers - instead, hangers on a funky ladder - and no kettles, alarm clocks or temperature controls. We found that our room got rather hot.

The flatscreen TVs, settee sofas and shabby-chic details are appealing but it’s the bathrooms that are the saving grace of these overly un-done rooms. Despite being small, everything is there. The robes are plush, the tubs are deep, and the fittings are classy enough to make you feel like you’re in a 1950s Hollywood Hills home.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast at their Blue Daisy Café is not your average American fare. We chose from butter biscuits with fruit, cheese and spiced honey (amazing, melt-in-the-mouth), a more traditional yoghurt, granola and fruits, or sweet treats like lemon bars and cherry almond scones. Basically, don’t expect a '1 egg, 2 eggs' type menu, and be sure to wash it all down with their excellent coffee. At weekends, delicious-sounding brunches include shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and pecan praline pancakes.

The cafe stays open until 9pm, offering lunch and dinner menus that feel quintessentially LA: healthy, hearty, and with international influences. Expect chicken tacos or charcuterie to start, a selection of loaded salads, mains of saffron salmon risotto or pappardelle pasta and crepes for dessert. It's a casually sharp hangout, with a wide range of drinks, from wines and fizz to craft cocktails and bottomless mimosas.

There are heaps of other restaurants nearby; ask reception for a recommendation.

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Shop! Trendy Melrose Avenue is on your doorstep, and shopping meccas such as Rodeo Drive, The Grove and the Beverly Center are nearby
  
• Explore Hollywood - visit the Walk of Fame on Sunset Strip, take a bus trip round the stars' homes, hike up to the Hollywood sign to feel small, then do a tour of Paramount Studios
  
• Head to local rooftop lounge bars to drink cocktails as the sun sets
  
• Take a cab to the ocean and stroll along the sand between the iconic Venice boardwalk and Santa Monica pier
  
• Spend a morning at the Pacific Design Center or browse art and interior design galleries on Robertson Blvd
  
• The legendary House of Blues on Sunset Strip serves up addictive ribs and performances by the likes of Billy Ray Cyrus, Robin Trower and Morrissey

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming

Kids

Whilst children are welcome, there are no specific facilities to keep them entertained. Baby cots can be provided, babysitting can be arranged, and Queen rooms have a pullout sofabed for 1 extra person.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Palihotel Melrose is on Melrose Avenue in the West Hollywood district of LA, southern California.

By Air:
Direct flights to Los Angeles International Airport, aka LAX (20km away), are available from almost anywhere in the world - click on the links below for a list of airlines serving this airport.

From the Airport
Transportation via taxi takes about 30-40 minutes. Allow extra time during peak periods (7-10am and 3-7pm). The taxi fare from LAX is US$40-50.

By Car:
Los Angeles is criss-crossed by a network of busy superhighways. Traffic is either travelling at the speed of light or at a complete standstill. See our car rental recommendations.

By Train:
Amtrak operates trains along the Californian coast, connecting San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and all points in between. Trains arrive at Union Station, north of downtown. Southern California Metrolink trains leave from the same station.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com

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