The 70's "Riot Hyatt" has had, appropriately for Hollywood, a major facelift: Andaz, a new concept by the Hyatt brand meaning "personal style" in Hindi, has a bold personality that's perfectly posh. The 257-room hotel boasts intriguing furniture and art, a sexy rooftop pool, an airy, seamless restaurant, and in-room views of the LA skyline.
I'm all about the little touches that appreciate the guest, and Andaz is right on point. There's a complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar (refreshed daily) and a check-in process that provides you with wine or pool towels (check-in is done by hosts with laptops.)
One of Andaz's best features is its RH Restaurant, an open-kitchen concept with a sincere dedication to the growing "market to table" philosophy. There are few walls and no low ceilings in RH. From the bar to the kitchen refrigerators, viewable from most tables, the space seems liquid, creating a flow that makes the restaurant so naturally social.
Executive Chef Sebastien Archambault brings a Southern France flair to RH with modern takes on Hudson valley foie gras ravioli, homemade crispy petaluma duck confit, and a perigourdine poached egg. We were most impressed by the tenderness of the slow braised beef cheek and a gooey walnut cake nearly floating on an exquisite caramel sauce.
True to the Andaz culture of style and grace, our server, a handsome, ridiculously young 22 year old was so exceptional, we almost tipped him the cost of the meal. That's service.
Not everything in Hollywood is drizzled with glitter and filled with fluff. The Gendarmerie, an inconspicuous day spa set in a refurnished West Hollywood home, is a prime example. It's a homey spa, where lunch is made daily from the kitchen and watching your favorite sitcom is encouraged in the lobby/living room.
I enjoyed a lovely massage by one of the Gendarmerie's welcoming therapists and lounged afterwards in the courtyard festooned with seasonal flowers and bright décor.
I later discovered that the Gendarmerie was created by the maker (Topper Schroeder) of Gendarme Fragrances, the #1 selling fragrance in Barney's New York and coveted by dozens of celebrities that include Serena Williams, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lopez and others. I knew there had to be some celebrity fans at this jewel of a spa.
