The Petit Ermitage might just be the coolest hotel I've ever stayed at. I think the best way to describe this boutique West Hollywood property in LA would be 'seductive bougie bohemian luxe'. And if that's not already a hotel category, it should be! You get the vibe check the moment you check-in, with staff who ooze effortless style and a jar labelled 'Quaaludes', sitting prominently on the reception desk.
I don't know if there were real Quaaludes in the jar – but I felt it would be decidedly un-cool to ask. READ MORE: The best places in the world for island hopping With the dark moody hallways, antique furniture, quirky décor and eclectic art collection lining the walls, it feels more like you're visiting your eccentric (and obscenely rich) great Aunt's 80 room mansion, than a 4-star hotel. If these walls could talk, I'm sure they'd have some wild stories to tell.
Converted from former private residences, no two rooms are exactly the same. My 'executive suite' had plenty of space, including a separate living area and a small kitchenette, which would be ideal for a longer stay. READ MORE: The 'aesthetic tray' airport trend you shouldn't be doing The bed was super comfy, the bathroom was spacious, the shower water pressure was refreshingly strong, the bathrobes were fluffy and the hotel slippers were the cutest I've ever seen (I absolutely snuck a pair into my suitcase to take home).
The whole hotel feels like a 'scene', but the private rooftop terrace is where it's really it – giving full Soho House vibes. OK full disclosure: I've never been to a Soho House (I'm clearly not cool enough to have a membership), but I'm basing this assessment on the Sex and the City episode where Samantha Jones scammed her way into the Soho House in New York. READ MORE: The best train journeys in the world - and there's an Aussie icon among them The rooftop has a charming garden restaurant, fireplaces, a heated pool, enormous sunbeds and glamorous comfy lounges, which all provide the perfect setting for sunset cocktails as you enjoy the sweeping views of LA.
The pool is open 24 hours a day, just in case you feel like taking a dip at 3am. There's free morning yoga and movie nights on the roof for guests, and in true bougie-bohemian style, they also offer tarot readings. By night, with the live music and DJ, the rooftop feels more like an open air private club than a hotel.
It seemed to be a mix of hotel guests and in-the-know-locals, with plenty of beautiful people standing around looking fabulous and lounging seductively on the poolside beds. At one stage, as I made my way through the crowd to the bar, I felt like I was surrounded by extras on a movie set. And here's the most surprising thing.
When I returned to my room, only one floor below the pool deck, I couldn't hear any sound at all from the rooftop. I imagine the music continued into the wee hours, but I slept soundly - without earplugs. That's a major hotel win from me.
From my brief stay, it appears the Petit Ermitage draws a more 'creative' crowd. At dinner, I couldn't help eavesdropping on the guy at the table next to me on his phone, as he secured a Las Vegas residency for his 'client'. I listened intently but alas, he was way too cool (or careful) to name drop.
I also sat next to a young Aussie singer at a breakfast meeting, excitedly discussing plans to launch her career in the USA. I didn't recognise her, so she's either just about to become famous, or I just wasn't cool enough to know her music. Where you stay can make a huge difference to the overall vibe of your holiday and if you're looking for a more 'local' LA experience, you'll love the Petit Ermitage.
Tucked away in the backstreets of West Hollywood, it's also hidden away from the throngs of tourists. It's an easy walk to Sunset Boulevard – and plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. (But, if you really want to feel like a local, don't walk.
Everyone knows no-one walks in LA.) And as per every uber-fabulous property I've ever stayed at anywhere in the world, the Petit Ermitage is pet-friendly. I'm very happy to report I did not ride the lift once throughout my 2-night stay, without sharing it with a cute, furry, four-legged guest.
It's also entirely fitting that the Petit Ermitage is part of Luxury Escapes VIP Lux Plus+ membership, where you can access great savings, special deals, added inclusions and VIP priority customer support. Which aligns perfectly with the whole bougie vibe of this hotel. Because who doesn't love getting extra value and feeling like VIP on holiday, regardless of how 'cool' you actually think you are.
The writer was a guest of Petit Ermitage via Luxury Escapes..
