If you’re like me, up until today you may have thought of West Hollywood as just Hollywood… but a little to the left. You (and I) would be incorrect.  Just like you’re a unique and special individual, West Hollywood, or WeHo affectionately, is also unique and special, different to its LA County siblings.

It is the home of old school Hollywood glamour — and debauchery. From iconic hotels to the infamous Sunset Strip whose music venues (and employees) hold the stories of legendary rock ‘n’ roll figures like Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and John Lennon.

Beyond its celebrity history, West Hollywood’s Design District offers the best in cutting-edge design and style for discerning tastes – and its restaurant scene is rich and diverse, offering something for everyone.

So let’s take a look at six (out of a million) reasons to eat, stay and play in West Hollywood.

We can’t talk WeHo without talking wellness. We’re in West Hollywood, people! So why not make the most of your locale and treat yourself to a treatment for the stars?

Bamford Wellness Spa at the gorgeous green 1 Hotel is just the place to do it. With a sparkling pool overlooking Central LA and an in-house pup greeting you upon arrival, it’s luxury heaven.

The green balcony overlooking the city at 1 Hotel. Image Credit: Elizabeth Tucker

Sister to the famous Bamford Wellness Spa at Daylesford Farm in the Cotswolds, the spa is devoted to the organic nurturing of mind, body and spirit. From intuitive massage to photo-ready red carpet facials featuring arctic blast cryo therapy, it’s the perfect place to reset upon arrival.

To really get on LA-time, you can book a grounding PEMF mat which stabilises your energy, alongside compression jet boots to relieve your legs of any plane-induced swelling. I mean, why the hell not?

Find Bamford Wellness Spa at: 8490 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood

Image: Bamford Wellness Spa foyer, supplied

Whether you want to step back into Golden Age Hollywood glamour or rub shoulders with rock stars – WeHo has iconic hotels with stories to tell. And while they may be out of your price range to stay, get a taste of the experience by visiting their bars and restaurants.

Sunset Tower Hotel

Let’s start with the Sunset Tower Hotel. Built in 1929, this art deco hotel has been home to Hollywood’s biggest stars including Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne and Australia’s own Errol Flynn.

If staying is out of your price range, instead enjoy a great meal at Tower Bar, with sweeping views and decor that transports you to a bygone era. Be sure to order their freshly baked oatmeal cookies before you head off on your next adventure. You won’t regret it.

Find the Sunset Tower Hotel at: 8358 W Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood

Sunset Tower dining. Image credit: Elizabeth Tucker

Sunset Marquis

Do you want to rock ‘n’ roll all night? Then the Sunset Marquis is the place for you. With spacious suites and villas, people can truly make a home away from home here – and those who can afford it, do!

General Manager, Rod Gruendyke has been running the place for 30 years and boy does he have stories to tell. Don’t believe me? Check some out here. As high-end as it is, the hotel is still relaxed and welcoming.

Dining at on site restaurant Cavatina you’re bound to spot a celebrity (we saw Morrissey), and you can also visit the Morrison Hotel Gallery – housing a photography exhibition and print collection with iconic photos of your favourite rockstars.

Find the Sunset Marquis at: 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood

Mondrian

Then we’ve got the Mondrian. This prime location features a pool with a view, the exquisite and delicious Casa Madera restaurant (where cocktails are garnished with your own stick of palo santo no less), spacious and modern rooms and is the site of the infamous Vanderpump Rules guys night. (A fact I did not know but was made aware of by a superfan).

Find Mondrian at: 8440 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood

So, what did I tell you? Hotels with history!

Poolside view at the Mondrian West Hollywood

Top image: Sunset Tower Hotel

If you’re the kind of psychopath (just kidding) who wants to work out on holidays, then Dogpound Gym is the place to do it. Known for getting T-Swift in shape for her Eras tour and training “our Hugh”, it’s actually pretty easy to do a class there.

If you’ve got ClassPass you can book right on in, otherwise you can join a group class with options like boxing, booty building, full body burn or a gentler mobility and stretch.

Honestly, it’s worth a visit just to marvel at people in their absolute prime and hold your breath waiting to see a celeb.

Find The Dogpound at: 627 N Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood

Let’s face it, when packing your day with exploration, eating efficiencies like brunch are an excellent strategic traveller move. Luckily, West Hollywood has excellent options to do just that.

The Butcher’s Daughter

Head to The Butcher’s Daughter for – you didn’t guess it – an exceptional vegan meal. With both healthy and indulgent options, and decor that feels like you’ve entered into a lush and cosy farmstay, the menu is sure to delight as are the elixirs and top quality teas. 

Find The Butcher’s Daughter at: 8755 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood

S.O.L.

To support a fellow country-person, head to Aussie-owned S.O.L. (aka Strings of Life) – an all-day cafe reflecting the food and coffee culture of Melbourne. Its generous menu offers brekkie burritos and sandwiches, wholesome salads and for those on a diet, cacio e pepe fries.

Find S.O.L. at: 8535 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood

Zinc

If you’re heading to the Design District, stop in at Zinc for some sustenance from their all-day menu and a cosy booth or garden to relax in while you take a breather from the shops.

Find Zinc Cafe at: 8607 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood

Top section image: Zinc Cafe

Not only does West Hollywood boast some of the best hotels in LA, but these hotels are also home to fabulous fine dining experiences.

The Roof and Ardor at Edition

The breathtaking Edition Hotel has two great options – its rooftop lounge aptly named The Roof – has glorious city views with intimate seating to enjoy their range of wellness-inspired cocktails, mezcal and tequila-based drinks and exceptional mocktails too.

On the ground floor of the Edition is Ardor, their fine dining restaurant that leaves an indelible mark on both your palate and memory. With contemporary twists on traditional cocktails (citrus aka a gin martini with a twist was my choice) and gorgeous plates to share, it is a special place to dine for a meal you won’t forget. Please do yourself a favour and order the arugula farro risotto x 2.

Find EDITION Hotel at: Cnr of West Sunset Boulevard and North Doheny Drive

Lady Hawk

Lady Hawk by Lebanese chef Charbel Hayek (a Top Chef winner) brings traditional Eastern Mediterranean flavours to the Kimpton La Peer Hotel. With beautiful handmade flat breads, gorgeous dips, whole cooked fish and endless other tasty morsels – paired with their ancient wine list and an ambient setting — it’s a beautiful night out.

Find Lady Hawk at: 627 N La Peer Drive, West Hollywood

Now I’ve left this till last but really it has to be a first so that you can get your bearings and learn all there is to know of WeHo’s 4.9km2 perimeter. 

Rock ‘n’ Walk Tours

For the Rock ‘n’ Walk tour, the energising Jon D’Amico, a well known WeHo character with a history in punk, stage management and once-upon-a-time real estate, knows all there is to know about WeHo’s rock ‘n’ roll history.

With a walking speed that rivals Kath and Kel Day-Knight it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes as you follow Jon through the streets, bars and hotspots of West Hollywood. Everyone knows him and it is highly likely he’ll stop them in the street for a photo with you.

A must-do and great experience, especially to learn about all of the best bars, restaurants and experiences in the area – including the first edition bookstore Mystery Pier Books whose father and son owners have a movie history of their own.

Book here.

Mystery Pier Books sign. Image credit: Elizabeth Tucker

Bikes and Hikes

If cycling is more your speed, then Erik and the guys from Bikes and Hikes take you on a journey through West Hollywood, where you’ll learn about local architecture, peek into famous production studio The Lot and check out all that’s on offer in this dynamic part of town.

Covering roughly 10 miles, do not stress as they take great pains to make sure you feel safe and comfortable along the ride, and you have the support of the e-bike to go into cruise mode for any elevation or when you’re simply feeling like you need a rest. 

Book here.

Maverick Helicopters

Finally, for the piece de resistance – if you’ve ever wanted to get a feel for a bird’s life over West Hollywood, then Maverick Helicopters can take you on a luxury ride over some of LA’s best known destinations including a close-up cruise right by the famous Hollywood sign. An awesome experience for a special occasion.

Book here.

Concrete Playground travelled as a guest of the West Hollywood. If you’re planning a trip to the west coast of the USA, flights to Los Angeles depart daily from most major Australian cities.

Top image credit: Daniel Semenov via Pexels