Reviewed by Meredith Carey
Why did this hotel catch your attention?
It'll take a second for your Uber to find the right pull-in for the 1 Hotel: It's on a busy Sunset Boulevard corner, and its concrete exterior decorated with sprawling lush plants are easy to miss compared to the surrounding sparkling billboards. It makes sense then that you feel as if you've stepped far from L.A. when you walk into the lower-level lobby, with exposed wood beams on the ceiling, natural-toned fabrics on the couches and chairs and the lobby bar, and, yes, even more plants. (Most of the timber, from the ceiling beams to the benches to the planters was felled by Angel City Lumber in a 26-mile radius of the hotel.)
What's the story behind the space?
Besides good looks, the hotel's natural, leafy decor serves a greater purpose. (Be sure to check out the petrified moss Hollywood sign mural.) The WeHo location is 1 Hotel's first West Coast outpost—and it maintains all of the brand's sustainable initiatives. It's a floor-to-roof mission: from the carpets made of repurposed ocean plastics up to the chef's rooftop garden of herbs and veggies. Recycled materials abound, including items as small as hangers and room keys.
How about the room itself—given the choice, what should we book?
I would recommend any of the Skyline rooms for the view alone or splash out on the 1,297-square-foot Panoramic Two-Bedroom suite, which offers views of both the skyline and the eight-story rope art between the hotel's two towers.
I booked into a Skyline King and, boy, did it have a great view of downtown L.A. With floor-to-ceiling windows, fronted by a comfy natural fiber couch, I barely wanted to leave my room. The wood-heavy decor extended into the space, too, with a wooden headboard, bench that I used as a luggage rack, and large armoire with hanging space and shelves (and a pair of complimentary cream socks to add to the cozy, slightly hygge vibe). As with all 1 Hotel rooms, mine had plants, this time hung above the bed. I'm still trying to figure out where I can find the floor mirror to install in my own home.
The bathrooms were modern with a counter free of tchotchkes and mini toiletries. Instead, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and the like are in less wasteful large, refillable bottles.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
The Wi-Fi is free and works well. Don't believe me? Visit the lobby area, with its couches, armchairs, and bar area in the middle of the day, and you'll find plenty of Angelenos diligently taking advantage of the service, taking meetings and writing their next screenplays.
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?
You have four options when you're here: the main 1 Kitchen by Top Chef Chris Crary, the lobby bar Juniper, the lunch-friendly Alice, and then Harriet's Rooftop, an indoor-outdoor joint with panoramic views of the city. You'll likely eat at 1 Kitchen the most (it's where breakfast is served each morning, which isn't included in your room rate), but don't miss out on the scene—and view—at Harriet's during your stay.
And how was the service? It was seamless and friendly, from the front desk for bag drop-off before our rooms were ready and check-in to the clerks at the hotel's chic gift shop. 1 Hotel also uses its app for most communication, in-room dining, and check-out, which, with a few taps was complete and we could whisk out the door to LAX.
What about the neighborhood? Is there much to do nearby?
I was zipping all over the place on this trip, from Los Feliz to downtown to Bel-Air and back. Sure, it was an Uber drive to get anywhere I needed to go—but it's L.A., so being smack in the middle of West Hollywood meant it wasn't that long of a drive, even with traffic.
Any other hotel features worth noting?
Two things: First, if you're keen on staying active while staying here, you have plenty of options. There are complimentary classes in the gym, trainers you can book, and even pet-friendly free canyon runs. Second, the hotel prioritizes accessibility, evident in the adaptive lift at the rooftop pool and roll-in showers. Many of the rooms are accessible on their own, but if this is a concern for you, call ahead so you get put it one that's best fit for your needs.
Bottom line: Worth it?
You can travel sustainably without even noticing you're doing it. And that is always worth it.
