1 Hotel

You don’t necessarily have to book a room somewhere ultra-exclusive to spot a celeb. A short walk from The Mondrian on Sunset Boulevard, this sustainability-driven hotel, which opened in 2019, is all open spaces, timber and lush greenery. It’s also home to one of the most scenic rooftop pools on the Strip. Over an omelette at the hotel’s restaurant 1 Kitchen, I noticed Guy Sebastian alone at a table waiting for his meal. Something about the fact that he had his headphones in and was catching up on MAFs on his phone makes him even more likeable. Moments later, I walked past Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi on his way to the gym.

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Dogpound

Don’t be surprised if you walk into this West Hollywood gym and find a seven-foot goddess throwing punches in the boxing ring. The monochrome space is reportedly favoured by models, movie stars and artists, including Hugh Jackman, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, but mere mortals are welcome, too. The top tier membership includes unlimited personal training and will set you back USD$36,000 (AUD$55,458) a year. Included in that is a quick recovery massage and stretching after every session. Despite its star status, the trainers here are super friendly and the vibe is unpretentious. Drop in for a group class instead for USD$50 (AUD$77) instead. 

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Bamford Spa

Even if you don’t bump into a famous face here, you’ll potentially leave looking like one yourself. Located on the same level as its rooftop pool, 1 Hotel’s in-house spa offers a blissful Red Carpet Sculpt Facial, which involves gua sha massage and cryotherapy. It’s the ideal cure for jet lag. They’ve also got a range of new whizz-bang treatments including jet boots, LED eye masks and smart goggles and a HigherDose infrared mat, which “mimics the healing vibrations of the earth to enhance the body’s recovery process”. The spa’s stylish, pup-toting manager Cliff is a celebrity in his own right.

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Mystery Pier Books

Owned by father-and-son duo Louis and Harvey Jason, this book shop hidden at the back of Sunset Boulevard is surely one of the world’s most underrated treasures. The duo exclusively sell first edition collectibles only, with prices range from $1500 up to $77,000, including a signed first edition of Harry Potter that’s priced at $31,000. You’ll find everything from Hemingway to Roald Dahl. Johnny Depp is a regular customer, Diane Keaton (pictured) has popped in and according to Instagram, Paul Giamatti popped in to browse and make a purchase just hours after I left. 

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Sunset Marquis Hotel

There’s iconic hotels, and then there’s the Sunset Marquis. The hotel opened in 1963 and is soon to undergo a US$25 million renovation. It may not be the fanciest spot on the strip, but it is the coolest. It’s restaurant Cavatina is one of those places you can sit for a few hours and just know you’ll recognise someone. English rocker Morrisey was having lunch here the day I visited (he apparently rents out a room here year-round). This hotel is so nonchalant about its clientele that it has a recording studio in its basement for musicians to use when they stay here. Everyone from Rihanna to Steven Tyler and Drake have recorded at Nightbird Studios.

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Sunset Tower Bar & Grill

The food isn’t going to win any awards, but the vibe and views will. House inside another West Hollywood hotel institution that was built in the 30s, this restaurant occupies a sun-drenched patio that overlooks a rooftop pool and gazes out to the palms and skyscrapers of LA. Salads are big and the champagne is bubble, but it’s people watching that is the main feast here. Sunglasses obligatory, even when dining inside.

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The writer travelled as a guest of Visit West Hollywood. 

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