The Little Hermitage is perhaps the coolest hotel I stayed in. I think the best way to describe this shop West Hollywood a property in Los Angeles would be “alluring bourgeois bohemian luxury.”
And if it isn't already one hotel category, it should be!
You'll immediately feel the vibe upon arrival, with staff oozing style and a jar labeled “Quaaludes” sitting prominently on the front desk. I don't know if there were real Quaaludes in the jar, but I figured it would be really uncool to ask.
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With its dark, moody hallways, antique furniture, quirky decor and eclectic art collection lining the walls, it feels more like you're visiting your eccentric (and incredibly wealthy) great-aunt's 80-room mansion than a 4-star hotel.
If these walls could talk, I'm sure they would have some crazy stories to tell.
The rooms
These former private residences have been converted into rooms, and no two are exactly alike. My “executive suite” was very spacious, including a separate living room and a small kitchenette, which would be ideal for a longer stay.
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The bed was super comfortable, the bathroom was spacious, the shower had refreshing water pressure, the robes were plush, and the hotel slippers were the cutest I've ever seen (I definitely packed a pair in my suitcase to take home).
The whole hotel feels like a 'stage', but it's the private rooftop terrace where it all really happens, with a Soho House vibe.
Okay, 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 snuck her way into New York's Soho House.
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The roof
The rooftop features a charming garden restaurant, fireplaces, a heated pool, huge sun loungers and glamorous, comfortable lounges, all of which provide the perfect setting for sunset cocktails while taking in the breathtaking views of Los Angeles.
The pool is open 24 hours a day, in case you fancy a 3am dip. Free yoga sessions and movie nights are offered to guests on the rooftop, and in true boho-bougie style, tarot readings are also offered.
At night, with the live music and DJ, the rooftop feels more like an open-air private club than a hotel. It feels like a mix of hotel guests and knowledgeable locals, with lots of beautiful people standing around, looking fabulous and lounging seductively on the poolside beds. At one point, 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, located just one floor below the pool deck, I heard no noise from the roof. I imagine the music continued until the wee hours of the morning, but I slept soundly – without earplugs. This is a major plus for me as a hotelier.
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From my brief stay, it seems that Le Petit Ermitage attracts a more “creative” clientele. At dinner, I couldn’t help but listen to the guy sitting 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 far too cool (or cautious) to name names.
I was also sitting next to a young Australian singer at a business breakfast, excitedly discussing her plans to launch her career in the US. I didn't recognize her, so either she's on the verge of fame or I just wasn't cool enough to know her music.
The location
Where you stay can make a huge difference in the overall feel of your vacation, and if you're looking for a more “local” experience in Los Angeles, you'll love Petit Ermitage. Nestled in the backstreets of West Hollywood, it's also away from the tourist crowds.
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 Los Angeles.)
And like every fabulous place I've stayed in, anywhere in the world, the Petit Ermitage is pet-friendly. I'm very happy to report that I didn't take the elevator once during my 2-night stay without sharing it with a lovely, furry, four-legged guest.
It also makes perfect sense that Le Petit Ermitage is part of the Luxury Escapes VIP Lux Plus+ membership, where you can access great savings, special offers, extra inclusions, and VIP priority customer service. It fits perfectly with the trendy vibe of this hotel. Because who doesn’t love getting extra value for their money and feeling like a VIP on vacation, no matter how “cool” you think you are.
The writer was the guest of the Petit Ermitage via Luxury Escapes.
