In my years of travel, I have learned the hard way that a “guarantee” should be met with skepticism.
“You go certainly see a lion on it safari“, they told me. “Trust me, you can't have a bad meal Italy,” They told me.
So when people insisted that I see a famous person in Hollywood WestI knew it was better not to get my hopes up.
Then came the humble pie.
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A few hours after landing, I passed Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi and, among others, my fellow Australian Guy Sebastian.
Two days later, I ate a bowl of pasta, oblivious to the fact that Morrissey, the Smiths' frontman, was sitting at a table away.
That's not to say you're guaranteed to see celebrities when you visit West Hollywood, but you'll definitely be on their turf.
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Bordering Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles neighborhoods, “WeHo” is a stylish, artistic, and diverse city that stars gravitate toward.
Between the food, shopping and nightlife, the appeal is obvious – so take some inspiration from the stars and imbibe like a star.
Treatments worthy of the red carpet
When awards season begins, stars migrate to West Hollywood to prepare for the red carpet.
Your Oscar invitation may have been lost in the mail, but who says you can't get involved?
WeHo is full of beauty spas, hair salons, and wellness centers popular with the stars, including household names like FaceGym and Ole Henriksen Spa.
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Some have even imagined specific red carpet treatments.
At Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel, you can opt for a “photo-ready” sculpting facial involving Gua Sha and cryotherapy.
It's like having your face massaged with ice-cold spoons, which is perfect for jet lag.
Eat like a celebrity
“If you see someone who looks a little bit interesting or artistic, they’ll be a celebrity.”
That's what I was told as I was led to the Cavatina restaurant in the garden of the Sunset Marquis, a luxury hotel tucked away on a street just off the Sunset Strip.
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Don't be fooled by the unassuming entrance; The Sunset Marquis guest list reads like a who's-who of showbiz.
Since opening in the '60s, it has hosted everyone from Joan Jett and Bob Marley to Guns 'n Roses, Aerosmith and Blondie, while artists like Rihanna have recorded albums in its recording studio.
So, naturally, the hotel's open-air restaurant is a great place for stargazing – as long as you take your eyes off your pasta every once in a while.
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The Tower Bar, inside the iconic art deco Sunset Tower Hotel, is another magnet for famous faces.
The rooftop pool and views of the Los Angeles skyline make a fabulous backdrop for a lunch in the sun.
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But stars don't exclusively eat at high-end hotels.
I was informed that one of the most frequented celebrity spots in WeHo is Sushi Park, a sushi bar located on the second floor of a strip mall.
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Star Approved Downtime
If your idea of vacation fun involves working out (that's where you and I differ), you might as well hit a gym that counts Taylor Swift among its clientele.
That would be Dogpound, a training studio located in a converted industrial space. With its tinted windows and all-black interiors, the atmosphere is exclusive – but everyone is welcome to register.
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WeHo is also home to Equinox and Barry's Bootcamp, which are equally popular with the stars.
For your post-workout brunch, try Dialog Café.
Like my Hiking and cycling The guide explains that it's rare to pass the place without seeing “a James Franco or a Seth Rogan” sitting out front – his last sighting was Adam Sandler.
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If you're a bookworm, add Mystery Pier Books to your itinerary.
Tucked away at the end of a narrow passage on Sunset Boulevard, its shelves are lined with first editions — and its walls with photos of the owners with A-list clients, from Ben Affleck and Colin Farrell to Jenna Ortega.
(As the store's Instagram page revealed, I narrowly missed the chance to bump into Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti, who arrived shortly after I left.)
Party like a rocker
Two words: Sunset Strip.
It's a household name for a reason; this street is full of rock and roll history.
From Whiskey a Go Go to the Roxy and Rainbow Bar & Grill, it's dotted with venues that launched careers and witnessed famous (and, yes, infamous) celebrity moments.
You can sit at the table where Judy Garland said “yes” to Vincente Minnelli, or hang out in the den of Hollywood vampires – John Lennon, Alice Cooper, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson and Mickey Dolenz.
Iconic places are still alive and vibrant now; who knows what future titles you might spot as they progress?
If partying like Jim Morrison isn't your speed, sign up for Rock 'n Walk, an after-hours walking tour led by charismatic WeHo local Jon D'Amico.
He'll pass on his wealth of musical knowledge – and his experience, as a musician himself – while you pound the pavement.
This writer traveled as a guest of Visit West Hollywood
