Sunset Marquis Hotel:
You don’t have to be a marquis to stay here. For sure, “The Duke of Earl,” Gene Chandler, would be welcome, and Queen would be royally treated. And you, too.
And much of what happens here, which often becomes legend, happens after sunset.
The Sunset Marquis –– “epicenter of rock and roll history” –– has rocked West Hollywood and the hospitality industry since opening in 1963.
How about guests Jim Morrison, Janice Joplin, Blondie, Aerosmith, U2, Jeff Beck, with the Yardbirds, jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard, the Kings of Leon and Green Day, which were banned a record three times from the hotel for doing things you’d be banished from Los Angeles for.
And Billy Bob Thornton, when he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Simple Plan, Chris Robinson and Kate Hudson, Gabriel Byrne, John Hurt and Richard Harris, who was often seen popping down to the pool in just his night shirt. He wouldn’t have sung that in “MacArthur Park.”
Neatly ensconced between Beverly Hills, Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and the beaches, Sunset Marquis Hotel, 1200 Alta Loma Road, offers 152 suites and villas on 3.5 acres of oasis gardens and private retreats. Where else do you dine al fresco amidst floral gardens when checking in?
Steps away is the Sunset Strip, with venues such as House of Blues, The Comedy Store, Viper Room and Whisky a Go-Go.
“Above and beyond location and amenities, the history of Sunset Marquis is what truly makes it stand out from the competition. Nowhere else can you walk the grounds where iconic musicians, writers (both book and song), madmen, fashionistas, photographers and actors have roamed the Sunset Marquis,” says Christopher Cope, vice president, sales and marketing for Raleigh Enterprises, the Los Angeles-based company that manages the property.
For instance, in 2007, when the recent renovation and expansion for this sanctuary, getaway and party central was completed, The Sunset Marquis hosted a party with a fair pick-up band: John Oates, Jed Leiber, Joe Bonamassa, Billy Gibbons and Stevie Wonder.
“Today, while our guest list includes a much more diverse audience, we still cater to an A list celebrity clientele and offer suites and villas now that rival the best hotels in the world,” Cope says.
In two-story Mediterranean-style casitas, the villas combine Zen tranquility with rock-and-roll exuberance. You are embraced by verdant, peaceful gardens with 4,000-plus full-grown plants and trees, a subtropical estate in the largest city on the West Coast.
The Cavatina Restaurant, overseen by Chef Michael Schlow, showcases simple yet bold creative presentations and seasonal ingredients, with many options, such as like Yellowtail with Uni & Caviar, Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Jalapeños, Charred Octopus, Slow-Roasted Filet Mignon, and Schlow’s award-winning burger.
And Bar 1200, open to hotel guests and neighbors, has witnessed make-ups and break-ups, celebrations and recriminations, album and movie wrap parties and guests rapping and even unwrapping.
And, at the Morrison Hotel Gallery, view the work of the world’s best photography and purchase prints. At the NightBird Recording Studios, where today’s top musicians record their latest hits, you can record, too. The client list includes Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Cee Lo Green, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Drake, Chaka Khan, Faith Hill and Sir Elton John.
The European-style SPA offers services from a polish change to a full-day treatment room with high-performance massage beds by Porsche, a private shower and separate toilet room. And poolside cabanas invite all-day enjoyment, too, of the coastal sunshine you’ve come to California for.
During the summer months, take advantage of the hotel’s exclusive music series, Live @ Sunset Marquis at the Villa pool on select evenings to listen in on some of the best young artists. Ask, too, when inquiring, about the Entrée News Offer package.
“At Sunset Marquis, we’re proud of our independent hotel status,” Cope says. “It enables us to be flexible and responsive to guest needs. But more importantly, it enables us to provide an amazing and unique experience. After all, if you’re not experiencing great things on your trip, why bother going?”
Sunset Marquis, 310.657.1333, www.sunsetmarquis.com
