Hotel Wilshire, a Kimpton Hotel

By VGP Blogger, Rachel B

I recently spent 10 nights at the Hotel Wilshire, a Kimpton Hotel in Los Angeles. I mostly chose this hotel because it was close by to where I needed to work and I always find that Kimptons are consistent and “cool”. I figured I may as well opt for chic spot when working in LA!

My room at the Wilshire was relatively small, which I would expect for LA, but was clean, simple and minimalistic in true Kimpton style. I didn’t feel cramped on my extended trip, but maybe that is just because I don’t mind a studio apartment feel in a hotel room.  My favorites of the room were that the shower was large and luxurious and the view of the Hollywood Hills from my 6^th floor was great.

 

My only complaint was that though there was a thermostat in my room, it didn’t seem to be working so I called down to the front desk each night to kick on the AC. It was a pain, but the room usually cooled down within a half hour. The valet at the hotel was also $32 a day, which is somewhat steep for the area. The hotel front desk staff was very cheery and helpful.

The Kimpton perks of the hotel included coffee and tea in the morning (many kinds of tea and soy milk- yea!), free wine reception from 5-6, and bike and yoga mat rentals.  I was staying at the Wilshire for business, so I didn’t mind that the hotel isn’t in the best location. There are number of businesses and 9-5 type coffee and lunch places in the area, but otherwise you’ll need to drive to nearby West Hollywood for most food options. It’s about a mile to West 3rd, Sunset Blvd. or the Grove for many food and shopping options so in typical beautiful LA weather walking is completely do able.

The wow factor at the Hotel Wilshire is its rooftop pool and restaurant, The Roof on Wilshire. The view of the Hollywood hills is just breathtaking and I sat up there for a light meal, glass of wine, or breakfast at every chance I could get. The menu by Chef Eric Greenspan, the Food Network’s Iron Chef in 2010, is fresh, healthy (if you choose) and innovative. For breakfast, I opted for the egg white scramble with kale, squash, avocado and siracha. For a warmer sunset meal, I had a refreshing cocktail and the tuna tartar Nori nachos. On a chilly night, I sat under a heater and had a smooth glass of pinot noir and the curry cauliflower Riesling steamed mussels.