Pendry West Hollywood is Hospitality Gamechanger

Ahead of the Pendry West Hollywood opening on April 2, the surrounding landmarks of West Hollywood – Tower Records and Fred Segal to name a few – were shrouded in floral installations by florist-to-the-stars, Eric Buterbaugh. A fitting kick-off to spring rebirth and “A New Season on Sunset” thanks to the Pendry.

After many long delays, the 300,000 square foot development is finally ready for its close-up at Sunset Boulevard and Olive Drive with an LED light façade facing the famed strip. Inside you will find several Wolfgang Puck restaurants, a spa, fitness center and private club, The Britely.

By the end of April, the 40 Pendry Residences West Hollywood, designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects and executed by Cuningham Group Architects, are scheduled to fully open as well.

The block-long property sits on hallowed ground on the former House of Blues music venue corner. The glamourous interiors by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio in the U.K. (of iconic Annabel’s in London fame, not to mention Elle Decor A-List and AD 100,) evoke a feeling of the roaring 20s and Los Angles is ready for it.

“People love being in a place like this because it feels celebratory and it’s a great moment in time where people want community and connection,” said Pendry Hotels Co-Founder and Creative Director, Michael Fuerstman (from the luxury lineage of Montage International), “They want to get off Zoom calls and back out into the world.”

Upon arrival, guests are greeted in the lobby by a stunning multi-faceted jewel sculpture by Anthony James, along with the waft of an earthy custom Cypress Santal candle and a green tea-citrus drink. Pro tip: A complimentary spike is available at the nearby Bar Pendry and they recommend using gin for this one.

Nearby, there is a screening room with an old-school carnival-style pop-corn marker and a ballroom with access to another bar and garden area with a Moët & Chandon Champagne vending machine.

The ground floor features a walk-up bakery, full bar and a casual street-side European style café and patio, Ospero, by 2 Michelin-Star Chef Wolfgang Puck. Here the relaxed, all-day menu includes classic salads, handmade pasta, vegan dishes and the famous Wolfgang Puck pizzas from the wood-burning oven. It’s a full-circle moment for Puck who first introduced the world to the “California pizza” and became a household name just down the road at the original Spago Sunset location back in the 80s.

Also, on the ground floor, “the music venue” has a separate entrance on Sunset and will operate as a live entertainment outlet, designed by h’wood Group’s John Sofio, for private events and emerging artist showcases with a bar and terrace.

65 pieces of artwork curated by Tiffiny Lendrum of Lendrum Fine Art are punctuated throughout the modern meets Art Deco feel of the grounds and the 149 rooms. This is not the typical mid-century design that has been taking over as of late on the hospitality scene. “The design language is unique and nostalgic but contemporary,” said Fuerstman “We wanted to strike a different note to what’s happening in the city right now.”

The Britely is a modern social club that features a private space, several bar options, and a bowling alley that will also morph into a disco. “People have been really embracing it and being in a different type of environment,” said Estelle Lacroix, Managing Director of Lifestyle at The Britely.

And this is not your Grandfather’s social club. This fun approach to the modern-day social club is all about community, curiosity, and celebration. Or as Lacroix pointed out, “A luxury destination with vibrant spaces for productivity, wellness and celebration, that offers the best of Los Angeles: diverse thinking, great food, relaxed yet elegant comforts and a little self-indulgence.”

According to designer Martin Brudnizki, “We’ve harked back to the golden age through an opulent color palette, dazzling gold ceiling and a playful statement art collection. The result is a place that feels sensual, tactile and seductive.” Some of those elements include dark timber flooring, animal print upholstery and quirky lights that use ostrich feathers as the shade. “These light-hearted touches lend a sense of whimsy to the scheme and also enhance the relaxed ambiance of the club. We want people to come here and feel like they have escaped daily life and have arrived in a world where comfort and relaxation are at the heart, alongside an interior that makes you feel glamorous and fun.”

As another part of the members and guest-only element of the property, you can see downtown Los Angeles on a clear day from the rooftop of Merois. And, you will be dining on Chef Wolfgang Puck’s subtle mixture of Asian and French-California cuisine. Signature dishes include warm lobster salad, big eye tuna with Kaluga Caviar and Snake River Farms Dry-Aged Tomahawk Ribeye. This open-air venue is also next to the pool and a few outdoor bar and bites options such as Bar at Merois with a central fireplace and a separate back elevator entrance.

Pendry West Hollywood marks the fifth Pendry Hotels property currently under development and set to open in 2021, including Pendry La Quinta, Pendry Manhattan West, and Pendry Park City.