Hollywood has always been about transformation. From golden-era movie palaces to modern-day premieres, this neighborhood thrives on reinvention. So when I checked into the newly renovated W Hollywood—the West Coast flagship of the W brand—I was curious to see how it would balance cinematic nostalgia with its signature edge. The result? A bold, multi-million-dollar redesign that feels both glamorous and refreshingly unexpected.
First Impressions: A Cinematic Entrance
The moment I walked into the Living Room—W’s signature lobby space—I was met with an atmosphere that blended drama and comfort. Designed by the world-renowned Rockwell Group, the triple-height room is lined with green velvet seating and anchored by a mirrored ceiling installation that plays with light and perspective. It felt like stepping into a set piece where Old Hollywood meets new creativity.
But the spaces also feel deeply connected to Los Angeles itself. From textures and tones inspired by Southern California’s natural landscape to a quiet Garden courtyard tucked away for moments of pause, the hotel has found that sweet spot between statement and sanctuary.
Elevating Movement: The FIT Experience
One of the most exciting debuts from the renovation is W Hollywood’s first-ever signature gym, a striking new FIT space overlooking Hollywood Boulevard. The open-concept design is as much an art installation as a fitness center: a halo ceiling with celestial lighting, rich blue and gold tones, and natural wood finishes set the stage for a bold geometric mural by Australian artist James Peter Henry. Even the equipment is elevated—marble workout machines mounted on gold structures serve as a dazzling reminder that here, style and substance always move together.
On the 11th floor, fitness goes a step further. In partnership with TechnoGym, the hotel has launched a second space designed for serious training, led by the W Legends—a curated roster of celebrity trainers and former elite athletes. Guests can book private one-on-one sessions or join high-performance group classes, all while taking in skyline views of the Hollywood Hills. It’s a wellness upgrade that feels completely in tune with LA’s fitness-forward culture.
Rooftop Revelations: The WET Deck
No trip to LA is complete without a rooftop moment, and the WET Deck at W Hollywood delivers. With two destination bars—Sunrise and Sunset—the rooftop offers sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills and the iconic Hollywood Sign. By day, the vibe is sun-soaked and social; by night, the city lights create a sparkling backdrop for cocktails and conversation.
It’s not just about the view though—it’s about the energy. The rooftop feels like an insider’s perch above Hollywood Boulevard, equal parts chic and unpretentious.
Dinner, Reinvented: THERE THERE
One of the highlights of my stay was dinner at THERE THERE, the hotel’s brand-new signature restaurant located on the first floor. More than just a dining space, it reimagines the hotel restaurant as a stylish dinner party where international travelers and locals mingle over sharable plates, cocktails, and live entertainment.
The menu is designed to spark connection, broken into sections like “Mix & Mingle,” “Table Talk,” and “Dinner and a Show.” Dishes range from Dungeness Crab Tostadas and truffle croquettes to decadent desserts like matcha cheesecake. Cocktails by Director of F&B Addison Jolley—including the photogenic Purple Haze and fiery Fire and Ice—carry the party spirit late into the night.
On weekends, the energy elevates even further with live music and DJ sets curated by Tay James, known for collaborations with top artists. The restaurant also introduces pre-theater pop-ups tied to the legendary Pantages Theatre across the street, making it a perfect stop for dinner and a show.
A Hotel That Plays to the Beat of the City
What struck me most about the W Hollywood was how music is woven into the property’s DNA. Through a partnership with Tempo AI, the hotel has created an interactive music installation that shifts in real time based on weather, time of day, and guest presence. Imagine walking into a space and the soundtrack feels curated for that very moment—it’s immersive, surprising, and very “Hollywood.”
The experience extends to The Loft, a rooftop venue where music and visuals collide through an advanced audiovisual system. It’s designed for artist showcases, creative installations, and those unforgettable nights that linger long after check-out.
The W Hollywood is a stage, a canvas, and an experience rolled into one. The redesign pays homage to Hollywood’s cinematic legacy while confidently pushing into the future with bold design, theatrical dining, immersive technology, and now a new dedication to fitness and wellness.
For me, it captured exactly what Hollywood is about: reinvention with a touch of drama. Whether you’re visiting as a traveler or checking in as a local for a weekend escape, the new W Hollywood is ready for its close-up.
