Kimpton Everly – Hotel Review

At Kimpton Everly, light reigns supreme. From the minimalist reception area and adjacent Ever bar with its 5.5-metre windows to the fifth-floor sundeck and pool, almost every common space is bright, uncluttered and light-drenched. The building, though unremarkable from the outside, has interiors that balance all that light with hip mid-century-inspired furniture, industrial finishes, verdant greenery and vibrant artwork. Such décor is undeniably cool but there are few see-and-be-seen overtones here. In short, it’s design-led but welcoming. Even pets are happily accommodated. 

The location

Hollywood can be a mash-up of happening hotspots and cheap tourist dives – Kimpton Everly provides access to it all, while also being an oasis away from the fracas. Sights like the Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre are within walking distance. LAX is about 35 kilometres away (which given the city’s infamous traffic could take anywhere between 40 minutes and two hours).

The rooms

Rooms, while not overly spacious, are contemporary, crisp and clean – with just enough quirky artwork to keep things interesting. Instead of the ho-hum amenities usually found in hotel bathrooms, there’s a “Forgot It? We've Got It!” list – everything from nail clippers to a humidifier, available to borrow. The 108 north-facing rooms have views of the Hollywood sign, but the best panoramas actually face south, overlooking the fifth-floor pool and mesmerising LA sprawl.

Food and drink

On the ground floor is Jane Q, an open-plan eatery that buzzes from AM to PM, thanks to barista-made coffee and a menu of simple yet tasty fare – avocado toast and sourdough waffles during the day; brick-oven pizzas and herb-roasted chicken in the evening. Ever Bar, one floor up, though loft-like and spacious, is arranged into cosy vignettes. Come for the cocktails, and if you’re Australian and you don’t order the Bananas in Pajamas for kicks, then we hang our heads in shame.

For business traveller

Affable staff at the front desk will help with things like printing, copying and scanning. In the lower lobby, there are two meeting rooms, a boardroom and, if you’re hosting a crowd, a ballroom. The LOLA suite, on the fifth floor is another chic option with a more residential feel.  

For wellness traveller

The outdoor swimming pool on the fifth floor is lovely for a dip, though the length isn’t long enough for serious lappers. The 24/7 gym in the lower lobby is well equipped and you’ll find a yoga mat in your bedroom cupboard as well as a dedicated yoga channel on the TV. In-room massages can be booked in advance, while three bikes are available for those keen to explore LA by treadly.

The fab factor

“Wine hour” – a complimentary version of “happy hour”– runs from 5pm to 6pm every evening at Ever Bar. Enjoy a glass or two of white, rosé or red on the house; a nice little starter to your LA evening. 

 

SEE ALSO: First-Timer's Guide To West Hollywood