Nestled on the storied Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, The Sunset Tower Hotel is one of California’s most glamorous landmarks, with a history steeped in Hollywood lore and legendary luxury. Built in 1929 and originally named The St. James’s Club, this Art Deco masterpiece has hosted generations of celebrities and creatives, becoming a beloved staple for its unique combination of classic elegance and modern luxury. Today, The Sunset Tower Hotel continues to charm visitors with its storied past, celebrated design, and unparalleled location in the heart of West Hollywood.
A Storied Beginning: The St. James's Club
Art Deco Origins and Architectural Legacy
The building that would later become The Sunset Tower Hotel was constructed in 1929, during the height of the Art Deco movement. Designed by architect Leland A. Bryant, this 15-story tower quickly became a defining structure of the Sunset Strip, with its elegant design that stood out among the low-rise landscape of Los Angeles at the time. Known for its dramatic lines, vertical ornamentation, and streamlined details, Bryant’s design utilized steel, concrete, and terracotta, creating a structure that was not only beautiful but also fire-resistant and earthquake-resilient.
Originally, the building was intended to be a high-end apartment complex, offering spacious, luxurious suites to a clientele that included Hollywood stars and influential figures. Its exclusivity and sophistication earned it a reputation as a prestigious address, and by the mid-20th century, it had cemented itself as a landmark in West Hollywood.
The Transformation to The St. James's Club
In the 1980s, the property was rebranded as The St. James’s Club, transforming from a residential building into a high-profile, members-only club and hotel. Under this new identity, the establishment became even more popular with celebrities and Hollywood’s elite, offering privacy and luxury away from the public eye. However, despite the club’s exclusive membership model, it struggled financially. The club eventually closed, and the building underwent another transformation, reemerging as The Sunset Tower Hotel.
The Sunset Tower Hotel: Hollywood’s Glamorous Hideaway
Restoration and Revival: A New Era of Sophistication
When entrepreneur Jeff Klein acquired the property in the early 2000s, he envisioned restoring the iconic hotel to its former glory while updating its amenities and design to meet modern standards. Klein commissioned a careful restoration that preserved the hotel’s unique Art Deco elements while upgrading its interiors with contemporary luxury finishes and amenities. Key features, such as the building's classic façade, grand lobby, and sweeping views, were lovingly preserved, and details like custom furniture, vintage-inspired light fixtures, and warm, sophisticated color schemes were added.
The restoration breathed new life into the hotel, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit luxury destination on the Sunset Strip. Today, The Sunset Tower Hotel is a blend of Old Hollywood charm and contemporary elegance, seamlessly merging past and present to create a timeless atmosphere.
Celebrity Guests and Hollywood Ties
For nearly a century, the hotel has hosted some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Frank Sinatra. John Wayne is rumored to have kept a cow on the balcony to have fresh milk every morning, and Howard Hughes famously rented several suites to house his staff and girlfriends. The hotel has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, enhancing its allure as a symbol of Hollywood history.
The Sunset Tower Hotel’s connection to Hollywood remains strong today, as it continues to attract A-list celebrities, industry insiders, and style icons. With its glamorous setting and private atmosphere, it remains a top choice for high-profile events, exclusive gatherings, and red-carpet parties, including the annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Architectural and Interior Design: Art Deco Meets Modern Luxury
Exterior Features: Iconic Art Deco Facade
The building’s exterior is a testament to the timeless beauty of Art Deco design. Bryant’s original details, like vertical piers and fluted corners, give the structure a sense of height and grandeur, while the cream-colored terracotta cladding lends a refined and stately appearance. The Sunset Tower Hotel has retained these elements, making it a landmark for fans of Art Deco architecture and Hollywood history alike. The hotel’s name is elegantly displayed above the entrance in Art Deco-inspired typography, reinforcing the building’s historic character.
Interior Features: Vintage Elegance with a Modern Twist
Inside, The Sunset Tower Hotel is both nostalgic and sophisticated. The lobby and public areas have been renovated with careful attention to the original Art Deco aesthetic, featuring period-inspired decor, plush seating, and polished brass accents. Rich woods, velvet upholstery, and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere, while artwork, vintage photographs, and historic memorabilia pay homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Each guest room and suite at The Sunset Tower Hotel is individually designed with unique furnishings and luxurious details. Rooms feature high ceilings, expansive windows that showcase views of Los Angeles, and retro-chic decor, blending mid-century modern design with contemporary comforts. Amenities include Frette linens, custom-designed furniture, marble bathrooms, and a minibar stocked with artisanal offerings, ensuring a luxurious stay.
Dining and Nightlife at The Sunset Tower Hotel
The Tower Bar: A Hollywood Institution
One of the hotel’s most celebrated features is The Tower Bar, a sophisticated and exclusive restaurant and lounge housed in what was once Bugsy Siegel’s apartment. The Tower Bar has earned a reputation as a gathering place for Hollywood’s elite, providing a cozy, intimate setting for dinner or drinks with friends. With its dark wood paneling, elegant fireplace, and plush seating, the bar feels like a private club, offering a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
The menu at The Tower Bar is curated with an emphasis on classic American dishes with a refined twist, featuring options like filet mignon, truffle pasta, and fresh seafood. The restaurant also boasts a carefully crafted cocktail list, offering signature drinks and an extensive wine selection. Live piano music in the evenings adds to the sophisticated ambiance, making The Tower Bar one of the city’s most desirable dining destinations.
The Pool Terrace: Relaxing with a View
The Sunset Tower Hotel’s pool terrace offers sweeping views of Los Angeles and is a favorite spot for both relaxation and socializing. The Art Deco-style pool area features lounge chairs, cabanas, and dining tables, allowing guests to enjoy food and drinks while soaking in the California sun. The terrace is also a popular venue for private events, with its breathtaking views and exclusive atmosphere providing a quintessentially Hollywood experience.
Luxurious Amenities and Services
Spa and Wellness Offerings
The hotel’s Joanna Vargas Spa offers a range of wellness treatments and luxury skincare services, attracting guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Named after the celebrity facialist, the spa provides tailored skincare treatments, massages, and facials using organic and natural products. Guests can indulge in signature treatments that are designed to rejuvenate the skin and body, making it a perfect retreat for Hollywood stars and visitors alike.
Concierge Services and Personalized Experiences
With its attentive staff and bespoke concierge services, The Sunset Tower Hotel goes above and beyond to offer a memorable stay for each guest. The concierge can arrange anything from restaurant reservations and theater tickets to private tours of Los Angeles, ensuring guests have access to the city’s best experiences.
Events and Hollywood’s Social Scene
Exclusive Event Spaces for Unforgettable Celebrations
The Sunset Tower Hotel’s rich history and iconic ambiance make it a sought-after venue for private events, from weddings to corporate functions. Its event spaces, including the Tower Bar and the pool terrace, offer flexible options for gatherings of all sizes. With its unique mix of Hollywood allure, architectural beauty, and exceptional service, the hotel provides a perfect backdrop for memorable celebrations.
Hollywood’s Red-Carpet Hotel
Over the years, The Sunset Tower Hotel has become synonymous with Hollywood glamour, often playing host to award show after-parties, film premieres, and celebrity events. It is famously the venue for Vanity Fair’s annual Oscar after-party, which draws an elite crowd of actors, directors, producers, and artists. This high-profile event cements the hotel’s status as a cultural institution, attracting attention from around the world.
Exploring the Sunset Strip: A Prime Location
Situated on the Sunset Strip, the hotel’s location is ideal for exploring West Hollywood’s vibrant culture and nightlife. Just steps from the hotel, guests can experience the Strip’s famous music venues, chic boutiques, and renowned restaurants. Whether guests are looking to see live music at The Roxy, dine at celebrity-frequented eateries, or shop at high-end stores, The Sunset Tower Hotel provides a prime location for experiencing the best of Hollywood.
A Timeless Hollywood Icon
The Sunset Tower Hotel is an experience that captures the essence of Hollywood’s history, charm, and sophistication. From its roots as The St. James’s Club to its transformation into an Art Deco masterpiece on the Sunset Strip, the hotel has witnessed the evolution of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry. Its allure, enhanced by the stories of famous guests, timeless architecture, and luxurious amenities, has only grown over the years.
A stay at The Sunset Tower Hotel offers guests an unparalleled blend of elegance, privacy, and Hollywood glamour. Whether visiting for its historical significance, exclusive dining options, or simply for a luxurious getaway in Los Angeles, The Sunset Tower Hotel remains a cherished landmark and a true icon on the Sunset Strip.
