by Michelle McDermott

Want to feel like you have arrived? Check into MONDRIAN.

If this tall, elegant hotel situated on Sunset Boulevard was a supermodel, it would be Naomi Campbell! Why? Like Naomi, MONDRIAN has the world at its feet and it doesn’t give a damn, darling!

Converted from a 1950’s apartment building and with Philippe Starck onboard as overall designer, Ian Schrager’s Morgan’s Hotel Group opened this ‘Urban Resort’ in 1996.

The lobby area gives the first hint of an impending unique experience. Its theatrical atmosphere is complemented by the bustling and courteous staff, who have that rare and charming ability to be both unpretentious and downright gorgeous!

As I opened the door to my apartment on the 10th floor, my first impressions were of a cloud-like cocoon. An all-white extravaganza of simple luxury. The king size bed was dressed in pure white cotton, a white orchid was strategically placed on top of a white marble topped table, and a squashy white sofa with European down cushions completed the look of the living room area. The flowing diaphanous curtains opened to reveal a dazzling vista of Downtown L.A., Beverly Hills and Hollywood. The all white theme continues in the bathroom and spacious dressing area, with supplies of goodies from Agua – The Spa. This was a welcomed, peaceful retreat from the crazy city life below me.

Schrager and Starck’s philosophy is clear to see – once checked in, there is no need to leave. With a fully stocked functional kitchen and bar, everything you see is available for sale, right down to the teaspoons. If you don’t feel like dressing up for dinner at Asia de Cuba, the chefs will happily prepare a meal for you in your very own kitchen!

As daylight departs and hundreds of tealights twinkle in the dusk, the Skybar and pool area take on an ‘Ibiza Vibe.’ As I lounged on my luxurious bed by the pool, cocktail in hand, I had my ‘Hollywood Moment.’ Looking at the world down below, I felt like I had been invited to a famous movie mogul’s private party high in the Hollywood Hills, and like Naomi, I didn’t give a damn, darling!

MONDRIAN:

8440 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069

Mondrian experiences from $335 to $2600 for penthouse suite.

ASIA DE CUBA: Blend of Asian and Latin Cuisine

SEABAR: Floating bar in the lobby. Breakfast is served here. Sushi and seafood served in the evening.

AGUA SPA: Urban Sanctuary for the mind, body and soul.

Tel: 323 848 6070

SKYBAR: Catch the ‘Ibiza Vibe.’

POOL: Chemical free and heated. Listen to underwater classical music.

OUTDOOR GARDEN: Walk through the avenue of gigantic terracotta pots, have lunch here.

MORGAN’S HOTEL GROUP: www.morganshotelgroup.com

More experiences available around the world: Hudson, Paramount, Morgan’s, and Royalton in New York. Delano in Miami. Clift in San Francisco. Sanderson and St Martin’s Lane in London.

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About the Author:

I am a 40 year old mother of two and love to travel
the world. I have worked as a make-up artist for
Christian Dior and am about to start flying for a
national airline, a dream come true for me!!!
Originally from Scotland, I am presently living in
Arizona and loving the desert vibe!

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