Thompson Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles: Built & designed over WhatsApp

Opened in October 2021, this new Los Angeles Hyatt hotel costs approximately $450 per night, and is the first California project of the world-renowned British architecture studio Tara Bernerd & Partners.

The partnership between acclaimed London-based designer Tara Bernerd – founder of interior architectural practice Tara Bernerd & Partners – and Thompson Hotels goes back more than 10 years, allowing this project to run smoothly across the Atlantic.

“Our journey with this hotel commenced just over five years ago when we were approached directly by the owners – because of [our] long association – and they asked us to bring Thompson to Hollywood,” Tara recalls.

“It was a dream project in a dream location, so the decision was an easy one.”

Designing & building a hotel amidst the Covid-19 pandemic

Then, with the pandemic affecting every country and every business, things became a little more complicated.

“The biggest design challenge we had to overcome was completing the project amid a global lockdown,” shares Tara. “We had to do so much of this remotely via video call and WhatsApp messages.”

Comprising 11 floors, 190 guest rooms (including 16 suites), a lobby lounge and bar and a terrace with a pool deck offering 360-degree views, the California hotel is refined yet approachable, with an interplay between industrial and more chic elements throughout.

“The design DNA originated in our designs for Thompson Chicago,” says Tara.

“In Hollywood, we have chosen a polished terrazzo inlaid with an antique brass pattern for the lobby flooring, which contrasts beautifully with the more cultured mid-toned wood panelling. The lobby bar is striking, with its wooden front, beautiful green onyx top and intricate antique brass top. Terrazzo can be found again in the guestrooms, this time with wide-planked wooden floors.”

The home-from-home vibe pervades both the public areas and the guestrooms in decor adorned with touches of petrol blue, tobacco leathers, linens and woven textiles to reinforce the materiality.

“Geographic location is a crucial element of our designs,” says Tara of the eclectic look. This hotel was no exception.

“Thompson Hollywood is an oasis inspired by a mix of West Coast modern, with a playful dash of old-school Hollywood glamour, whilst maintaining a contemporary approach. Every touch point of the design has been painstakingly conceived for the discerning travellers with a breezy, Angeleno lifestyle in mind.”

Thomspon Hollywood Restaurants

Considering staying at the Thompson Hollywood hotel while travelling to Los Angeles? Thompson Hollywood has seven food and beverage offerings on its premises, ranging from cocktail bar, casual eateries, to fine-dining establishments.

The restaurants are namely:

• Bar Lis - Cote d'Azur inspired rooftop lounge
• The Terrace - European French cuisine
• Mes Amis - French brasserie by chef Lincoln Carson
• Lobby Bar
• Ka'teen - Yucatan cuisine by chef Wes Avila
• Desert Five Spot - Roadside motel drive-thru
• Mother Wolf - Italian by chef Evan Funke

Thompson Hollywood Parking

If you're driving, you'll have to use the Thomspon Hollywood's valet parking. Valet parking will either cost you US$49.50 for overnight or US$12 if you are dining in one of their restaurants (need to get restaurant validation).

Thompson Hollywood hotel is located at 1541 Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles.