The Thompson Hollywood Is Mad Men-Era Glamour Come to Life
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A time travel experience of sorts happens when checking into the Thompson Hollywood hotel, which opened last year. Guests arrive, most likely frazzled with lingering qualms about LAX’s asinine 'LAXit' system, but are soon transmitted to a light-filled space adorned in mid-century modern furnishings.
The Thompson Hollywood’s lobby is suave. So suave that it evokes the look and feel of Megan and Don Draper’s Park Avenue apartment in Mad Men. With timber walls and three sunken sofas situated alongside a retro-feeling bar, it’s easy to imagine Megan and her actor friends congregating here after auditions to discuss Sartre. (Elsewhere, Pete Campbell would throw a conniption over not getting a reservation.)
One of the most anticipated hotel openings in LA as of late, The Thompson Hollywood is situated on Hollywood and Vine–placing it in the center of a years-in-the-making neighborhood development project that’s been dubbed the Vinyl District. While the nearby Walk of Fame remains sticky, a slew of au caurant restaurants have propped up in the area as of late. Ka'teen, Mother Wolf, and Beauty & Essex–to name just a few–are all within a 3-minute stroll, which is noteworthy in a city that requires a car.
Despite all the surrounding action, the 11-story, 190-room Thompson Hollywood is a relaxing and understatedly elegant hotel. This is the work of interior designer Tara Bernard, who drew inspiration from California modernism. To create a sense of place, the British interior designer sourced decor from local artists and makers. As Bernard shared with Town & Country: “A number of the furniture pieces were supplied by Lawson Fenning on Melrose Avenue, who have a beautiful range of mid-century inspired furniture." A selection of ceramic lighting was also sourced from Victoria Morris Pottery in Altadena and art was supplied from LA's Posner Fine Art gallery.
Property highlights at the Thompson Hollywood include a Martin Brudnizki-designed French brasserie, an immaculate gym designed by trainer-of-stars Gunnar Peterson, and a rooftop restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and poolside service. Up here is where guests will also find the hotel’s crown jewel: a rooftop pool area with absorbing views of the Hollywood Sign and downtown LA. Outfitted in yellow and white scalloped umbrellas that bring to mind Cote D’Azur, this spot is so lovely that Don Draper (who would despise Instagram) would even take the bait and photograph it. All while enjoying a drink, or five.
Rates at the Thompson Hollywood start at $264 per night, with suites beginning at $444 per night. Shop Now
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