The Aster

"Why book? At the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, a private club hotel swathed in understated elegance, and suites anyone can book Set the scene This adults-only hotel draws Hollywood execs, actors, and models you haven’t heard of yet, and writerly types who can be found sitting poolside in the inner courtyard by the shade of sweet-smelling lemon trees, sipping cocktails by the firepits in the rooftop, and working out in the gym. The rooms Featuring balconies or terraces with courtyard or city views, the spacious suites (the smallest is 750 square feet) are decked out in wooden floors, intricately woven patterned rugs, mid-century sofas in flamingo pink, lounge chairs in parrot green, breakfast bar and dining table for two. To enhance the feeling of home, there are perfectly placed potted plants—a Ficus Trees here, a Dragon Tree there—in sunny corners of each suite. Bathrooms are massive and fitted with Further sustainable bath products, Dandy Del Mar bathrobes and BaByliss Pro blow dryers. Fusing retro and modern aesthetics, the vibe throughout is the epitome of modest luxury. Food and drink Named after the property’s lemon trees, Lemon Grove is a stylish rooftop restaurant and bar (with outdoor seating in the garden) where members, guests, and locals dine on a California-inspired menu that showcases dishes made with the best seasonal ingredient — think roasted cauliflower with a pomegranate gastrique and pumpkin seeds, burnt rainbow carrots with herbed labneh, and the must-have Aster meatballs with a spicy arrabiata sauce and bruschetta. The neighborhood/area The location is Hollywood and the vibe is as Hollywood as it gets. From the top of the Aster, you can take in the stellar views of the hills and the boulevard below. A skip and a jump away from the hotel are the Capitol Records building, the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Amoeba Music store, and more sceney restaurants and bars (Frolic Room, No Vacancy, Tao, Musso & Frank) than you can shake an Academy Award statue at. The Aster is perfectly situated if what you’re after is a thunderous good time right outside the front door. The service Whatever you can think of, the staff at The Aster can bring to fruition, be it booking a helicopter sightseeing ride or a one-on-one personal training session with a trainer to the stars. Aside from the outdoor pool, there’s also a fitness studio that offers complimentary group classes. While the indoor cinema is for members only, screenings in the rooftop patio under the stars and by the warmth of a fire pit are open to all guests. Accessibility Yes, ADA compliant.Anything left to mention? If you’re a light sleeper, request a suite overlooking the pool. Check in time is 4pm but check out time is when it suits you. The hotel welcomes pets, for a $150 fee." - Celeste Moure