Chateau Marmont

"If The Beverly Hills Hotel is Los Angeles’s most famous hotel, the Chateau Marmont is its most infamous, thanks to its many legendary scandals. (Let’s just say a lot has gone down within its Gothic-style halls.) To be fair, it’s an environment designed to accommodate a hedonistic clientele—the patio turns into a who’s-who lounge by the evening, and there are no photos allowed. Book a room and indulge in L.A.’s wild side. —Elise Taylor"

The West Hollywood After-Work Drinks Guide - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Tucked away in a quiet corner of Weho is this tiny, humble neighborhood joint…just kidding. it’s the f*cking Chateau. If that name means nothing to you, grab the nearest magazine and flip open to the “Where Celebrities Go To Get In Magazines” section. That will answer all your questions. Although, serious business does in fact happen here – so if you have some, this is the power spot to get it done." - brant cox

Where To See & Be Seen In LA - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"You’re paying $35 per cocktail at Chateau Marmont because, with complete and total certainty, someone famous is in your vicinity. It could be Al Pacino splitting a branzino in the courtyard, David Schwimmer having an old fashioned next to the jazz piano, or the ghost ofJohn Bonham. And even if the food is often underseasoned and definitely overpriced, dinner at the Chateau is a rush simply because it lets you pretend, even on a quiet night, that you’re on the guest list of a debaucherous after-party that would make Jay Gatsby blush." - brant cox, sylvio martins, cathy park

19 Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels to Book in Los Angeles - AFAR

"Housed in a 1929 French-château–style building turned hotel, the property offers a homey yet discreet atmosphere prized by celebrities for long-term stays; its Old World elegance—crushed velvet, wrought-iron chandeliers, and garden-surrounded pool—was preserved and modernized during a major 1990s renovation. Secluded 1950s bungalows, a signature pool, solicitous staff, and a strict privacy culture (including a no-camera policy in the restaurant) make it a sanctuary where high-profile guests can relax away from prying eyes." - Chris Dong

Nothing’s more Hollywood than a night at the Chateau - Review - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"So you want to “lunch at the Chateau”? How Hollywood of you. Well, there are things you need to know before you try to stroll into this famous castle off the Sunset Strip. This is a five-star hotel, so you can’t wander the property hoping to “bump into” Miley Cyrus. A doorman will stop you at the driveway and ask if you have a reservation. You need one, even for a few vespers in the courtyard. Brunch and lunch reservations are available online, but dinner reservations require an email (and availability is sporadic). One time we walked in at 9pm on a Tuesday and the restaurant host let us have cocktails by the jazz piano without a reservation. We weren’t so lucky the next time. Now that we’ve covered the ground rules (and hopefully spared you any rejection), know that Chateau Marmont is as cool as expected. Hollywood lore and celebrity gossip practically drip from its green striped awnings, and basking in that aura is the most thrilling part of a meal here. That, and the near-certainty that someone famous will be in your vicinity, like Al Pacino picking at branzino in the lush courtyard, David Schwimmer grabbing drinks in the lobby, or the ghost of John Bonham riding his Harley Davidson down the hallways (true story). The unpredictability of who you’ll encounter is invigorating as the bar’s crisp $35 vespers, and both of them make Chateau’s underseasoned food remotely palatable. You’re here to pretend you’re wrapping up an Oscars press tour with cocktails and feel famous via proximity to Sofia Coppola, even if such emotions last for the two hours allotted for your table. Food Rundown Cocktails The cocktails at Chateau Marmont cost more than most dishes on the food menu. They’re also potent, so you don’t worry about tasting $35 worth of vodka in your martini. The vesper is our go-to because it's light on Lillet and heavy on lemon peel. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Chilled Octopus A refreshing lemony appetizer in need of salt, but good otherwise. The poached octopus is chewy but not rubbery, and the celery and hearts of palm add a nice crunch. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Greek Salad We taste plenty of dry oregano, but again, not enough salt (maybe it’s for guests with blood pressure concerns?). The out-of-season tomatoes are surprisingly juicy. If you need a vegetable, this will do. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Burrata di Bufala Serve us a ball of quality burrata and we’re generally happy. The garlicky pesto tastes great with the creamy cheese, but the jammy eggplant caponata with raisins is a tad sweet. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Spaghetti Bolognese We were told this is the Chateau’s best dish, and we agree. The spaghetti is overcooked, but the bolognese has so much parmesan on top it fuses into the pasta like a cheesy sauce as you mix it. It’s also respectably salty, which is a treat given how underseasoned most dishes here are. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Steak Frites Warm and crispy fries overshadow a dry and underseasoned filet. The side of “au poivre” (in quotations because it’s nothing like au poivre) is watery and bland. Save $40 and skip. photo credit: Sylvio Martins Tiramisu Grab a mop and bucket: this giant tiramisu is wet. The cookies weren’t given enough time to soak up the espresso, and the cream is on the runny side. It’s a generous portion, though. photo credit: Sylvio Martins" - Sylvio Martins