PRELUDE HOTEL APRIL 2006

The latest gadgets, news, hot happenings and hip hotels.

Words by Alexandra P Karplus

Starry Starry Night

Location is key at LA boutique hotel the Grafton

In a city famous for its freeways, a good location is essential. the Grafton lies at the crossroads of LA: east of Beverly Hills, west of Hollywood, north of downtown Los Angeles and south of Universal City. It’s a prime spot for business, socializing and shopping. Head down to Rodeo Drive or take a joy ride th rough the hills to check out some fabulous mansions. Don’t have a car? the hotel provides a complimentary chauffeured PT Cruiser that will drop you off at one of West Hollywood’s hottest nightspots. the Viper Room, the Sky Bar and the House of Blues are all nearby.

the pool is in a Venetian-style courtyard (some rooms have direct access). If you’re not taking a dip, the balcony a few floors above is a good spot to sit and sip a cocktail.

the design in all the Grafton’s 108 guestrooms is based on feng shui. th roughout is a tranquil, welcoming atmosphere—from a cascading waterfall at the entrance to warm colors in the rooms. the organic toiletries’ fragrances aim to promote calming sensations.

In keeping with the hotel’s Sunset Strip location, rooms and hallways feature black and white images of stars like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe.

On the all-suite fourth floor, the Tinseltown theme continues. Named after Jane Mansfield, the Jane Suite is starlet-styled with black satin bedsheets, pink pillows and a pink shade over the windows—so even the daylight is pink. the Rat Pack Suite is decorated with images of ol’ blue eyes and his cronies.

When you’re ready to make your own Hollywood entrance, head down to the hotel’s restaurant. In a designer setting of padded walls, plastic tables and mellow music, Boa is an American steakhouse serving prime-aged rare cuts of beef, and mussels in Champagne to a young, style-conscious crowd. www.graftononsunset.com