The hype
Travelers adore the nostalgic glamour and the staff's polish, but often feel the rooms are smaller and louder than expected for the price.
Sunset Tower Hotel
$400-650+/ night
Book this if You want to live inside a Vanity Fair party where the walls have ears and the lighting makes everyone look famous.
Why People Love It
- Legit Old Hollywood history (John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe lived here)
- The Tower Bar is still one of the best places in LA to spot A-listers
- Art Deco architecture that feels timeless, not kitschy
Quick Take: You are paying for the vibe, the history, and the chance to be seen—not for silence or modern room dimensions.
Reviewed by @lalabaldini: I stayed at the Sunset Tower and the views from my private terrace were absolutely insane. Watching the sun dip below the hills while soaking in the tub was a core memory. It’s the perfect mix of old-school glamour and modern luxury.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
If you're a light sleeper, the combination of Sunset Strip traffic and hallway conversations might ruin your night.
- You crave a 'scene' and want to feel like a Hollywood insider
- You appreciate Art Deco design over modern minimalism
- You plan to spend your evenings at the Tower Bar
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable and thorough, with nightly turndown that includes fresh cookies.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are generally spotless, though some guests note the vintage tile work can show age (grout lines, etc.).
- Maintenance: The building is nearly 100 years old; expect some 'character' like creaky floors or slow drains, but major issues are rare.
- Linens & towels: High-quality Egyptian cotton linens and plush towels; consistently rated well.
- Odors & scents: Signature scent is subtle and expensive; no masking of bad odors detected in recent reviews.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Sunset Boulevard traffic (sirens, engines)
- Hallway conversations and doors slamming
- Neighboring rooms due to thin walls
Before you book
Good to know
- The House of Blues nearby is long gone; don't rely on old guidebooks.
- The pool is open to non-guests with a day pass or membership, so it gets busy.
- Breakfast is not included and costs ~$30-45 per person.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential)
- Designer swimwear (the pool is a runway)
- Dinner jacket or cocktail attire for Tower Bar
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe King on a high floor (better views, slightly less street noise)
- 03 or 04 line suites for the classic corner views
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing Sunset Blvd (maximum noise)
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on the highest possible floor, as far from the elevators as possible. If a courtyard-facing or quiet side option exists, I would prefer that over a direct Sunset Blvd view.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated, but it's on the smaller side and more for lounging than laps.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, you're on the Sunset Strip. Options like The Comedy Store, Saddle Ranch, and upscale dining at Sunset Plaza are walkable.
Is it pet friendly?
Very. They charge a $100 non-refundable fee and provide mini beds and bowls. Just note the 40lb weight limit.
Does the hotel have parking?
Valet only, priced at $70 per night with in/out privileges. There is no self-park on site.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, expect an 'Amenity Fee' of around $52/night which covers Wi-Fi, the gym, and pool access.
Can I get into the Tower Bar without a reservation?
It's risky. It's a notorious hotspot. Booking a table well in advance is highly recommended even for guests.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The gym is located in John Wayne's former apartment—it's one of the coolest workout spaces in LA.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for a table at the Tower Bar immediately upon booking your room; don't wait until check-in.
- ✨
Walk to 'Book Soup' nearby, one of LA's most iconic independent bookstores.
5 things to know before you go
💡The windows in some rooms actually open, which is rare for high-rises but lets in more noise.
💡You might run into a photoshoot in the lobby; it's a favorite location for fashion editorials.
💡The 'City View' is stunning, but the 'Hills View' is often quieter.
💡The elevators are vintage and can be slow during peak times.
💡The minibar is curated but expensive—there's a Trader Joe's a short drive away if you want to stock up.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sunset Tower Hotel is located and what's nearby.