Grafton on Sunset

Grafton on Sunset is a trendy boutique hotel in a gray building with white trim. Its exterior casts an unassuming presence on the Sunset Strip, however, guests check into a chic, modern lobby with rock-and-roll elements throughout. Black or white walls are covered with line drawings of Hollywood and the Los Angeles hills, and funky glass chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Leather or upholstered chairs in tans and grays look sharp against chevron rugs. The decor in the bar and restaurant are amped up, with more luxurious fittings like red leather couches, large curved white booths, lighted mirrors, and silver-accented furniture. The restaurant, Oliver's Prime Steakhouse, is a particularly popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and there are whispers of celebrity sightings now and again. The pool -- a sleek, minimalist space protected from street noise by a greenery-covered wall, and lined with wooden loungers and a few tall palm trees -- is also a property highlight and many guests can be found there throughout the day. Couples and families make up the bulk of guests here. 

Located on Sunset Boulevard -- also known as the legendary Sunset Strip -- the hotel is a five- to 15-minute walk from a variety of nearby nightlife venues such as Whiskey a Go Go, The Standard, and Chateau Marmont, a prime spot for celeb watching. There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area as well. A 10-minute walk will take guests to Santa Monica Boulevard, which also has a variety of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife venues. Still, Los Angeles is best seen by car. Hollywood Boulevard is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, as is high-end Rodeo Drive. Downtown L.A. and the Staples Center are a 45-minute car ride, while Santa Monica Pier is about 40 minutes away by car. Los Angeles International Airport takes 50 minutes to reach by car. Keep in mind that drive times will vary with Los Angeles' notorious traffic.

Room are fairly generous in size, though decor varies from one category to the next, and rooms include Pool View King units and Standard Doubles. Some rooms have a contemporary, elegant style with black or fuchsia leather furniture, but others are edgier, with silver sectional couches, leopard-print rugs, velour furniture, or a combination of colors and patterns. Expect to see white bedding with furry throw blankets and blown-up concert photographs on accent walls. Each room has a flat-screen TV, MP3 player, safe, and an iron. Snacks and drinks like bottled water are in all rooms (for a fee), while some have stocked minibars. Poolside rooms are convenient as they provides immediate access to the pool deck. Bathrooms are compact, but stylish, with red countertops, lighted vanity mirrors, and block-letter quotes on the clear shower doors. Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, makeup remover wipes, and hairdryers are nice touches. Complaints have been made concerning bothersome noises from other rooms and late night music from the bar.

Guests can enjoy the largest saltwater swimming pool on Sunset Boulevard at the Grafton on Sunset. The heated pool is surrounded by wooden lounge chairs and tables, and poolside service is available for guests. Besides room service, the hotel's restaurant, Oliver’s Prime Steakhouse, and the guitar-shaped full-service Bar 20 are the on-site dining options. Oliver's gets rave reviews from guests, and the bar is a fine place to kick off a night in the neighborhood. Breakfast is offered, but is not included in room rates. Guests can also access a 24-hour fitness center and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The hotel has a computer station with a printer, plus a conference room with space for 12 people. Valet parking can be quite costly, and self-parking isn't offered.