Palihotel Melrose

The Palithotel is a hipster’s paradise. Decor is cabin-in-the-woods meets vintage furniture store, drawing boutique hotel lovers here in droves. Concrete floors are covered in Persian rugs, the walls are either decked in vintage wood paneling or painted a dark moss green. The slightly aged sofas -- well positioned for lounging -- sit under vintage framed photos, and old books are wrapped in twine and piled in corners, all providing lovely touches. Curated magazines -- think: W, Vogue, Marie Claire -- hang on a wooden ladder in front of the restaurant while Al Green plays in the background. However, like some of the W Hotels or Ace Hotel outposts that we've visited, it can feel like the Palihotel is trying a bit too hard. Even so, it's a buzzing place. The Hart and Hunter, a Southern-style restaurant, is especially inviting, with its farm tables, aqua-tiled walls, and excellent espresso drinks. There's even an enclosed patio along Hayworth Ave., offering guests a lovely place to eat outside. Given all of this hotel's on-trend trappings, expect to see a young, international crowd here of everyone from tourists to business guests.

The only boutique hotel right on Melrose Ave., the Palihotel is ideally situated for visitors who like to shop and walk. It's located in one of L.A.’s truly walkable neighborhoods, putting upscale boutiques, furniture stores, hair salons, and bakeries right outside the door. Slightly grittier Fairfax Ave. is only a block away, and is full of wonderful vintage L.A. landmarks -- the famed Canter’s Delicatessen is within a nine-minute walk, as is the Diamond Bakery. Wander off the main thoroughfares onto some residential streets -- Hayworth, Edinburgh, Harper -- and you’ll find glimpses of how L.A. real estate is shifting from one-story, Spanish-style homes to larger mansions. The Grove -- a famous shopping and dining spot -- is within a 20-minute walk, while the Hollywood Hills are a 20-minute drive away. Budget 30 to 45 minutes by car to reach the beaches in Santa Monica. The drive to LAX can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. 

Painted beige and decked in a thick moss-green carpets, the 33 rooms at the Palihotel are small and chic, with a cozy or claustrophobic feel (depending on your leanings). Windows reach from floor to ceiling, but half are opaque glass, which adds to the sense of being enclosed. In hipster-chic fashion, bedside tables have been replaced by wire chairs, old books are stacked in corners, and the small entryway is outfitted with vintage hooks. Creature comforts include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and baskets of treats from Dean & DeLuca. Eight rooms include terraces and The Melrose Suites have stunning views of the Hollywood Hills. Air-conditioning is central, which means that guests unfortunately can't control their own room temperatures. Although the bathrooms are full of personality -- with details like Persian rugs and elaborate shower curtains -- only some have windows or skylights. The custom toiletries are a lovely perk, though. Keep in mind that the hotel's compact layout means that sound can travel, though the hotel provides sound machines to help deal with noise concerns. 

While the hotel doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles, what's on offer is perfectly suited for the young clientele that the hotel attracts. Even so, a pool would be a welcome addition. The hotel recently added a frose bar, called Hart Throb, which is a tiny room off the entrance and painted entirely in bubble-gum pink. Only open during weekend daylight hours, frozen rose is its specialty. The Hart and the Hunter restaurant, which features a Southern menu, is decorated with farm tables, wire chairs, brown leather benches, and Persian rugs. Guests -- as well as locals -- sit drinking cappuccinos while working on their laptops, giving it local appeal. The brunch is especially popular, though no breakfast meals are included in rates. Once a month, the restaurant hosts a family-style dinner. Self-parking is available for a fee and vintage-style bikes can be rented to get around the area. Wi-Fi is free and babysitting services are also available (fee).