CHATEAU MARMONT
Chateau Marmont, where members are now both guests and owners
Acclaimed hotelier André Balazs has taken a protective step toward even greater exclusivity at his iconic West Hollywood wonderland, Chateau Marmont. With the understanding that 70 percent of the hotel’s guests prepandemic were repeat customers (and that the top 100 guests generated the majority of room revenue), Balazs has begun to transition the property to a “membersowned” hotel. In other words, guests now have a stake in the property itself.
Buying into a portion of the hotel comes with tangible attributes: Guest-owners will have access to private dining areas and to dedicated staff trained to domestic (not commercial) service standards, as well as the ability to leave things on the grounds for extended periods as they come and go. It harks back to Chateau’s early days as a residence. What’s more, Balazs sees this model expanding elsewhere into his illustrious portfolio. He believes that safety is paramount to the guest experience, and it can be ensured through this sort of partnership with guests.
SAN VICENTE BUNGALOWS
Though not member-owned, hotelier Jeffrey Klein’s San Vicente Bungalows are still for members only. The cozy collection of historic L.A. bungalows recently underwent a six-year-long, $50 million renovation. A portion of that was dedicated to the exquisite gardens at the property’s heart. It is there that one can bask in the attribute that Klein—best known for breathing life into the iconic (and nearby) Art Deco–influenced Sunset Tower Hotel—finds to be the most important amenity: privacy, a priority now more than ever.
(L-R): J.F. ROTHENBERG; JOE SCHMELZER
A private suite at the members-only San Vicente Bungalows
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SPRING / SUMMER 2021