Andaz West Hollywood

Andaz West Hollywood. Originally opened as the Gene Autry Hotel in 1963, this iconic property is a celebrated fixture on the Sunset Strip. Designed by renowned architect William Pereira, the hotel has undergone several transformations and rebrandings, most notably as the "Riot House" during the golden age of rock and roll. Now operating under the Hyatt brand's Andaz lifestyle banner, it remains a landmark destination known for its modernist architecture, panoramic views of Los Angeles, and deep connections to music and entertainment history.

History

The hotel's origins are tied to the development boom of the Sunset Strip in the early 1960s, conceived by a partnership that included singing cowboy and Los Angeles Angels owner Gene Autry. Upon its 1963 opening, the Gene Autry Hotel was immediately distinctive for its daring, 13-story design by William Pereira, who also designed the Transamerica Pyramid and master-planned the University of California, Irvine. By the late 1960s, the hotel became internationally infamous as the "Riot House," serving as the preferred debauched residence for touring rock and roll acts like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and The Rolling Stones. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, it continued to attract celebrities and musicians, operating under names like the Continental Hyatt House and later the Sunset Tower Hotel before a major renovation in the 2000s. In 2009, it was rebranded as part of the Andaz portfolio by Hyatt, undergoing a significant refurbishment that honored its storied past while modernizing its amenities for a new generation of travelers.

Architecture and design

The structure is a prime example of the Googie and Mid-century modern styles prevalent in Southern California during the post-war era, characterized by its sleek, rectangular form and extensive use of glass. William Pereira's design was considered audacious for its height and minimalist aesthetic on the famously vibrant Sunset Strip. The hotel's most dramatic feature is its cantilevered design, where upper floors project over the base, creating a striking silhouette against the Hollywood Hills. The 2009 renovation, led by design firms Graft and Rottet Studio, preserved the building's iconic exterior while reimagining the interior with a contemporary, residential feel. Public spaces and guest rooms feature curated artwork, custom furnishings, and a neutral palette that contrasts with the vibrant history of the location, with floor-to-ceiling windows emphasizing breathtaking vistas of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

Amenities and services

The hotel offers 257 guest rooms and suites, many featuring private balconies with direct views of the Hollywood Sign and the sprawling Los Angeles Basin. Dining is centered around RH at Andaz, a rooftop restaurant and bar operated by Restoration Hardware that provides panoramic scenery alongside a menu of modern American cuisine. Additional facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, over 10,000 square feet of flexible event space, and a secluded outdoor pool deck perched high above the Sunset Strip. Service is oriented towards the Andaz brand's ethos of informal luxury, featuring host-led check-in and inclusive offerings like non-alcoholic minibar items and local wine tastings in the evening. The property's prime location provides immediate access to legendary music venues like the Whisky a Go Go and the Roxy Theatre, as well as high-end shopping on Robertson Boulevard and Rodeo Drive.

Notable events and guests

During its 1970s heyday as the Riot House, the hotel was the scene of legendary escapades that entered rock and roll folklore, including stories of motorcycles ridden down hallways and furniture thrown from balconies by members of Led Zeppelin. Other famed musical residents included David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Elton John, while the hotel also hosted actors like John Belushi and Mick Jagger. In 1972, Led Zeppelin's manager, Peter Grant, famously chained the group's equipment to the hotel's railings after a dispute with Concord Records. The hotel has been a backdrop for numerous film and photo shoots and has welcomed a diverse array of notable figures from Andy Warhol to modern celebrities attending events like the Grammy Awards and Los Angeles Film Festival.

In popular culture

The hotel's notorious reputation is immortalized in songs like "Riot House" by W.A.S.P. and referenced in biographies of bands like Led Zeppelin and Mötley Crüe. It served as a filming location for the Academy Awards-winning film "Almost Famous," which depicted the rock scene of the early 1970s. The building's distinctive architecture has made it a recognizable landmark in countless television shows and movies set in Los Angeles, often used to establish a scene on the Sunset Strip. Its legacy is frequently chronicled in music documentaries and books about the history of rock music, cementing its status as a physical monument to a defining era in American culture.

Category:Hotels in West Hollywood, California Category:Hyatt hotels Category:Buildings and structures in Los Angeles County, California Category:Music venues in Los Angeles