As the Sunset Strip transformed into a music mecca in the 1960s with iconic clubs lining the famed 1.5-mile stretch in West Hollywood, the Sunset Marquis became a home away from home for rock royalty. Hidden at the end of a cul-de-sac, this is where legendary musicians escaped to after long, loud nights spent jamming at The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go just up the hill. Once frequented by the likes of Steven Tyler, Debbie Harry, Joan Jett, and Axl Rose, the West Hollywood hotel is now an upscale oasis offering a peaceful retreat for A-list rockers and Hollywood elite alike.
Rock Out, Rest, Recharge
The Sunset Marquis is a 3.5-acre garden sanctuary, with lush foliage shrouding the Mediterranean-style structures. The hotel first opened in 1963 and over the years has undergone chic renovations to its more than 150 guest rooms, suites, and private villas. Modern and spacious, most suites feature balconies or patios—some overlooking the infamous pool where the Red Hot Chili Peppers once landed after cannonballing from the rooftop.
While its rowdy party days may be a thing of the past, the Sunset Marquis still attracts a celebrity clientele thanks to 40 distinct villas, each with a different layout and amenities including chef’s kitchens, private poolside cabanas, screening rooms, and baby grand pianos. Make the most of your stay by splurging on an in-room massage from the Spa at Sunset Marquis. You can also enjoy your day of pampering at the ultra-private spa facilities, which feature treatment rooms outfitted with their own rainfall showers.
Where to Dine and Drink
Dining alfresco is a must at the hotel: Grab a table on the covered patio at Cavatina, the signature restaurant serving contemporary coastal cuisine, and you may find yourself seated next to Morrissey, Alice Cooper, or Flavor Flav. Seasonal tasting menus feature an evolving slate of new dishes with fresh produce, paired perfectly with wines selected by an in-house sommelier.
When the sun goes down, it’s time to party like a rockstar. Head to the not-so-secret speakeasy Bar 1200 for a nightcap in an intimate space done up with leather fixtures and dark wood paneling. Before adopting its current moniker, the craft cocktail den was—and still is, in some circles—known as the Whiskey Bar, a watering hole where the stars once sipped from a menu consulted on by Casamigos cofounder and former model Rande Gerber.
Keeping the Music Alive
Music is the heartbeat of the Sunset Marquis, connecting its storied past to the present. Take a nostalgic walk around the landscaped grounds, where the rock ’n’ roll vibes remain strong with a ten-foot-tall Gibson Les Paul guitar sculpture and dozens of photographs of music legends—many of which were shot right on the property. Above the pool, an art installation features works from prolific photographers like Henry Diltz, who has captured icons like Robert Plant, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix. For more themed art, check out the rotating works of more than 125 music photographers in the lobby’s Morrison Hotel Gallery.
And that’s not all: Beneath the hotel, there’s a state-of-the-art studio where some of the biggest names in music have recorded their hits. Aerosmith, Green Day, Bob Dylan, and Billy Idol are just a few of the notable names on the long list of clients.
Guests are welcome to book studio time for a fee, but if you aren’t up for laying down your own tracks, head to Sunset Boulevard to experience WeHo’s nightlife and music scene. The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go are still raging on, along with The Viper Room and comedy clubs like The Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store.
