I love a mini getaway don’t you? I don’t even have to drive more than a few hours to feel miles away from the endless days of carpool and laundry. Living in Southern California means you can drive a number of different directions and in a few short hours you can be at the beach, downtown LA, the mountains, the arid desert or camping in the Cleavland National Forest. Its not a bad deal, but we do have earthquakes and Real Housewives OC … hmmm not sure which is scarier.

This time I drove north with a couple gal pals for a night of Glee LIVE in Hollywood. We stayed at the new W Hotel in Hollywood. Easy to get to (although I did punch in a different hotel into my nav, er…) You can’t miss the red W as you drive up Vine.

The W is swanky, it feels very LA to me, hence the head-to-toe once-overs you get from fellow guests. Its like everyone is asking themselves the same question, should I know that person? PS. they answer 99% of the time is NO unless your name is Courtney and you see Brad Pitt in Brentwood (she’ll admit hands down best day of her life).  I loved the minimalistic decor and clean lines. I have read that some people gripe about the attitude and the so-called ban of hotel guests from the rooftop pool club but I can tell you we experienced neither on our overnighter.

As soon we entered the room we documented that place like an episode of CSI. No one was allowed to move one pillow until Kathleen and I got our shots. The room was full of cool stuff.

First order of business…. ROOM SERVICE. My favorite way to settle in. We ordered Macaroni Gratin (that’s fancy for mac n’ cheese y’all), French Onion Soup and the Cheese Platter… our server was a doll… Oh Good Lord he was so cute and not a shred of interest in being an actor (currently enrolled at nursing school ladies take note). When we decided we need more food he brought us a bottle of Prosecco gratis with our burger and onion rings just because….oh how we loved him!

the lightest crunchiest plate of heaven

honey you are going to make one fabulous nurse!

We were off to the concert a few blocks away. GLEEKS RULE! Click here to read about the show!

Arriving back at the hotel was interesting, you have to get past the bouncers just to get into your room. Once inside we decided to pass on Drai’s, in our defense (although we rickshaw-ed back to our car best move EVAH Kathleen <– click to read her version) our feet were hurting in heels and I forgot to pack my micro mini dress (ya right…). The Living Room adjacent to the hotel entrance offered music, mandarin orange vodka cocktails and chicken lollipops that were bone sucking good! To be honest what these mommas coveted most was feather beds and blackout curtains. Thank you and good night!

cut to: Next morning… I ever so slowly peel back the black out curtain to reveal a gorgeous sunny morning in the city of angles. We mosey on down to Delphine’s for the promise of strong coffee and pastries (some of us who were fuzzier then others.. ahem Kathleen). The decor is very much French country with the light reclaimed look wood. Loved the blues and bookshelves and the ultra modern fans.

I want this fan. and I want this from the W Gift store… a curse jar (ack you know why..)

don’t even get me started on the online store… W hotel linens (or the ENTIRE bed), handbags and MY FAVORITE how was I not surprised to see them here... LIQUID METAL bracelets!

oh and don’t forget to pick up these for your furry little friends

or

better question… do I care? ha ha..

Ok, sorry for the momentary lapse in consciousness I had a “shopping moment“.. let’s get back to food…

We savored Scrambled Eggs in puff pastry, Greek yogurt with fresh berries and almond cake.

You can book online on their website BLISSWORLD.COM super easy!

The only thing that struck me odd was the music, it’s not your average spa pan flute, were’ talking rhythm and blues stuff.. a few times I found myself wiggling my toes but by the end of my message the music was not an issue and I successfully achieved a catatonic state. Thank you Menguot.

Completely limp from my meat tenderizing massage I reluctantly give up my cobalt blue flip flops, grabbed my camera and headed for the elevators to check out the highly popular rooftop Pool Club. I had heard via internet chatter that there was a time when hotel guests were not guaranteed entrance to the pool so I was curious if this sweat wearing, camera slinging, hair full of massage oil girl would be scoffed but nope our mini entourage and cameras were warmly welcomed. It was a great day for photos. Sparkly pool, red cushions and yards and yards of the brightest white canopies.

so many photos I will let you enjoy a montage below – you can always click on each to see enlarged. Images courtesy of Kathleen Enge and the modchik so be cool and ask before you grab!