Overview
- The Revitalization of Hollywood
- New Openings and Experiences
- Where to Stay
- Dining Hotspots
Neighborhoods are said to go through life cycles — from growth to stability, decline, and then revitalization. Hollywood, California, is currently well into its revitalization stage. Thanks to a slew of new openings and revivals of old favorites, the neighborhood is having a real moment. Nowhere is that more evident than in the “Vinyl District,” a smaller enclave between Hollywood and Sunset boulevards. This area is truly a destination worth exploring again, thanks to palpable energy that harkens back to the neighborhood’s golden era, celebrating the music and entertainment industry that began nearly a century ago.
“There’s no disputing that Hollywood has come out swinging in 2022, and there are still a lot more properties to come online in the buzzing Vinyl District,” says Grant Smillie, cofounder of The Botanical Group, which oversees The Vinyl District’s 15,000-square-foot restaurant, rooftop, and lounge, Grandmaster Recorders.
“Grandmaster Recorders kept its original namesake, but it’s a far cry from the humble recording studio that was part of Hollywood’s fabric since 1971,” Smillie noted. “It’s been completely transformed to incorporate a modern Italian dining room, an expansive rooftop lounge, and the 71 Studio Bar in the original recording room where iconic artists and bands recorded.”
Grandmaster Recorders is not alone in bringing fresh energy to Hollywood, a destination many locals believed had long since gone stale. The Aster, a private members’ club and hotel, also opened its doors in October 2022 under hospitality brand Salt Hotels.
“Its location is legendary and truly the heart of Hollywood — for us, it was the perfect location. We are excited about so much activity in the area, including new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities,” stated David Bowd, the founder and chief executive of Salt Hotels. “All our properties have strong community ties through local purchasing, recruitment, partnerships, and charitable support, and The Aster will be no different, as we aim to create lasting local connections that enrich our members’ experience.”
Just down the block, Amoeba Music, a mainstay on Sunset Boulevard for two decades, has relocated to a new Hollywood Boulevard location in the Vinyl District. Its former location is also getting new life with the Lighthouse Art Space, where visitors can expect immersive art and music experiences.
Whether you plan a visit for a cultural experience, dining in trendy restaurants, or enjoying a lively evening of dancing and cocktails at a rooftop lounge, you’ll find a blend of rich culture and luxury in Hollywood’s Vinyl District. Here’s a guide to where to stay, hang out, and dine when you do.
The Best Hollywood Hotels in the Vinyl District
Opened in December 2021, tommie Hollywood caters to the modern traveler seeking convenience, originality, and a casual atmosphere. Guest rooms and lobby spaces are comfortable and functional, featuring a mid-century California vibe and city views.
Thompson Hollywood, located near the iconic Hollywood & Vine intersection, is a luxury hotel showcasing a stunning lobby and plush guest rooms designed by London-based Tara Bernerd & Partners and architect Steinberg Hart. The trellis-covered entrance ushers guests into a stylish, sophisticated lobby bar and expansive seating areas.
Opened in August 2021, The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood features 220 guestrooms, one of LA’s largest rooftops, event spaces, bars, and restaurants. Interior designs by The Gettys Group of Chicago showcase a curated art collection, including a brilliant “I Love You” sculpture at the hotel’s entrance.
The Aster, a private members’ club and hotel — named for the native flower of Los Angeles — opened in October by award-winning hospitality brand Salt Hotels. “The Aster emphasizes hospitality and a strong focus on the guest and member experience. It is truly unique, offering members’ lounges, workspace, screening rooms, a recording studio, a Cabernet lounge, a pool, wellness facilities, and large suites wrapped in excellent service,” Bowd remarked.
Dream Hollywood, located at the corner of Selma Avenue and North Cahuenga Boulevard, opened in mid-2017. Its unique design features an indoor-outdoor lobby, clever artwork, chic style, a rooftop pool, and lavish guestrooms, making this early arrival to the district a popular choice.
Casual yet affordable, Mama Shelter LA debuted in 2015, complementing other Mama locations globally. The lively hotel includes 70 rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a rooftop with panoramic views of Los Angeles.
Where to Eat — and Drink and Play — in the Vinyl District
Grandmaster Recorders features three distinct experiences: an elevated Italian & Australian-inspired restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a rooftop lounge with panoramic views, including the iconic Hollywood sign. The historic venue began in 1920 as a silent movie theater and, from 1971 to 2016, served as a recording studio where stars like Stevie Wonder and David Bowie created megahits. Now helmed by an accomplished culinary team, Australian Head Chef Blake Shailes offers a distinctive new take on New World Italian cuisine.
The Rooftop features cozy seating, terrazzo tables, and stunning views, forming a perfect backdrop for gatherings. The 71 Studio Bar adds a touch of nostalgia with rock ‘n roll memorabilia and clever cocktails that celebrate the building’s past.
Bar Lis, a trendy rooftop lounge and celebrity hotspot, embodies the spirit of the French Riviera. With its vintage movie photos, live entertainment, and an extensive selection of cocktails, canapés, wines, and champagnes, Bar Lis ensures a lively atmosphere enhanced by plush sofas and city views.
The Terrace at Thompson Hollywood is open for breakfast, lunch, and late-afternoon light dishes, featuring poolside dining, cocktails, and seating under bright umbrellas, making it an idyllic spot for Instagram-worthy moments.
Newly opened Mes Amis, led by celebrated chef Lincoln Carson, showcases a new generation of French-inspired brasserie cuisine that evokes the vibrant spirit of Parisian eateries.
Ka’Teen, situated next to tommie Hollywood, draws inspiration from Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula’s culinary history. Chef Wes Avila melds local ingredients with ancient traditions in dishes like Pescado Zarandeado and Nopalito Salad, all enjoyed in a casual outdoor setting.
Desert 5 Spot brings the casual roadside hangout vibe of Southern California’s desert towns to the rooftop at tommie Hollywood, offering a music venue and cocktail lounge with an in-house band, along with food and drink options that include the specialty “Make it a Cactus” margaritas.
Blending Italian and Japanese cuisine, Magari, helmed by chef Yoshiyuki Okuno, offers crudos, house-made pasta, and signature dishes. Located near Sunset and Gower, with outdoor seating and modern decor, Magari elevates the dining experience.
In celebration of the area’s agricultural roots, Lemon Grove, under the direction of chef Marcel Vigneron, specializes in farm-fresh ingredients and is situated on the expansive rooftop of The Aster private club and hotel.
Mother Wolf is celebrated for its Roman-Italian cuisine crafted by Evan Funke, showcasing exquisite pastas, pizzas, and small plates. Highlights of the menu include fiore di zucca (stuffed squash blossoms) and carciofi alla giudia (artichokes), providing a true taste of Italy in the heart of Hollywood.
Citizen News is a renovated 1930s art deco building that once housed the Hollywood Citizen News local newspaper. Now transformed into a two-level event space and entertainment venue, its strategic location between the Thompson Hollywood and tommie Hollywood hotels enhances its appeal.
I|O Rooftop, located on the seventh floor of The Godfrey Hotel, presents indoor and outdoor spaces with a stunning bar and spacious poolside deck. On the ground floor, restaurant and bar ALK (About Last Knife) serves Southern California-style cuisine in a casual, art-filled space with a retro vibe.
The Highlight Room at Dream Hollywood, one of the early glam outdoor rooftop venues in the Vinyl District, includes a pool, cocktail lounge, and grill with breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline. The Lounge at Highlight Room hosts dancing, live performances, and DJ music each weekend, reinforcing its status as a must-visit destination.
Just a mile away, Providence stands out as Hollywood’s quintessential seafood restaurant, directed by renowned chef Michael Cimarusti.
Also nearby, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, known from “Eat, Pray, Love,” is a Hollywood culinary gem, offering a complete menu of world-famous pizzas along with cocktails, wine, and gelato. This establishment plans to expand to Long Beach, Santa Barbara, and New York later in 2022, reflecting its popularity and demand.
