Petit Ermitage: LA's Hidden Gem? (You WON'T Believe This!)
Petit Ermitage: LA's Hidden Gem? (You WON'T Believe This!) - My Honest & Messy Take
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – and the chamomile, the lavender, and maybe even a little bit of rosé – on my experience at the infamous Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood. The title's a bit clickbaity, I admit, but after my stay? Yeah, you actually won't believe some of this. This isn't your glossy travel brochure review. This is real.
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- Description: My unfiltered review of the Petit Ermitage hotel in West Hollywood! From the stunning rooftop pool to the (sometimes) quirky service, I break down the good, the bad, and the utterly unforgettable. Is it worth the hype? Find out! Includes accessibility details, dining insights, and the truth about the Wi-Fi.
First Impressions: The Good, the Slightly Shaky, and the OMG-This-Is-Instagrammable
You’re pulling up to a discreet, almost invisible entrance. No flashing neon, no roaring lobby. Immediately, you're expecting some secrets, and if you’re anything like me, you're already half-expecting to get lost. I mean, the location is killer - tucked away on a quiet street, but a stone's throw from the Sunset Strip madness, which is a major plus.
The overall aesthetic? Bohemian Chic. Think: leafy courtyards, twinkly lights, and a serious commitment to the color palette: think terracotta, cream, and shades of green… which, by the way, is the only real plus to the rooms.
Accessibility: More Like… Ambiguous?
Okay, let's get this out of the way: Accessibility is a mixed bag. While the hotel does claim to have facilities for disabled guests, I didn't see a ton of details online. The elevator is definitely a plus, but navigate with caution, because the layout is… well, let’s just say it requires some strategic winding through corridors and sudden staircases. I didn't see any signage directing wheelchair users about the exact paths from their room to the pool or restaurants. More clarity would be useful.
- Elevator - Yes.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests - Yes, but more clarity needed.
The Rooms: Sanctuary or Semi-Glamorous Cave?
The rooms! The rooms! Beautifully decorated. There. I mean, the view was stunning from the balconies. But the room decor? Well the lighting was dim, almost embarrassingly so. Good if you're aiming for seduction, bad if you're trying to read a book. I’m squinting just thinking about it, and I have great eyesight.
- The Wi-Fi: THANK GOD for the free Wi-Fi – in all rooms (and thankfully it was reliable). I needed to do some work, and it was a lifesaver. No Internet [LAN], so there is that.
- Air Conditioning: Definitely. Thank heavens.
- Amenities: Bathrobes, slippers, a coffee maker (thank you, sweet mercy!), mini-bar, and a hair dryer. All the usual suspects. Extra long bed? Yes!
- Cleanliness: Clean. Very clean, which is always a relief. And they definitely seemed on top of it, with rooms between stays.
Dining & Drinking: A Feast for the Eyes, Sometimes for the Stomach
Okay. The food. This is where things get interesting.
- Restaurants: They have one, I think, and a poolside bar. The food at the restaurant was gorgeous, and the options were good (Asian, Western, Vegetarian) but the service was… well… it was slow. Very, very slow. I mean, “contemplate-the-meaning-of-life-while-waiting-for-your-salad” slow.
- Breakfast: Breakfast is available in the room, a nice touch. Buffet? No, no buffet. More a la carte. The room service was good if you like eating in your room.
- Happy Hour: Yes, thankfully. The cocktails were inventive, but again, the service at the bar…. I kept having to flag someone down.
The Pool: The Star of the Show, But…
The pool. Oh, the pool. Honestly, it’s breathtaking. Overlooking the city, surrounded by lush greenery, and that perfect California sunshine. Pure bliss. I spent HOURS there. Hours! It's what they show you in the photos, but I'll be honest, sometimes it felt a little crowded. You can't just always find a place to relax.
- Poolside Bar: Drinks were great though, and they have a fantastic selection.
- Pool with View: Absolutely. The best part.
- Things to do: Plenty of ways to relax at the pool with the views, or go to the spa.
Spa & Wellness: A Touch of Zen, A Dash of… Wait Times?
They have a spa. I didn’t actually get a treatment (see "slow service" earlier), but the spa area looked very calming. They have a few options, from massage to body wraps to a sauna.
- Spa/sauna: Yes.
- Massage: Yes.
- Fitness Center: Yes, it's there, in case you’re one of those people.
Cleanliness & Safety: Trying to Be Vigilant
The hotel seemed to be really trying at all safety and cleanliness measures, especially with all the covid stuff.
- Hand sanitizer: Present.
- Daily disinfection: Seemed legit, but a little creepy since it's literally in your face.
Services & Conveniences: The Extras, and the Quirks
- Concierge: Friendly, but sometimes a little… vague.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Laundry service: Offered at additional expenses
- Check-in/out: Express, but that means the people don't always seem in a hurry.
- Car Parking: Free! Which is a huge bonus in LA.
- Airport Transfer: Don't know… didn't use it.
- Babysitting: Not for me, but yes.
Getting Around:
Easy to get around.
- Car Park [free of charge]: Yes.
- Taxi service: Yes.
For the Kids:
They clearly cater for kids but I didn't see any kid stuff.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype… With Caveats
So, is Petit Ermitage a hidden gem? It's complicated. The beauty is undeniable. The pool is glorious. The location is perfect. But the slow service sometimes bordered on the absurd, and the accessibility needs a serious revamp.
If you're after a romantic getaway, a place to unwind and soak up some California sunshine, and you're willing to embrace a slightly… eccentric experience? Then yes, absolutely. It could be your kind of place.
But if you need lightning-fast service, perfect accessibility, and a super-structured experience? Maybe this isn’t the right fit.
Me? I'd go back. Just… maybe with a book, a lot of patience, and a backup plan for ordering food. And I highly recommend a visit to the pool. That alone almost made it worth it. Almost.
KBSC Thailand: Kabinburi's Unbeatable Sports Club – Witness the Action!Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your polished, Instagram-ready travel blog. This is the REAL deal, the sweaty, slightly disoriented adventure that was my time in Petit Ermitage. And honestly? It was a rollercoaster.
Petit Ermitage: My Attempt at Bohemian Bliss (Spoiler: I'm Not Bohemian)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Panic
- Morning: Flight from… well, let's just say it wasn't a smooth one. Delays, turbulence that made me question my life choices, and a crying baby directly behind me. Seriously, by the time I landed in LAX, I was already a hot mess.
- Afternoon: Uber to Petit Ermitage. The driver was blasting heavy metal – probably a sign of things to come. The hotel itself? Gorgeous. Absolutely stunning. That rooftop, with its views of the Hollywood Hills? My jaw dropped. Then I saw the price of the cocktails. "Well," I thought, "This is going to be an expensive bohemian adventure."
- Evening: Check-in, which involved a slightly judgemental receptionist asking me if I’d like a complimentary welcome cocktail, I said yes, which I didn't want, I'm not the cocktail person. Which they didn't have to let me know. which I thought was rude of them. Then I changed and tried to go to the pool. But, alas, it was closed. Apparently, they have a very strict "sun sets, pool closes" policy. I am a nocturnal creature, so that hit me hard.
- Dinner: Wandered around the hotel. Got utterly lost. Found a dimly lit restaurant. Ordered something vaguely Mediterranean. Ate it while internally battling the urge to call my therapist. Oh, and I forgot something - My phone was out of charge. I didn't even last an hour and a half; I was already starting to lose it.
Day 2: The "Rooftop Revelation" and the Avocado Agony
- Morning: Okay, this is where things get… interesting. I was determined to embrace the "bohemian" vibe. I dragged myself out of bed, feeling a little too optimistic. Ascended to the rooftop at sunrise, ready for yoga. It was stunning, but the yoga class was… well, let's just say I'm not built for downward-facing dog. I spent most of the time staring at the ridiculously beautiful people around me and wondering how they all looked so effortlessly graceful.
- Breakfast: Avocado toast. The quintessential LA breakfast. Except, the avocado was hard as a rock. I tried to eat it anyway, hoping the "healthy" vibe would rub off on me. I failed. Avocado toast: 1, Me: 0.
- Afternoon: I decided to recover and go to the pool. I took the stairs down, no elevators. It took forever to go up, but even longer to come down. I was exhausted, and I wasn't going to be able to swim for a few hours. I had to go out to enjoy my stay.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant I read about. I was feeling adventurous, so I got the tasting menu. I got through it. I did it. It made me proud. I walked to my room and went straight to bed.
Day 3: The "Artistic" Attempt and the Great Coffee Catastrophe
- Morning: Today, I was going to be cultured. I decided to visit the hotel's "art gallery" (read: a room with a few paintings). I'm not sure I understood the art, or honestly, what it was supposed to be, but I admired it anyway. I found a book on art, and it was complicated. I asked the receptionist, but she was busy, so I left.
- Breakfast: Coffee. Desperately needed coffee. The hotel's coffee machine, however, was a disaster. Burnt coffee, lukewarm coffee, coffee that tasted vaguely of chemicals. I had to go out. So I went to a popular coffee shop. It. Was. Packed. I'm starting to hate everyone.
- Afternoon: Wandered the streets around the hotel. I bought a t-shirt. I'm not gonna lie, the t-shirt was kind of cool. This could be a good day.
- Evening: I ordered room service. The food took ages to arrive. I'm starting to miss my own bed.
Day 4: The Existential Crisis and the Almost-Perfect Sunset
- Morning: I woke up feeling defeated. I sat near the pool and watched the other people happily swim. I wish I knew how. I was starting to question everything. My life choices, my travel choices, my ability to function in a world of avocado toast and downward-facing dog.
- Afternoon: I tried to have a happy, relaxed day today. I went to the beach, but I couldn't swim. I walked along the sand. It's true, the sand was nice. I think I was starting to enjoy my surroundings.
- Evening: Finally, I felt happiness. I went to the rooftop and saw the sunset. It took my breath away. It was almost perfect.
Day 5: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
- Morning: My day off, and I can enjoy it. I woke up, and I felt like everything I did, I could do it again. I felt happy.
- Afternoon: I check out of my room. I was a bit sad. I'd made it through.
- Evening: Flight Home. I hope to have a long career.
Final Thoughts:
Petit Ermitage was… an experience. It was beautiful, it was expensive, and it wasn't exactly my cup of tea (or coffee, for that matter). I didn't become a bohemian, but I survived. And, you know what? Maybe that's enough. I still think about the rooftop view. Maybe I'll go back. Maybe not. But at least I’ve got the memories (and the slightly burnt taste of bad coffee) to keep me company. And that, my friends, is the truth of it. Now, where's the nearest burger?
Croatia's Hidden Gem: Hotel Molindrio's Paradise Awaits!
Petit Ermitage: LA's Hidden Gem? (YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS!) - My Chaotic FAQ!
Okay, Okay, So WHAT exactly *is* Petit Ermitage, anyway? It's always so mysterious...
Alright, picture this: You're in *Los Angeles*, right? Concrete jungle, right? Well, Petit Ermitage is like… a secret garden dropped smack-dab in the middle of it. It's a boutique hotel, allegedly with a *lot* of art, Moroccan influence, and supposedly a rooftop bar that's basically Instagram bait (more on this later...). Honestly, the first time I saw pictures, I was like, "Whoa, that's… intense." And, you know, in LA, that's saying something.
Think of it as a bohemian hideaway. They try hard with the vibe: candles everywhere, a bit of a mystical feel, supposed hummingbird sanctuary on the roof to make you feel deeply connected to nature, kinda. It’s supposed to be this escape from the "normal" LA craziness. Did I feel calm? Sometimes. Did I feel like I was in a movie? Definitely. Am I still confused? Maybe a little.
The Rooftop: Is it REALLY as amazing as *everyone* says? Spill the tea!
Okay, the rooftop. This is where things get… complicated. Yes. The views are stunning. Hollywood Hills, city lights… it’s *pretty*. The first time I went, I was practically drooling. I'm not exaggerating. I took a *ton* of pictures. Like, the kind you delete later when you realize you look possessed by the desire for likes.
But. And there’s always a *but*, isn't there? It's also… let’s say, *populated*. By beautiful people. The kind who probably know the secret to eternal youth and perfect eyebrow arches. It's a scene. You're either in it, or you're watching the scene. And let's be real, sometimes, *I* just want a drink and some peace. One time, I saw a woman spend a solid hour adjusting her shawl and staring dramatically at the sunset. Dramatic.
So, is it amazing? Yes, visually. Is it always relaxing? Absolutely not. Bring your best “cool” face, and maybe a backup. You might need it, trust me. And don't forget your sunglasses even when the sun goes down, you know, for the vibe.
The Rooms: Are they worth the $$$, or is it just… overpriced ambiance?
Okay, here’s where the rubber meets the road, financially speaking. The rooms are… *definitely* not cheap. And honestly? It depends on your priorities. The decor *is* beautiful. Think Moroccan-inspired everything. Think lush fabrics and quirky art. Think, "wow, I wish *my* house looked like this... but also, how much is this room a night again?"
The space can be on the smaller side, too. I booked a 'garden view' room, and the garden view was… well, it was there. It was beautiful, but it was right outside the room door, like the size of a postage stamp. I felt a little claustrophobic, tbh. Then again, I paid to stay *in* the experience, not the square footage. Another time I was staying there, and I swear I could hear the couple in the next room more clearly than I heard my own thoughts. Awkward for everyone involved.
So, are they worth the price? If you prioritize aesthetics, and you're prepared for a slightly less-than-spacious room, then maybe. If you want space and practicality, probably not. But will you instagram the crap out of it? Oh yes. It's basically a paid photoshoot with a bed.
The Food & Drinks: Is it actually any good? That rooftop bar menu must be a rip-off...
Alright, confession time: I went through a phase where I *hated* the food and drinks there. The rooftop bar? Yes, a bit pricey. The cocktails? Mostly ok. The food? Not necessarily something I’d rave about, but not exactly terrible either. It's… fine. The menu seemed to change every time I visited but I'm pretty sure I saw my credit card's face crumple up in distress the first time.
However, something shifted. One time I tried ordering the hummus platters and I was actually blown away. I don't know if they changed chefs or I was just *really* hungry that day, but that hummus? I'd go back just for that hummus. Then there was the time I ordered a sandwich, I swear, and I got it *before* the bartender was there. And the atmosphere of the rooftop bar? Perfect for a late night convo with the music and the lighting.
My advice? Temper your expectations. Order a cocktail (or two) and the hummus. You might be pleasantly surprised, or you might be disappointed. It's a gamble! But it's a beautiful place to be disappointed, at least. And if the hummus is bad? Well, at least you have the view to console you.
The Vibe: Is it as "magical" as they claim, or just… pretentious?
Okay, this is the million-dollar question, isn't it? The "vibe." The… *aura*. They really push the "magical" thing. And honestly? Sometimes, it works. When the sun is setting, the fairy lights are twinkling, and you're sipping a cocktail (that’s hopefully the hummus is already done!)… yeah. It can feel pretty damn special.
But… (there's always a but, isn't there?) It can also feel… forced. A little *try-hard*. Like, everyone's trying so hard to embody "bohemian chic" that they forget to just… relax. I've seen people spend more time posing for photos than actually eating or drinking. It’s all very… performative. One time, I saw a woman dressed in flowing white robes, doing yoga on the roof while a hawk circled overhead. I’m pretty sure she was wearing a full face of makeup. I felt weirdly underdressed in my jeans.
So, magical? Sometimes. Pretentious? Definitely, sometimes. It depends on your tolerance for that sort of thing. If you can embrace the weirdness, the performance, and the sheer LA-ness of it all, you'll probably have a great time. If you're expecting pure, unadulterated magic? Lower your expectations, and bring a sense of humor. And maybe a really good pair of sunglasses.
The Hummingbird Sanctuary: Is this even real?!
Okay, so...this is where things get REAL. The hummingbird sanctuary? They *claim* to have one. I’ve seen photos. Tiny little bird feeders and a lot of foliage. But I have *never*, and I repeat, *never* seen a hummingbird there. I’ve spent *hours* looking. Staring. Waiting. Biding my time. The closest I got was a distant buzz of a bee, and that one flew away.
Maybe I'm looking at the wrong time? Maybe I just don't have the patience? Maybe those little birdies are camera shy. I don’t know! But it’s become a bit of anCroatia's Hidden Gem: Hotel Park Plava Laguna - Paradise Found!
