Petit Ermitage: LA's Hidden Gem Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!)
Petit Ermitage: LA's Hidden Gem? Don't Believe the Hype… And Maybe You Should. (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups. I'm about to unleash on you my experience at Petit Ermitage. They call it a “hidden gem.” Look, I’ve seen a few gems in my time, and sometimes a gem is just a really polished rock. But this… this is something else. It’s a whole vibe, a whisper of bohemian cool mixed with, well, let’s just say the ghosts of some very interesting past lives.
First Impressions (And the Elevator That Almost Killed Me!)
Okay, so the location is killer. Nestled in the hills of West Hollywood, the address alone feels exclusive. Finding parking? A nightmare. Valet parking is thankfully available, and I'm pretty sure it's a non-negotiable. The exterior? Beautiful, sprawling, kinda bougie. Now, getting to my room… that's where the fun began. The elevator. Oh, the elevator. It’s like a vintage movie prop. Slow. Creaky. And, honestly? I spent a solid minute wondering if I was going to be its final passenger. (They've got an elevator! Accessibility is a thing, right? More on that later).
Accessibility: The Fine Print (and the Hills)
Now, about that elevator… it’s important, but that is the only major accessibility issue I noted, other than the terrain. The hotel is built into a hillside, and maneuvering around can be a workout. So, if you have mobility issues, definitely inquire beforehand about room placement and ease of access to the pool and restaurants. But, the elevator is present and it’s an improvement, and most importantly, the staff are incredibly helpful.
Cleanliness and Safety: Post-Pandemic Peace of Mind, I Hope
COVID-19 has changed everything, hasn’t it? Petit Ermitage seems to have taken it seriously. They brag about anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They've got hand sanitizers everywhere, and staff wear masks. I didn't see the "professional-grade sanitizing services" in action – but hey, trust is a two-way street, right? They also offer room sanitization opt-out. I opted in. I'm a germaphobe, okay? I even made the maid change the sheets! I’m that guest. But I felt, for the most part, reasonably safe… but I cannot promise it.
The Room: More Than Just a Bed (But the Bed is Important)
Once I finally wrestled myself and my luggage to the room (thanks, elevator!), I finally got to breathe a sigh of relief. I mean, I survived. And wow. The rooms… they're beautiful. Dark, romantic, and full of character. Think plush velvet, mirrored surfaces, and a balcony overlooking… wait for it… a swimming pool. My room had a comfy sofa, desk, and a huge separate shower/bathtub (a big plus for a long day travelling). The bed? Delicious. Extra long, perfect linens, and blackout curtains that meant I could sleep until noon (and, let’s be honest, I did). I also appreciated the coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, and in-room safe. And yes, thankfully, free Wi-Fi. (I’m not sure how anyone survived without it while wandering around).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Journey
Okay. Where do I even begin? Let's start with room service. 24 hours. That's the gospel. I ordered breakfast in my room on the first day and I could’ve eaten the entire plate – and did. They offer different options and even Asian breakfast, western breakfast, and even had some vegetarian options. They also have essential condiments in the room so, that's pretty cool.
The main restaurant has a beautiful outdoor terrace, which is awesome for people-watching, (and a great spot for the free breakfast). Plus, there's a poolside bar for those lazy afternoon cocktails. They also have a coffee shop. I was in heaven. I could get my caffeine fix and then head to the pool and do nothing.
Things to Do (Or Not Do): Finding Your Inner Zen
This is where Petit Ermitage truly shines. Seriously. The pool is stunning – a real focal point, and the view? Epic. It’s truly something special.
Now, they’ve got a fitness center, a spa offering massages, and even a sauna and steamroom. I’m not a huge spa person, but I did treat myself to a massage, and it was pure bliss. All the stress of the elevator and the hills suddenly disappeared.
Oh, and they offer a "Body scrub and wrap"… that sounds amazing. But I skipped it.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost)
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. They offer a concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, and luggage storage. They even arranged a car service for my airport transfer. Contactless check-in/out? Check. 24-hour front desk? Check. Essential stuff to keep you going? Check. The only thing that felt missing was a teleportation machine.
The Quirks, the Charms, and the "Is This Real Life?” Moments
Petit Ermitage is not perfect. It’s got character, which means it’s got some (minor) flaws. It's a little quirky. The decor is a mixed bag of bohemian chic and art-deco flair and some things did feel a little worn.
My biggest “WTF?” moment? I'm not sure if the Shrine is supposed to be authentic but it felt kinda… well, an attempt. But hey, the intention is there, right? Overall, it’s the imperfections that make it real.
For the Kids (And Those Who Wish They Were):
I don't have kids. But I did see a few families there, and they have babysitting services and some kids' facilities. They definitely seem child friendly.
Getting Around: (Prepare for the Hills!)
Airport shuttle? Yes. Car park free of charge? Yes. Taxi service? Yes. The hotel itself is a bit challenging to navigate, so be prepared for a bit of a walk.
The Verdict: Hidden Gem? Maybe, But Definitely a Place to Remember.
So, is Petit Ermitage a hidden gem? Well, the prices are definitely not hidden (it’s not a budget hotel), and it’s got a certain vibe that’s not for everyone. But the beauty, the pool, the service, all together gives me a unique experience. It's a place to escape, to relax, to pretend you're a glamorous bohemian for a few days. Forget the typical generic experience. It's definitely worth a look, and a stay. Maybe you'll hate it. Maybe you'll love it. But you won't forget it.
My Offer: Treat Yourself, You Deserve It.
Ready to experience the magic (and the quirks) of Petit Ermitage?
Book your stay between [Start Date] and [End Date] and get:
- A complimentary upgrade to the next room category (based on availability)!
- A bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival to kickstart your relaxation.
- A $50 credit towards spa treatments or dining. (Massage, anyone?)
Why wait? Treat yourself to a little bit of LA luxury, and a whole lot of personality. Click here to book your unforgettable Petit Ermitage experience today!
Escape to Paradise: St. Ives Holiday Village Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is me, wrestling with my inner travel demon, trying to make sense of a trip to Petit Ermitage. Prepare for a wild ride… and maybe a little existential dread.
Petit Ermitage: My Soul's Attempt at a Rehab Retreat (Or, The Time I Probably Overate Gouda)
(Day 1: Arrival & Disorientation, AKA "Where Did I Park? And Is That a Butterfly? Seriously?")
- 1:00 PM: Fly into LAX. (Ugh, LAX. The purgatory of airports. I swear, I age five years just walking to baggage claim.) The flight was delayed… surprise, surprise. I swear, there's a conspiracy to make us all hate flying.
- 2:30 PM: Uber to Petit Ermitage. The driver was an aspiring actor who wouldn't STFU. He kept regaling me with his "amazing" audition stories. I wanted to scream, but also, I think he was adorable. Still, dude, I just want to get to my overpriced hotel in peace.
- 3:30 PM: Check-in at Petit Ermitage. Okay, the hotel. It's… gorgeous. Like, ridiculously Instagrammable. I'm already regretting not packing more cute dresses. The whole "bohemian chic" vibe is very… intense. And the lobby? Butterflies, butterflies EVERYWHERE. Is this some sort of metaphor? Am I supposed to become a better person here? Or just wear more caftans?
- 4:00 PM: Explore the grounds. Holy moly. This place is labyrinthine. Finding my room felt like navigating a Tolkien novel. I think I got lost three times before I even hit the pool. Speaking of which…
- 4:30 PM: Attempt to "Relax" by the pool. The pool area is stunning. But also… crowded. And full of perfectly tanned people who look like they're effortlessly beautiful. I feel like a deflated beach ball. I ordered a "detox" smoothie and it tasted like sadness.
- 6:00 PM: Struggle to unpack and find my bearings. (Seriously, where IS my phone charger?!) My suitcase exploded. Clothes everywhere. I'm a hot mess. This is not the elegant, zen retreat I envisioned. This is the reality of my life crammed into a fancy hotel room.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. I’m tired, hungry and I decided to eat as much as possible. I ordered, like, every single thing on the menu. And the Gouda Board. Oh, GOD, the gouda. It was so creamy, and complex… my brain just turned to cheese. I'm pretty sure I went into a Gouda-induced coma halfway through the second cheese. (Don't judge me.)
(Day 2: Art, Angst, and Gouda Regret)
- 9:00 AM: Yoga class (or, the humbling realization that I am not, in fact, bendy). I think the instructor was judging me. My downward dog looked more like a confused cockroach. Plus, I could barely concentrate because I was still thinking about that gouda.
- 10:00 AM: Wander through the hotel's art collection. Okay, I'm not going to lie, the art is impressive. But I'm not sure I "get" any of it. There was this one piece that was just a giant, neon green square. I stared at it for a good 15 minutes, trying to decipher some hidden meaning. Gave up.
- 11:00 AM: Journaling and introspection (aka, trying not to spiral). I tried to embrace the whole "find yourself" thing. I wrote a few stream-of-consciousness thoughts. Mostly about gouda, my crippling fear of aging, and how my life is a series of unfortunate events. Bleak, much?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant (gourmet salad with a side of guilt). The salad was delicious! But I kept thinking about all the cheese I'd consumed the night before. The Gouda was getting to me. Like, physically, I felt the Gouda in my intestines, and I was not happy about it.
- 2:00 PM: Rooftop pool and contemplation (aka, people-watching and judging… myself). The pool is amazing, if you can actually find an available sun lounger. I spent the afternoon watching beautiful people, mostly teenagers on their phones. I'm getting too old for this.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the hotel's hidden Zen Garden. Okay, THIS was actually cool. It’s a small, serene space tucked away behind a wall of bougainvillea. For a moment, I think I forgot about the Gouda, and things felt… ok.
- 6:00 PM: Prettend to read in the room. It felt like I’m the only one not getting this.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant (attempted redemption). I ordered a simple salad with grilled chicken. And no cheese! Success! The waiter brought the wrong order. It was a pizza. I wanted to scream, but it was too delicious to refuse. I had gouda on it. It was a bad choice!
(Day 3: Departure & Existential Gouda Rambling)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. (You guessed it: I had cheese.) I couldn't help myself. Cheese cravings are a serious thing. I told you!
- 10:00 AM: Final wander around the property. (Goodbye, beautiful butterflies!) I still feel like a confused beach ball. But also strangely… connected? It’s a strange place, Petit Ermitage. Full of contradictions. It's a bit pretentious. A whole lot expensive. But… beautiful. And now, I'm somehow the owner of a small Gouda-infused regret, which will follow me through the rest of my days.
- 11:00 AM: Check out.
- 12:00 PM: Uber back to LAX. (Praying there are no delays.)
- 1:00 PM: Existential Crisis in the LAX airport.
- 2:00 PM: Take off, Finally!
Final Thoughts:
Would I go back to Petit Ermitage? Maybe. If I felt like torturing myself with beauty and cheese, maybe. It's a place that haunts you, that asks you to think, to feel. And sometimes, maybe, that's a good thing. (Despite the Gouda.)
Escape to Paradise: St. Ives Holiday Village Awaits!
Petit Ermitage: LA's Hidden Gem? (You Won't Believe This!) - The Messy Truth
Okay, so what *is* Petit Ermitage, anyway? Like, is it worth the hype?
Alright, settle in, because the hype is...well, the hype is *there*. Think bohemian, but with money. Think whispers of secret gardens and rooftop cocktails. Think a place where you might bump into a famous actor...or, you know, just another stressed-out Angeleno. And *is* it worth it? Oof. That depends on your soul, really. For me? Mostly.
The pool. Tell me about the pool. Is it really as magical as the pictures?
The pool... the pool is a *mood*. It's not giant; it's not Olympic-sized. But the lighting, the bougainvillea spilling over, the general vibe... it’s undeniably dreamy. My first time? I walked in, took a deep breath, and immediately felt like I should be wearing a flowing white caftan and speaking in riddles. (Spoiler alert: I wasn't, and I don't.) The second time? I had a screaming toddler meltdown a few feet away, and it definitely burst that particular bubble. So, yes, magical if you're lucky, but life *happens*.
What about the rooms? Are they, like, actually nice or just Instagram bait?
Okay, the rooms are genuinely lovely. The decor is a mishmash of textures, colors, and vintage finds – it’s like living inside a really chic art collector's mind. My room had a balcony with a view of the courtyard – breathtaking! I loved this spot so much, I literally did not want to leave and nearly cried when I had to check out. The bathroom? Marble, people! Marble and a really strong shower. But… and there's always a *but*. Some rooms might feel a tad…dark. Not ideal if you're trying to, you know, actually *work*. And the walls? They have a certain...thinness. Let's just say I learned *way* too much about the couple next door. (Sorry, neighbors!)
Can you *really* dine under the stars?
Yes! The rooftop is the place to be. It's a real scene, but a good one. The food's decent, but honestly, you're there for the ambiance. The stars? Well, depending on LA's smog levels, you can *sometimes* see them. The vibe, the music, the cocktails… yeah, it's pretty great. It's where my first ever (awkward) date happened and also, sadly, where I spilled a whole glass of red wine down myself. So, yeah, it's memorable. In more ways than one.
What about the service? Is it snooty?
This is where things get a little… uneven. The staff are generally lovely. But every now and then, you might encounter a hint of that "LA" thing. You know the kind--the detached, hyper-cool, "I'm-too-good-for-this" vibe. It doesn’t ruin it, but it *can* be a little jarring if you're used to genuine warmth. Overall, though, they try, and there are some genuinely stellar people working there. Shout out to the guy who helped me find my phone after I left it at the bar. You're a lifesaver!
I’ve heard about a secret garden. Is it real? And if so, is it, you know, actually secret?
The secret garden! Oh, the secret garden. It's there. Yes, it’s real. And yes, it's pretty. Is it *secret*? Ha! Well, everyone knows where it is, but it *feels* secret. You kinda have to wander. You kinda have to… discover it. Seriously, go looking even though you know where it is, you'll still feel like it's a special place. It's perfect for hiding away with a book (which, let’s be honest, I never actually do. I'm too busy people-watching).
It mentions a "writer's retreat" vibe. Uh, *is* it? Will I write a novel there?
Look, I go there thinking I'm going to produce some sort of masterpiece. The quiet, the ambiance, the vague sense of gravitas... it's all very inspiring. But will you write a novel? Maybe. Probably not. I usually end up staring at my laptop, getting distracted by the pool, and then binge-watching bad reality TV because, let’s be real, that’s my creative process. But it’s a *nice* place to procrastinate, at least. Very nice.
Is it kid-friendly? Because, you know… toddlers.
Okay, this is where Petit Ermitage and I diverge. *Technically* they're kid-friendly. But the whole vibe – the quiet, the romantic, the… you know… *vibe* – doesn’t exactly scream "toddler paradise." I've done it, and as mentioned earlier, there were tears. On my part. And the kid, I suspect. So, you *can*, but maybe save it for a couples retreat if you have the option. Or, you know, bribe a babysitter. I'm not judging.
What’s the best time to go to Petit Ermitage?
Honestly? Mid-week, off-season (if there is one in LA, is there?). You’ll get more of the tranquility. And the staff might be a little less frazzled. Avoid weekends if you can stomach the crowds. Even better, go in the fall when there is a nice crisp in the air! That adds another layer of enjoyment to the whole experience.
Is Petit Ermitage worth the price?
Oof. This is the big one, isn't it? It's not cheap. It’s a splurge. But what luxury ever is “cheap”? Would I go every week? No. But for a special occasion, a little escape, a dose of LA magic? Absolutely. You're paying for the ambiance, for the experience,Find Your Perfect Stay
