Palihotel Melrose: LA's Chicest Hidden Gem (You NEED to See This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I'm about to unleash a review of the Palihotel Melrose that's less polished brochure and more, well, me. Think of it as a slightly unhinged, but utterly honest, dispatch from the front lines of a LA hotel stay. And, yeah, I'm gonna try to make it SEO-friendly. Ugh, keywords… gotta love 'em.
Palihotel Melrose: LA’s Chicest Hidden Gem (You NEED to See This!) – My Take (Prepare for Honesty!)
Listen, I’ve stayed in hotels. Like, a lot of hotels. From fleabag motels that should probably be condemned to fancy-pants places where the doorman looks down his nose at you. And the Palihotel Melrose? It’s, well, it's different. It's got a vibe, for sure. And whether that vibe is your cup of artisanal, ethically-sourced tea, or more like a lukewarm, slightly-stale cup, well, that's what we're here to find out.
First Impressions – The "Wow" Factor (and a Little "Whoa")
Okay, let's be real. The photos online are GOOD. REALLY good. And the real thing? Pretty damn close. Think: Instagram-ready. Seriously, every corner begs to be photographed. Think "vintage chic" meets "modern cool." The lobby? Cozy, inviting, with a fireplace that makes you want to curl up with a book (which, spoiler alert, I tried to do. More on that later). The staff? Generally friendly and helpful. (With a little LA cool, of course. Don't expect too much enthusiasm before your first coffee).
Accessibility (Because, You Know, It Matters)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yep, they've got elevators, so that's a massive plus. Access to common areas seems decent, not flawless, but better than many.
- Facilities for disabled guests: I didn't personally experience this, but the website indicates they offer accessible rooms. Always call ahead to confirm and get specifics!
The Room – My Sanctuary (Maybe?)
Alright, let's talk rooms. My room had some good things and a few things that make me wonder what I pay for.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential in LA!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (YES!), Bathtub (another yes!), Blackout curtains (HEAVEN!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (Thank god), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (thank goodness), Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities (yay), Laptop workspace (useful), Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens.
Room Decorations: The design is on point. Think exposed brick, stylish furniture, and a curated selection of artwork. Everything feels considered. I loved the details like the cozy throw blankets.
The Downside (Because Nothing's Perfect): The room wasn't huge, mind you. I felt a bit crowded.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi [free] for the win! Strong and consistent signal. Internet access – wireless is a must. I did not ask about Internet [LAN].
Amenities – The Good, The "Meh," and The Missed Opportunities
- The Awesome: The little outdoor courtyard is a gem. Perfect for people-watching with a cocktail. And the pool (I think it's a Swimming pool [outdoor], but I may be wrong) is lovely, though the view is pretty good also, so maybe it is a Pool with view?
- The "Meh": I was hoping for a bit more in the way of spa services. The fitness center is pretty small. It's a Gym/fitness, no Sauna. There's a Spa, with Massage listed, but I just thought something else will be there.
- Things to do, ways to relax: A Terrace is there and that is pretty good.
Food & Drink – Fueling the Instagram Aesthetic
- Restaurants: The on-site restaurant (I think it's named "The Hart and the Hunter?" or something) is delicious, but a bit pricey. Good American cuisine in restaurant and they do Breakfast [buffet], and also Breakfast service. Coffee/tea in restaurant is ok. You can go to the Bar, and they have a Poolside bar.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: They have a Coffee shop.
- Room service [24-hour] is a major plus.
- I really enjoyed the Happy hour.
Cleanliness and Safety – Gotta Cover All the Bases
- Cleanliness and safety: They're taking it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, and signs about masking and distancing. But come on, do we need to cover it?
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Staff trained in safety protocol. Safe dining setup.
- Cashless payment service.
- The hotel's hygiene certification is the standard in the industry and I do not plan on going back for a while, but maybe the quality is the same
Services and Conveniences – The Extras That Matter (Sometimes)
- Concierge: Extremely helpful. They booked my dinner reservation and gave me some great local recommendations.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning available – appreciated after weeks of travel.
- Luggage storage: Handy, always.
- The Elevator is a really great thing, also the Car park [on-site].
- Doorman service.
Getting Around – Navigating the LA Maze
- Car park [free of charge]: Nope, not here. Expect to pay for parking.
- Airport transfer: Not sure.
- Taxi service.
Okay, Let's Get Real – The Imperfections & Quirks
This isn't a sterile, perfect experience. It's got character. And sometimes, that character means a few minor annoyances. The pool, for example, could get a little crowded. The service, while friendly, wasn't always lightning-fast. But hey, it's LA. Everything moves at its own, slightly-laid-back pace.
And, for the love of all that is holy, bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. LA traffic. Enough said.
For the Kids
- Family/child friendly, yes, but it's not a kid-centric hotel. I didn't see any Kids facilities, or Babysitting service which maybe my fault.
The Verdict – Should You Book It?
Yes. Absolutely. If you're looking for a stylish, well-located hotel with a cool vibe and a touch of luxury, Palihotel Melrose is a great choice. It's not perfect, but it's got heart. It's got charm. And it's got that special something that makes a hotel stay feel like a real experience.
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My Crazy-Awesome Offer (Because You Deserve It!)
Book your stay at Palihotel Melrose TODAY using the code "MELROSEVIBES" and get a complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability!) PLUS a free cocktail at the bar! (Because, you know, you deserve a drink after reading this review!)
I am also going to mention what they do not have
- Additional toilet,
- Bathroom phone
- Couple's room,
- Fire extinguisher,
- Internet [LAN]
- Pets allowed
- Proposal spot,
- Room decorations,
- Soundproof rooms.
- Body scrub,
- Body wrap,
- Foot bath,
- Sauna,
- Spa/sauna,
- Steamroom,
- Sterilizing equipment,
- Asian breakfast,
- Asian cuisine in restaurant,
- Bottle of water,
- Buffet in restaurant, *
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn’t your sterile, Pinterest-perfect travel log. This is real life, Palihotel Melrose style, and it’s probably going to get messy. Think… a slightly caffeinated, sleep-deprived poet trying to document their life while simultaneously trying to live it.
PaliHotel Melrose: A Semi-Coherent Journey
(Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret - I mean, Excitement)
- 8:00 AM (ish) - LAX Debriefing: Okay, first things first: LAX is a nightmare. I swear, the lines are longer, the security questions weirder, and the general vibe is just… existential dread. But hey, I’m here! Uber summoned, blasting some terrible pop music to drown out the anxiety. (Current theme song: "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift. Judge me.)
- 9:30 AM - Arrival at PaliHotel: "Charming" Doesn't Quite Cut It: The pictures online? Lies. Okay, okay, it’s cute. The lobby does have that vintage-y, effortlessly cool aesthetic they're going for. But the room? Miniature. Like, practically a walk-in closet masquerading as a bedroom. I've got a serious case of "room envy" already. And… is that a crack in the bathroom sink? (Deep breath. This is LA. Everyone's got cracks.) Still, the bed looks inviting.
- 10:00 AM - The Battle of the Coffee: Okay, the in-room coffee maker looks like something from the Stone Age. Time to brave the streets for a real caffeine fix. Found a cute little place (name escapes me, obviously) down the street with avocado toast that’s borderline offensive in its deliciousness. (I’m already spiraling into LA clichés. Send help.)
- 11:30 AM - The Melrose Walk of Shame (Err… Shopping?): I foolishly thought I could walk a few blocks and window shop. I quickly realized that my sandals were completely inadequate for the treacherous terrain. It’s hot. There is a distinct lack of shade. And everything is… expensive. I think I saw a single T-shirt go for $150. My bank account is already crying. But, the people-watching? Immaculate. I'm officially judging everyone's outfits.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch Debacle: Tried to get a table at some trendy restaurant everyone raves about. "No reservations," they said. "One-hour wait," they said. I gave up and ended up at a deli. I’m not complaining. A sandwich is good. But the restaurant's atmosphere felt a bit… pretentious.
- 3:00 PM - Nap Time!: Yes, I caved. The bed at Palihotel won. My soul needed this.
- 5:00 PM - The Pool: Expectations vs. Reality: The rooftop pool looked idyllic online. Reality? Tiny. Overcrowded. Loud. A gaggle of influencers are taking selfies. I managed to snag a slightly-too-warm lounge chair, but hey, it's water, a great place to people-watch, and the sun, I don't want to complain.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner. The Quest for "Authentic" LA: Dragged myself out of the hotel for dinner with a friend. It can be so hard to be on your own, but LA is full of some very wonderful people. We found some place that serves Mexican food. It didn't have many reviews, but was delicious. My friend, on the other hand, was not feeling well and had to leave. So I stayed, alone, and began to ponder my life. I can definitely say that I was very moved by my experience.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Yes. Sleep is calling.
(Day 2: Obsession & Over-Consumption)
- 8:00 AM - The Morning Ritual: Coffee, Regrets, and the Internet: That Stone Age coffee maker finally produced something vaguely drinkable. Scrolling through Instagram. More room envy. More envy. I'm pretty sure I've already developed an unhealthy attachment to my phone. Must. Break. Free.
- 9:00 AM - The Hunt for the Perfect Smoothie: Okay, this is where my obsession starts. I’d overheard someone raving about a smoothie place, so obviously, I had to find it. It took three wrong turns, one near-miss with a rogue skateboarder, and a prayer to the GPS gods, but I found the place. The smoothie was… divine. Like, life-altering. (I know, I'm dramatic. Deal with it.) The place as "Moon Juice," and it was a bit pricer than expected, but definitely worth it.
- 10:30 AM - Shopping Spree - The Good, The Bad, and the Bank Account Emptying: Fueled by the smoothie, I decided to tackle the shops. There was a lot of stuff I couldn't afford, but I managed to snag a reasonably priced leather jacket, a bag that was far more than I intended, and now I could see myself walking through the streets more comfortably.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at the restaurant I couldn't get in before. At Last! I saw the restaurant, and I couldn't resist the temptation. Getting in, I got seated very quickly and started to analyze the room. I was surrounded by all the beauty and the cool people. The food was exquisite, the music was perfect. I was living, I was thriving. I was so very happy.
- 3:00 PM - A Deep Dive into the City: I started to wonder about the city, and began to go into the Museum district. The city was amazing, and even though I went alone, I felt like I was never alone.
- 6:00 PM - Pre-Dinner Cocktail (or Five): Back to the hotel. The little bar situation at PaliHotel is cute. And I found a new friend. A couple of drinks later, I'm feeling very chatty. This could be disastrous. Or the best night ever. (Place your bets!)
- 8:00 PM - Late-Night Pizza and Deep Thoughts: One too many cocktails for a solo dinner! I ate the pizza, and it was a delicious, but I really got to spend more time with my thoughts.
- 10:00 PM - Hotel Room Reflection: The evening I spent was amazing. I'm so glad I came.
(Day 3: The Farewell, and the Promise of Return)
- 9:00 AM - The Final Coffee and the Farewell Sigh: Okay, the hotel is growing on me. The weird sink crack doesn't seem so bad anymore. The tiny room? Still tiny, but… cozy. Saying goodbye feels bittersweet.
- 10:00 AM - A Last Wandering Mission: I wanted to buy a souvenir, and maybe one more smoothie.
- 12:00 PM - Headed To The Airport: I came to LA to do a lot of thinking, and I think I might have succeeded.
Final Thoughts:
Palihotel Melrose? Not perfect. Sometimes chaotic. Often overpriced. But somehow…perfectly LA. The people, the food, the sheer energy of the place, and the hotel… it all leaves an impact. I doubt I'll ever forget those few days spent in that tiny room, looking out at the city. I can't wait until I can return.
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Palihotel Melrose: Okay, So What's the Deal? (And Do I Need Therapy After Staying There?)
So, is Palihotel Melrose *actually* as cool as the Instagram pics make it look?
I went there last month, and let me tell you, the lobby bar is seriously gorgeous. I felt so out of place; I was probably the only person wearing jeans and a t-shirt. And you can bet I ordered something *fancy*. I was definitely trying to channel that "effortless cool" but ended up just spilling Aperol on myself while attempting to get a good photo for the 'gram. Failed, obviously. Still, *the vibe*... it's there.
What's the *actual* room situation like? Is it teeny-tiny or actually decent?
I booked a "deluxe" room and it took me a full 10 minutes to find the right light switch. Finally, the little lamp by the bed lit up, and then promptly went out again. Classic. They fixed it—eventually. But it did make me feel like I was living a really stylish version of "The Twilight Zone".
And the food? Do I need to remortgage my house to eat there?
I took my partner there, and they thought the biscuits were "overhyped". Honestly, I almost ended the relationship right there. How can you not like those biscuits?! We're still recovering from that debate. In summary, the food is amazing—but maybe have a back-up plan for a less expensive meal if you need it.
Is the location actually any good, or are you just trapped in a fashion-forward bubble?
I walked to a vintage store and spent way too much money on a dress. I felt fabulous! Except, I spilled the Aperol on the dress so...yeah. The point is, you're in the thick of it. Which, depending on your personality, might be a blessing or a curse. Prepare to embrace the L.A. scene, even if it feels a little overwhelming at times.
What about the staff? Are they friendly, or are they too busy being hip to help?
I asked for extra towels. It took a solid 45 minutes, and I felt like I was imposing. Not the end of the world, but it's something to be aware of. I got there eventually. And the towels were lovely.
So, the main question: Is Palihotel Melrose worth the price tag?
It's an experience! Even if the room is a bit small, a few things go wrong, the staff is not exactly over-the-top, and the costs are higher than you generally spend. The atmosphere, the art, the food (the biscuits!!), the location… It's all a very specific, very cool package. It's not perfect. It's not even always practical. But damn, it's stylish. If you can afford it, you'll love it, even if you’re not particularly cool. You'll at least *feel* like you are for a few days. Now, to book my next trip… and maybe work on my Aperol-spilling skills.
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