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Food Frenzy At Los Angeles Hotels This Month

Where: 10740 Wilshire Blvd. [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

Foodies in Los Angeles are all abuzz lately about some big turnover in hotel restaurants around town—both on the menu and in the kitchen. Plus, now that there’s an end in sight to beach weather, it’s time to put the bikini away and start thinking about packing on the pounds for winter. Here are four of the stories and specials we’ve been following lately.

Last week, we stopped in for a dinner at the new restaurant in Beverly Hills’ Avalon Hotel, oliverio. To complement the 1960’s Italian-style redecoration (pictured above), new chef Mirko Paderno (formerly of Cecconi’s in West Hollywood), has created an Italian-inspired menu that is equal parts familiar and fanciful, with dishes like an octopus carpaccio with wild arugula, lemon and olive oil ($14); a panna cotta-like cauliflower soufflé with parmigiano sauce ($11); truffled pizza with spongy potato-based dough ($16); al dente tortelli stuffed with braised lamb in a light tomato-olive sauce ($17); and an enormous breaded veal chop with roasted potatoes ($34).

Believe it or not, even with pairings from the manageable and affordable Italian wine list, we still had room for desserts like semifreddo with cranberries and pistachio, and a citrus budino with bruléed lemon crème.

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Tags: Celebrity Scoop / Jonas Brothers / Kimpton Hotels / Westwood Hotels / → All Tags

Hotel Palomar Westwood Gets a Visit from The Jonas Brothers

Where: 10740 Wilshire Blvd. at Selby Avenue [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

And here we thought the Hotel Palomar Westwood was only for business travelers and proud parents of nearby UCLA students! But that's obviously not the case as tipster Paul points out that the Jonas Brothers were spotted boarding their tour bus in front of the hotel, looking "extremely exhausted."

Hmm...perhaps the boys made good use of the in-room spa services? We're sure the boys and their entourage would have plenty of room for those inside presidential suite which is a 750-square-foot suite that connects to guestrooms on either side to become a two-bedroom suite. There's also a separate living area and a deluxe bathroom, plus unobstructed views of Los Angeles.

However, Jonas Brothers fans will just have to settle for a 350-square-foot deluxe room which are currently going for $174 a night.

[Photo: Sprinkle Pop Online]

Tags: Tax Relief Deals / Hotel Packages / Kimpton Hotels / Hotel Deals / → All Tags

The Palomar Westwood Provides Tax Relief…And Candy!

Where: 10740 Wilshire Blvd. [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

Has tax time got you stressed out this year? The April deadline to get your check to the IRS fast approaches, but no matter what size the chunk Uncle Sam is taking out of your salary, you can find some “sweet” relief at the Hotel Palomar in Westwood.

Available for travel throughout the month of April, Kimpton’s Sweet Tax Relief package means that the hotel will pay your room tax for you when you book a room overnight. Not only that, but the staff will be sure to sweeten the deal by strewing a few financial-themed candy bars like Payday and 100 Grand around your room.

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Tags: Celebrity Scoop / Kimpton Hotels / Los Angeles Hotels / → All Tags

Katherine Heigl and TR Knight Spotted at Palomar Westwood's BLVD 16

Where: 10740 Wilshire Blvd [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

It always makes us smile when celebs seem to have the same sort of relationship as their on-screen characters (and makes us sad when on and offscreen couples break up offscreen and continue to play out the relationship on screen because we can almost feel the awkwardness). Luckily, despite the on-again, off-again on-screen friendshippy-relationship between TR Knight and Katherine Heigl — who play drama-addled BFF's Izzie and George on ABC's Grey's Anatomy — the two actors were spotted having dinner together in L.A. at Hotel Palomar's restaurant BLVD 16.

According to People.com, they were dining with Heigl's mother and her husband Josh Kelley:

"The group looked to be having a great time," says an onlooker. Heigl, in red, order mac and cheese, while others in her group ate sashimi.

She has a gay BFF and she eats mac and cheese! She's just like us! No word on anyone's cocktail choices, but we're sure someone was drinking something festive.

Tags: Holiday Cocktails / Hotel Bars / Holiday Hotels / Kimpton Hotels / → All Tags

Holiday Concoctions at BLVD 16

Where: 10740 Wilshire Blvd [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

It's the most wonderful time of the year! We love the holiday season because it's when our alcohol problem gets overlooked all in the name of spreading cheer, peace on earth, Jesus was born on this day and blah blah blah. What better way can we celebrate this freedom than by saddling up to a hotel bar and ordering one of their special Holiday Cocktails? We'll be taking a look at these concoctions all season long. If you have a suggestion, don't hold out on us.

The Hotel Palomar Westwood's BLVD 16 restaurant in Los Angeles has gone gung-ho for the holidays with three specialty cocktails. How convenient it is that we like to drink a lot and how convenient it is that we live just a few miles (a quick cab ride) from the hotel. Even better, these specialty cocktails are more reasonably priced than most drinks in Los Angeles.

The Holiday Cocktails menu is listed after the jump.

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Tags: Hotel Happenings / Kimpton Hotels / LA Hotels / Hotel Cocktails / Hotel Bars / → All Tags

Hotel Happenings :: "Tea Time" at Hotel Palomar Westwood's BLVD 16

Where: 10740 Wilshire Blvd [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

We all know that Kimpton Hotels love their daily wine and cheese-tasting hours in the lobby, but have you ever wanted something a little stronger, a little more fulfilling?

Well, if you're staying at the Hotel Palomar Westwood in Los Angeles, then you're in luck.

The hotel's excellent BLVD 16 restaurant just announced a Happy Hour from 4-7pm where diners can score select items from the bar menu at 50 percent off. Such items include Marinated Olives, Wild Mushroom Crostini, Crispy Local Calamari, Herb Kennebec Fries, Summertime Tempura, and Charcuterie.

The restaurant/bar is also serving new "Special-Teas" cocktails at $6 a piece.

And because of the tea-fusion cocktails, the restaurant is calling their Happy Hour "Tea Time." Ha! While we do love our high hotel teas, this one definitely beats Earl Grey and finger sandwiches.

Another reason why this happy hour is good for you? Everything sold inside BLVD 16 is locally produced. Word.

Tags: Kimpton Hotels / Hotel Reviews / Los Angeles Hotles / Fred Bernstein / → All Tags

The Times Loves Hotel Palomar Westwood as Much as We Do

Where: 10740 Wilshire Boulevard [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

When we checked out Hotel Palomar back in May we loved that Kimpton opted for a true opening with introductory rates, as opposed to a soft launch with rooms at full price. Turns out, we and The New York Times have this in common.

Such transparency makes it easier to endure the inevitable growing pains of a new hotel, the Times says, making any guest feel "appreciated and eager to return."

Like us, Times scribe Fred A. Bernstein loved Hotel Palomar's "jazzy décor" and its triumphant dishes at Boulevard 16. "Picture a W hotel, with lower prices and a sense of humor," Bernstein sums up. [Ed note: Oooh, burn!]

He also helpfully points out a few things we didn't know about Hotel Palomar: The hotel offers parking discounts for hybrid vehicles and free coffee and tea in the morning and wine, olives and nuts in the afternoon.

Just be sure to book a room by October if you want to secure the opening rate of $229.

Tags: Kimpton Hotels / Hotel Openings / Los Angeles Hotels / Hotel Video Tours / Sneak Peeks / → All Tags

A Sneak Peek Inside the Hotel Palomar Westwood

Where: 10740 Wilshire Boulevard [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

Yesterday we were able to get a sneak peek at the Hotel Palomar in Westwood which will open tomorrow thus making it the first Kimpton Hotel in Los Angeles. Hurrah!

We've actually waited a long time to see this hotel come to fruition and so far, things are looking very good.

This here is room 1918, a vista deluxe guestroom on the top floor. The reason that it's called "vista" is because it offers a killer view of the Westside. Some rooms facing west at this hotel will even give guests a view of the ocean, provided it's a clear day. Just remember, that doesn't happen in LA too often.

Nevertheless, all rooms have huge 42"inch flat screen TVs, iHome alarm clock, L'Occitane bath products, and the popular Kimpton animal print robes. The hotel's restaurant, Boulevard 16 is also gearing up for an opening this week and pretty much everything is completed in the hotel, including the small pool and lounge area out back.

It's kind of refreshing isn't it? A true hotel opening as opposed to a soft-opening with half-finished rooms. Special introductory room rates start at $229. The vista deluxe rooms start at $279.

Check out our photo gallery of the Hotel Palomar below.

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Hotel Opening Rates :: Hotel Palomar in Los Angeles to Open Thursday

Where: 10740 Wilshire Blvd. at Selby Avenue [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

By gosh, The Hotel Palomar Westwood has totally beaten our expectations of opening.

We last heard May 1, 2008 and when we did a drive-by of the place a month ago, there was still a lot of exterior construction going on so we figured, "Late Summer 2008."

However, the hotel will open this Thursday May 8, 2008 and rates are starting at $229 a night. The hotel will be the first Kimpton hotel in Los Angeles and despite its location in Westwood, away from Hollywood proper, the hotel will tell the story of "art in motion pictures."

We've been told that the hotel's construction should be completely finished when it opens on Thursday. This is not really a soft-opening a la Thompson Hotel-style. We're hoping to swing by the place today so we'll give you a full report tomorrow.

Tags: Kimpton Hotels / Hotel Hype / Green Hotels / → All Tags

Hotel Palomar Los Angeles to be Totally Hollywood and 'Eco-Chic'

Where: 10740 Wilshire [map], Los Angeles, ca, United States, 90024

We've been eagerly awaiting the first Kimpton Hotel in Los Angeles, the Hotel Palomar on Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood.

Last we heard the hotel was set to open in April but we regularly drive by this hotel and there still seems to be a lot of construction/renovation going on. Nevertheless more details have emerged on this hotel which now has the new opening date of May 1.

It's actually very interesting. The hotel is going all Hollywood. From the press release:

Hotel Palomar pays homage to art, architecture, fashion, dance and literature. Seeking to make each guest's stay a masterpiece, Hotel Palomar is focused on sensual décor, thoughtful amenities and exemplary service. Los Angeles' sparkling film and art landscape, with an emphasis on the city's glamorous silver screen heritage and the latest cutting-edge technology, will play a leading role in Hotel Palomar Los Angeles' "Art in Motion" story.

The hotel's interior design will feature "shocks of ice blue and lipstick red", the favorite hues of starlets from Marilyn Monroe to Scarlett Johansson.

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Tags: Party Dispatch / Hotel Parties / W Hotels / Fashion Week Hotels / → All Tags

Party Dispatch: Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion at the W Hotel Westwood

Where: 930 Hilgard Ave. [map], Los Angeles, ca, United States, 90024

Last night we stopped in at the W Westwood Hotel for Gen Art's launch party for their Fresh Faces in Fashion 2007 which is part of next week's LA Fashion Week.

The cabanas set up poolside were displaying the collections of some of the hot new fashion designers backed by Gen Art. And as a treat, the W Hotels spa partner, Bliss, was giving out hand massages thus making sure that the already well-dressed guests had soft hands for networking.

Since Botox was co-hosting the party, pretty girls handed out free consultations for underarm sweat (which Botox can cure.) We have already decided that once we turn 35, Botox will become our new best friend for those soon-to-develop crow's feet.

The actual Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion is on October 12th and the W Hotel is offering a Gen Art Catwalk package that includes two tickets to the fashion show, two cocktails, two Bliss Poutrageous Lip Plumpers, and car service in a new Acura MDX to the Petersen Automotive Museum (the site of the show). Use code WWT to book.

Also, while we were at the W Westwood, we got a preview of the newly renovated rooms inside the hotel. It's the first renovation for the rooms (although the pool and public spaces have been redone at least once before) and the goal was to transform the rooms into " chic, modern bungalows, with a balance between urban comfort and Southern Californian glamour." An added bonus? This is all Queer Eye design guru Thom Filicia's handiwork. So check back on Monday for the full room tour.

Related Stories:
· Hotel Happenings: W Westwood's Sunday Night Movies [HotelChatter]

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Hotel Happenings: W Westwood's Sunday Night Movies

Where: 930 Hilgard Avenue [map], Los Angeles, ca, United States, 90024

The W Westwood Hotel in Los Angeles has teamed up with The Hollywood Reporter this summer to offer Sunday Night Movies by the pool.

The movies are being shown from now through October 28 on a large movie screen and flat-screen LG TVs set up by the pool.

Typically, the shows start at around 8pm. This Sunday, the hotel will be showing Untamed Heart starring Christian Slater and Marisa Tomei. (Apparently, it's from 1993. We musta missed it.) Next weekend, it's West Side Story.

Food and cocktails are served at the hotel's Backyard restaurant and there's no RSVP or (even better) no charge for admission. However, you may have to fight a gaggle of girls for the cabana seatings.