Arrival/Check-In: Finding the Chamberlain is a bit of a problem: It looks more like private apartment residence than a hotel. But that proves to be its strong suit as well. Nestled on a residential street between Santa Monica and Sunset boulevards in West Hollywood, the Chamberlain is close to everything, but offers tranquility unavailable in most Los Angeles hotels. (19/20)

Guest Quarters: My guestroom was quite large with sophisticated, elegant styling in muted gray, blue and green tones. A mantelpiece with gas fireplace commanded the living area, which featured a large suede couch, overstuffed velvet chair and a sliding door to a concrete patio that I can’t imagine anyone fitting onto, other than the willowy model who was posing for a photo shoot in the lobby when we arrived. Tucked into a corner was a spacious desk with spotty Internet available for $9.95 a day. A long, dark wood banquette with built-in refrigerator, stereo and swiveling TV divided the space. The supremely comfortable bed had a long mirrored wall facing it. The bathroom, sadly, appeared to be an afterthought. An old (circa 1980s) sliding-glass-door tub was sunken into the new marble floor so that I had to step down to get into the tub. Definite design flaw: It was not pleasant to crawl out of a tub. And trying brushing your teeth! I admit I’m tall, but bending your knees to turn on the sink faucet is a bit much. (11/15)

Services/Amenities: The rooftop pool is definitely a drawing card. Lie back and enjoy the striking Hollywood Hills just in front of you, the sweeping skyline of downtown L.A. behind, or the beautiful bodies lounging on the sumptuous wide beds poolside. A meeting room is available right next to the pool. Downstairs the American bar and bistro serves fresh California cuisine in a pleasant bright space overlooking banana palms and native foliage. A small gym is on premises as well. Parking is available in the underground garage for $25 per night. The New York Times we were promised in the morning never arrived. Maybe we should have asked for the Los Angeles Times. (43/45)

The Experience: A chic boutique hotel with a classic, tailored feel, the Chamberlain West Hollywood is a relaxing place to unwind in bustling L.A. (18/20)

Total Score: 91/100

CHAMBERLAIN WEST HOLLYWOOD
1000 Westmount Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069
tel 310 657 7400
http://www.chamberlainwesthollywood.com