LA’s iconic Sunset Town completes multi-million dollar top-to-toe transformation

1000 664 Hamish Kilburn
  • 0

LA’s iconic Sunset Tower completes major renovation to restore character and charm within a 1920s shell…

Sunset Tower, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic hotels, has completed a major multi-million-dollar transformation. Led by owner Jeff Klein, the Art Deco masterpiece is located on Sunset Boulevard and has been an exclusive hub for the Hollywood elite since opening its doors in 1931.  Today, the hotel has been lovingly restored to maintain its true character without losing its sense of history.

Designed in 1929 by architect Leland A. Bryant, Sunset Tower was a trailblazer from the moment it opened

The updated design has revealed elegant, stylish new interiors, a beautifully designed Terrace Bar, a fresh outdoor terrace and swimming pool, plus 7,000ft2 fitness and wellness area and spa.  The chicest and most welcoming room in town – The Tower Bar and Restaurant – has remained untouched.

Designed in 1929 by architect Leland A. Bryant, Sunset Tower was a trailblazer from the moment it opened.  Perched atop Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, its dramatic setting and elegant Art Deco styling, together with its proximity to famous restaurants and nightclubs of the 1930s & 40s, contributed to its landmark status.

The-floor-to-ceiling panoramic views and state-of-the-art luxuries made it a hub for the great and the good during the ‘golden era’ of Hollywood when it was très chic to reside at the Sunset Tower.  Residents included Truman Capote, Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Errol Flynn, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.  John Wayne, whose former apartment is now the hotel’s gym, even kept his pet cow on the balcony so that guests could have fresh milk with their coffee.

Klein’s vision for the Sunset Tower’s refurbishment was to let the hotel design itself.  He wanted to restore its heart and soul without losing its character or having a named designer take over such a landmark building.

Hamish Kilburn / 07.08.2018

Share

  • 0

You might also like

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.