THE CHARLIE WEST HOLLYWOOD
About the Castle Hotel
The Charlie, West Hollywood - An Oasis of Old Hollywood Charm
In a city that thrives on the new and the now, The Charlie West Hollywood offers a rare and coveted commodity: sanctuary. This historically designated hotel, originally built in 1924 by the Ruth Gordon family and once owned by Charlie Chaplin himself, provides an escape from the city's ceaseless hum, yet remains squarely within its vibrant heart. It is a place where the glamour of a bygone era meets the comforts of discreet luxury, presenting an experience that feels both timeless and profoundly personal.
Location
Situated in West Hollywood, The Charlie is ideally positioned, offering a serene retreat just moments from the city's pulse. Its address places it within easy reach of the famed Sunset Strip, Melrose Avenue's trendy boutiques, and the cultural offerings of LACMA, all within a few kilometers. The property itself, set behind iron gates, opens into an English garden, immediately transporting guests to a more tranquil time. The immediate surroundings whisper of quiet elegance, a stark contrast to the more overt glitz of Hollywood Boulevard, which lies a short drive away. Personally, I find the juxtaposition of its peaceful garden setting with its proximity to the city's energetic core to be one of its most compelling charms.
Style and Character
Stepping onto the grounds of The Charlie is akin to stepping back into the Golden Age of Hollywood. The architecture and landscaping evoke the 1920s, with mature trees and beautiful greenery creating a sense of seclusion. Each of the 14 individually furnished suites is named after a celebrity who once graced these halls - names like Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Gloria Swanson are whispered through the property's history. This is not a place of sterile, contemporary design; instead, it offers an atmosphere of lived-in elegance, where original features are respected and celebrated. The effect is less a museum and more a collection of charming, character-filled homes, each with its own story to tell.
Service and Facilities
The mission here is clear: to provide white-glove service with a personal touch. While the property focuses on intimate, personalized attention rather than a vast array of amenities, what is offered is thoughtfully curated. Guests can find respite on the large communal deck, enjoying all-day sun and shade with comfortable seating areas, or find quiet contemplation near the property's fountains and garden. The emphasis is on creating a serene environment where guests feel cared for and at ease, allowing them to relax fully. It's a service style that values discretion and genuine hospitality over fanfare.
Rooms
The 14 suites at The Charlie are the heart of the experience, each unique and named after a former luminary. Designed for comfort and a sense of home, they offer spacious layouts that often include separate living and dining areas, complete with full kitchens and private patios. The ground-floor suites provide built-in amenities like walk-in living rooms with pull-out couches, dedicated office areas, and powder rooms. Higher-tier suites, such as the Betty and Sasha, further enhance this with distinct seating and dining spaces. You can almost imagine the stars themselves enjoying their morning coffee on the patio, surrounded by lush greenery, or perhaps finding inspiration in the dedicated workspace. Attention to detail is evident, from the premium bedding ensuring excellent sleep to the thoughtfully appointed kitchens equipped for a longer stay. It's a level of space and amenity rarely found, making you feel as though you've found your own private Los Angeles residence.
Food and Drink
While The Charlie does not feature an on-site restaurant or bar, it is exceptionally equipped for in-suite dining. Each suite comes with a fully fitted kitchen, complete with stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers, and necessary cookware, making it effortless to prepare meals. The spacious open-plan living and dining areas are perfect for enjoying breakfast al fresco on your private patio, perhaps accompanied by the gentle sound of birds and fountains. This self-sufficiency is a key part of the hotel's appeal, allowing guests the freedom to dine on their own terms, whether it's a simple snack or a full meal prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Value for Money
The Charlie offers a unique proposition in the Los Angeles hotel scene, one that prioritizes space, privacy, and historic charm over the typical hotel frills. The rates reflect the generous square footage, full kitchens, private outdoor spaces, and the exclusive, intimate atmosphere. For those seeking an authentic taste of old Hollywood, a place to truly unwind and feel at home, or a unique setting for a longer stay, The Charlie provides considerable value. It's an investment in an experience that feels far more personal and spacious than standard hotel accommodations.
Accessibility
Specific details regarding accessibility for guests with disabilities, such as adapted rooms or wheelchair access, are not prominently featured in the provided information. The property's historic nature and the presence of petite wood stairs in some suites suggest potential limitations, though the ground-floor suites may offer easier access.
Family-Friendly
The spacious, open-plan suites at The Charlie, particularly those featuring separate living and dining areas and full kitchens, make them exceptionally well-suited for families. The inclusion of pull-out couches in some ground-floor suites further enhances their capacity. The private patios offer safe, secluded spaces for children to relax, and the garden setting provides a tranquil environment. The ability to prepare meals in-suite offers convenience and cost-effectiveness for families, making it feel less like a hotel stay and more like a temporary home.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Concierge desk
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Fireplace
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Cycling
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
- Dryer
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Services
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Grocery shopping service
Dining
- Snack bar
- Outdoor dining area
- Picnic area/ Tables
Business
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Babysitting/Child services
- Playpen
- Board games
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Massage
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Dressing area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Dining table
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Washing machine
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
- Dryer
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- HBO available
- Direct dial telephone
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor