Los Angeles is full of iconic hotels, but few capture the vibe of Hollywood as effortlessly as The Grafton Hotel LA. Located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, this boutique hotel offers more than just a place to sleep—it’s an experience. Think bold design, a saltwater pool, stylish rooms, and easy access to LA’s legendary nightlife.
When you stay at the Grafton, you’re not just booking a room—you’re immersing yourself in the Hollywood lifestyle. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a music festival, or business meetings, the hotel blends luxury, convenience, and character in a way that larger chain hotels often miss.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything that makes The Grafton Hotel LA stand out: its history, its rooms, dining, location on Sunset Boulevard, nearby attractions, real guest reviews, and tips for planning your stay. By the end, you’ll know why this West Hollywood gem is a favorite for travelers who want both comfort and charisma.
Explore The Grafton Hotel LA on google maps
The Grafton Hotel LA – A Quick Overview
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Location: 8462 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
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Vibe: Boutique luxury with a bold, modern edge
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Highlights: Saltwater pool, stylish rooms, walkable nightlife, Hollywood energy
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Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and professionals who want to be in the heart of the action
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Nearby Attractions: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip venues, Beverly Hills, Melrose Avenue
📌 Traveler Tip: Parking in West Hollywood can be tricky—valet parking at the Grafton makes life easier if you’re driving.
The Location – Sunset Boulevard at Your Doorstep
The Grafton Hotel LA isn’t just in Los Angeles—it’s at the beating heart of West Hollywood. Sunset Boulevard, often called the Sunset Strip, is famous for:
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Legendary nightclubs and live music venues (Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy)
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Trendy bars, lounges, and rooftop hangouts
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Upscale restaurants and celebrity sightings
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Iconic billboards that light up the night sky
From the Grafton, you can step outside and immediately feel the buzz. Want a quiet morning? Stroll along the palm-lined streets. Want nightlife? You’re a few minutes’ walk from world-famous venues.
📌 Local Favorite: Catch a sunset from a rooftop bar nearby—views of the Hollywood Hills against neon-lit boulevards are unforgettable.
The Rooms – Stylish Comfort with Personality
The Grafton Hotel LA is known for rooms that are bold, comfortable, and full of personality. Unlike chain hotels with cookie-cutter layouts, each room feels designed with flair.
Room Options:
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Standard King/Queen: Cozy yet chic, with plush bedding and modern décor.
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Suites: Larger spaces with separate living areas, perfect for longer stays.
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Poolside Rooms: Step outside directly to the saltwater pool—a favorite for couples and groups.
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City View Rooms: Overlook Sunset Boulevard, giving you a sense of LA energy even from indoors.
Room Features:
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Flat-screen TVs with streaming options
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Mini-bars stocked with local favorites
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Workspaces for business travelers
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Designer bathrooms with rainfall showers
📌 Traveler Tip: If you want a classic Hollywood stay, book a poolside room—the Grafton pool is one of the hotel’s highlights.
The Pool – A West Hollywood Icon
If there’s one feature that sets the Grafton apart, it’s the saltwater pool.
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Vibe: Surrounded by loungers and palm trees, the pool feels like a private oasis in the middle of the city.
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Events: Occasionally hosts poolside parties or private events.
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Design: Sleek, modern, and designed for both relaxation and socializing.
Many guests say the pool area alone makes the hotel worth it—it’s one of the largest pools on the Sunset Strip.
📌 Local Tip: Even if you’re not swimming, grab a cocktail and spend an afternoon lounging by the pool. It’s peak LA living.
Dining & Bars at The Grafton Hotel LA
While The Grafton isn’t a mega-resort with multiple in-house restaurants, it punches above its weight in food and drink. The focus is on quality over quantity, with stylish spaces and carefully curated menus.
The On-Site Lounge & Bar
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Atmosphere: Trendy but laid-back, often with dim lighting and music that fits the Hollywood vibe.
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Drinks: Craft cocktails, California wines, and a rotating selection of local beers. Bartenders are known for mixing strong, creative drinks.
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Food: Small plates, tapas-style bites, and casual meals perfect for pre-nightlife dining.
📌 Traveler Tip: Ask about the bartender’s signature cocktail—it changes seasonally and is often a highlight.
Poolside Dining
One of the joys of staying at The Grafton Hotel LA is ordering food and drinks poolside. Guests rave about sipping margaritas while lounging under palm trees or grabbing quick bites before heading out for the night.
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Menu Favorites: Fresh salads, sliders, and flatbreads.
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Vibe: Relaxed and social. Perfect for couples or groups who want a casual meal without leaving the hotel.
Nearby Dining on Sunset Boulevard
The real culinary magic happens just outside The Grafton. Sunset Boulevard is lined with world-class dining, from celebrity-chef restaurants to quirky local eateries.
Notable Spots Within Walking Distance:
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BOA Steakhouse: Upscale dining with perfectly grilled steaks and sleek décor.
Had such an awesome dinner with friends! The staff was very attentive and fun with our table. Food was delicious— we tried the meatball appetizer and cheesecake dessert this time— both were the highlights. The steaks were perfectly cooked, like always. Try the “Clean” cocktail!
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Saddle Ranch Chop House: A lively spot famous for its oversized portions, mechanical bull, and rock-and-roll vibe.
Visiting from UK and staying next door at the Andaz. Got a nice table outside- and everything about the meal was superb. Food and service couldn’t be faulted.
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Pink Taco: Mexican-inspired food with strong margaritas and an energetic crowd.
First night in West Hollywood so had booked a table here. Really like the place, had great vibes. We thought our food was excellent- taco bowl was yum! Fajitas were also excellent. Great service, really enjoyed it.
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Chateau Marmont Restaurant: A short walk away, offering both Hollywood glamour and fine dining.
Delicious meal from start to finish. The setting is very chic, a bit of a medieval style. The steak was tender, a real treat.
📌 Local Tip: For breakfast, try The Griddle Café, known for massive pancakes and creative brunch dishes.
Guest Experiences & Atmosphere
What really sets The Grafton apart isn’t just its amenities—it’s the vibe. Guests consistently describe the hotel as stylish, intimate, and very “Hollywood.”
Who Stays Here?
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Couples: Looking for a romantic weekend with nightlife at their doorstep.
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Solo Travelers: Business visitors who enjoy boutique hotels with personality.
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Friends & Groups: Perfect for a girls’ weekend or music festival trip.
Reviews Often Highlight:
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The pool area as a standout feature.
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The friendly staff who go out of their way to personalize the stay.
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The convenience of being steps from nightlife while still having a quiet, relaxing hotel space.
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The boutique feel—smaller and more personal than big chains.
📌 Real Traveler Note: “It felt like staying in a stylish friend’s house rather than a corporate hotel.”
Nightlife & Entertainment Nearby
One of the biggest perks of The Grafton is its location on the Sunset Strip, famous for its nightlife.
Legendary Music Venues
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Whisky a Go Go: Opened in 1964, it has hosted The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and countless rock icons. Today, it still features live shows nightly.
I’ve been coming here to watch heavy metal and rock groups for decades. This time around I came to see Mr. Jimmy’s Led Zeppelin Revival which had a great turnout. This is not a large venue so wherever you stand you will have a close up view of the band on stage. Try not to park on the street as there are too many restrictions, nearby parking lots will cost between 15 and 25 dollars.
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The Roxy Theatre: Another historic venue, known for intimate concerts that often attract surprise celebrity appearances.
What a thrill to see a show at the iconic Greek Theatre. Wonderful historic venue with a great atmosphere. I saw Father John Misty. Special show in a special venue.
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The Viper Room: Once co-owned by Johnny Depp, it’s a staple for live music and edgy performances.
What a cool and iconic sunset strip music venue!! Two levels of music. The downstairs features a very intimate option in comparison to the main floor. Great variety of current music talents.
Bars & Lounges
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Skybar at Mondrian: Rooftop bar with incredible views of the LA skyline.
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The Den on Sunset: A casual lounge with good cocktails and a relaxed vibe.
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Rainbow Bar & Grill: A rock-and-roll institution where you might spot musicians grabbing late-night pizza.
📌 Traveler Tip: If you’re planning a night out, leave the car parked. Everything is walkable, and ride-shares are easy.
Attractions Beyond the Nightlife
While The Grafton Hotel LA is surrounded by nightlife, its location also makes it easy to access broader LA attractions.
Hollywood Highlights
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Hollywood Walk of Fame: Just 2 miles away, with more than 2,700 stars honoring celebrities.
We had a walk down here during our stay in the Hollywood area. Definitely worth a visit, and good to walk along spotting all the different stars. A few shops and places to eat on the way also. We did it during the day, so can’t speak to what it is like at night. Glad we did it and would recommend.
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TCL Chinese Theatre: Famous for its handprints and footprints of Hollywood legends.
Michael gave us an Amazing and delightful experience and was So, Very informative in the theater museum. We especially wanted to see Dorothy’s outfit from the Wizard of Oz. (I am from Kansas, So he made my whole day Amazing!!!!). Thank you So Much Michael!!! We loved his Love for theatre!!!
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Dolby Theatre: Home of the Academy Awards, offering tours and live shows.
The famous venue where the Oscar statue is handed over to the Academy Awards ceremony. I tasted the atmosphere from outside though I did not come on a tour to enter this time
Beverly Hills & Melrose
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Rodeo Drive: Luxury shopping and celebrity spotting.
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Melrose Avenue: Edgy boutiques, murals, and thrift stores that show LA’s artistic side.
Outdoor Options
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Runyon Canyon: A popular hiking trail where you might see celebrities alongside sweeping views of the city.
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Griffith Observatory: Iconic for stargazing, city views, and film history (yes, La La Land was filmed here).
Well worth a visit to see this iconic building. Great views of the LA skyline as well and of course the Hollywood sign. Top tip is park at the top otherwise it’s long walk up !
Why Stay at The Grafton Hotel LA?
In a city full of hotels, the Grafton stands out because it balances style and intimacy.
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Big enough to offer amenities like a pool and lounge.
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Small enough to feel personal, with staff who recognize you.
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Located in the epicenter of nightlife and culture.
For travelers who want the Hollywood experience without sacrificing comfort, The Grafton Hotel LA is an excellent choice.
Booking Tips & Pricing
When planning a stay at The Grafton Hotel LA, timing and strategy make a big difference.
Average Pricing
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Standard Rooms: Around $220–$280 per night depending on the season.
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Suites & Poolside Rooms: $300–$400 per night, often higher during major events.
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Peak Season Rates: Prices climb during awards season (Jan–March), summer travel months, and big LA festivals.
Best Times to Book
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Spring & Fall: Shoulder seasons offer great weather and slightly lower rates.
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Midweek Stays: Sunday–Thursday nights are cheaper than weekends, especially in West Hollywood.
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Last-Minute Deals: Occasionally available through booking apps, but risky if you want specific room types.
Packages & Specials
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Romance Packages: Champagne, chocolate, and late checkout for couples.
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Poolside Deals: Discounts for longer stays in poolside rooms.
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Stay & Play: Bundles that include tickets to nearby attractions.
📌 Traveler Tip: Always check the hotel’s official website first—direct booking often includes perks like free breakfast or waived resort fees.
Travel Itineraries from The Grafton
One of the biggest perks of staying at The Grafton Hotel LA is its location. Here’s how to plan your days.
2-Day Weekend Itinerary
Day 1:
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Morning: Brunch at The Griddle Café.
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Afternoon: Relax by the Grafton pool.
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Evening: Dinner at BOA Steakhouse, then catch a live show at The Roxy.
Day 2:
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Morning: Hike Runyon Canyon.
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Afternoon: Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre.
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Evening: Drinks at Skybar followed by a nightcap at the hotel lounge.
3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Pool, Sunset Strip exploration, live music.
>Day 2: Hollywood attractions + Griffith Observatory.
>Day 3: Beverly Hills shopping + Melrose murals.
5-Day Extended Stay Itinerary
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Day 1: Relax at Grafton, enjoy poolside dining.
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Day 2: Hollywood highlights.
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Day 3: Beverly Hills + Rodeo Drive.
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Day 4: Day trip to Santa Monica or Malibu.
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Day 5: Morning hike, afternoon shopping, evening drinks on Sunset.
📌 Local Tip: Don’t try to do too much in one day. LA traffic is real—build in downtime at the hotel.
Hidden Gems Near The Grafton
While big attractions are a draw, the area around The Grafton Hotel LA has plenty of lesser-known treasures.
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Book Soup: An iconic independent bookstore on Sunset with celebrity author events.
The bookstore has a wide selection of books across topics. It’s the perfect bookstore to meander, and see what you find!
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Melrose Murals: Instagram-famous street art just a short drive away.
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Comedy Clubs: The Comedy Store and Laugh Factory host both big names and up-and-comers.
We visited here twice during our stay in Hollywood. First time we were in the main room and second time we went to the original room. Standard of comedian was outstanding on both visits. Comedy how it should be, with apparently nothing off limits! We got booths both time, which were well worth the extra few dollars. We would have gone again if we had the time, and we would definitely return if we go back to the Hollywood area. It’s a must do if you like stand up.
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Secret Speakeasies: Tucked behind unmarked doors, offering creative cocktails and moody vibes.
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Sunset Plaza: A boutique shopping district with cafés perfect for people-watching.
📌 Traveler Tip: Ask hotel staff for recommendations—they often know about private events or pop-up shows happening nearby.
Real Visitor Reviews
Guest reviews consistently highlight the hotel’s location, vibe, and pool. Here’s a roundup:
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“The pool is stunning, one of the best I’ve seen in LA. We spent an entire afternoon just relaxing there.”
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“Perfect spot for nightlife. We walked to The Roxy and Viper Room, then came back to a quiet, comfortable room.”
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“Staff were amazing—personal, attentive, and made us feel welcome right away.”
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“Rooms are stylish but cozy. Definitely not a cookie-cutter chain hotel.”
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“Parking was expensive, but that’s LA. Valet made it easy.”
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“We loved the cocktails at the bar. Bartender was super friendly and knew how to make custom drinks.”
Pros & Cons of The Grafton Hotel LA
Pros:
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Prime location on Sunset Boulevard
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Stylish rooms with boutique character
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One of the largest pools on the Sunset Strip
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Friendly, personalized service
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Walking distance to nightlife and dining
Cons:
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Valet parking is pricey
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No large-scale in-house restaurant (though food is available poolside and at the bar)
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Can be noisy if you book city-view rooms facing Sunset Boulevard
📌 Traveler Tip: If you’re a light sleeper, request a pool-facing room—it’s quieter at night.
Practical Tips for Staying at The Grafton Hotel LA
When visiting Los Angeles, logistics matter as much as the hotel itself. Here’s what to know before you book.
Transportation
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Car Rentals: LA is a driving city. Rent a car if you plan to explore beyond West Hollywood.
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Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are abundant, especially around Sunset Boulevard.
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Walking: Sunset Strip attractions are walkable, but LA overall isn’t a pedestrian-friendly city.
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Public Transit: Metro buses run nearby, though they’re slower compared to driving or ride-shares.
📌 Traveler Tip: Use ride-shares for nights out—it saves money on parking and stress on busy streets.
Parking
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Valet Only: The Grafton offers valet parking, typically around $40–$50 per night.
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Street Parking: Limited and often restricted, especially overnight.
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Nearby Garages: A few public lots exist, but they’re not as convenient as valet.
📌 Traveler Tip: Factor valet costs into your budget—it’s the norm for boutique hotels in West Hollywood.
Safety & Security
West Hollywood is generally safe, but as with any big city:
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Be mindful when walking late at night.
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Use hotel safes for valuables.
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Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in nightlife areas.
The Grafton itself has secure entry, attentive staff, and well-lit public spaces, making it a safe base.
Best Time to Visit The Grafton Hotel LA
Los Angeles is a year-round destination, but timing your stay enhances the experience.
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Spring (March–May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, perfect for sightseeing.
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Summer (June–August): Peak season, lively nightlife, higher hotel rates.
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Fall (September–November): Warm weather lingers, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
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Winter (December–February): Mild by most standards, though cooler at night. Great for award season buzz.
📌 Traveler Tip: If you want poolside vibes without high prices, visit in late spring or early fall.
Conclusion – Why Choose The Grafton Hotel LA?
The Grafton Hotel LA is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a chance to live the Hollywood lifestyle. With bold rooms, a stylish saltwater pool, and unbeatable access to Sunset Boulevard, it blends boutique character with luxury comfort.
It’s perfect for:
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Couples on a romantic getaway
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Friends planning a weekend of nightlife
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Solo travelers who want both convenience and style
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Business visitors looking for boutique vibes over chain hotels
Staying here puts you in the center of West Hollywood energy while still offering a peaceful retreat at the pool or in your room. If you want to combine comfort, culture, and Hollywood glamour, The Grafton Hotel LA delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Grafton Hotel LA
It’s on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, right in the middle of the Sunset Strip.
Its boutique style, saltwater pool, and prime nightlife location set it apart from standard chain hotels.
Yes, it has one of the largest saltwater pools on the Sunset Strip.
Yes, valet parking is offered for a nightly fee.
Yes, it’s pet-friendly, but check with the hotel for size restrictions and fees.
It’s best suited for couples and adults, though families are welcome.
Rooms typically range from $220–$280, with suites and poolside rooms costing more.
Yes, nightlife venues, dining, and shops on the Sunset Strip are walkable.
It offers a lounge/bar and poolside dining. Many restaurants are steps away on Sunset.
Couples, solo travelers, groups of friends, and business visitors who prefer boutique hotels.
About 2 miles from the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre.
Yes, with secure entry and attentive staff. West Hollywood overall is considered safe.
Spring and fall for mild weather and lower rates; summer for lively nightlife.
Yes—Book Soup bookstore, Melrose murals, and The Comedy Store are all close.
If you value boutique style, poolside luxury, and being steps from nightlife, absolutely yes.
