All Hail Andaz

Hyatt's new trendy Andaz brand has opened its doors in West Hollywood. In the age of the boutique lifestyle brand, Hyatt's new entrant has some serious bloodlines. The hotel once was the Continental Hyatt House, colloquially known as The Riot House, due to the hoards of rock bands that stayed there, such as Led Zeppelin, The Who and the Rolling Stones. Andaz West Hollywood might be a bit more tame, but what it loses in rock n roll debauchery, it clearly makes up for in design and style. The 14-story hotel was developed by New York-based architecture and interior design firm Janson Goldstein LLP and features a series of engaging spaces beginning with a dramatic glass garden pavilion off the main entrance and a rooftop terrace with heated pool and daybed seating. Word is that French-trained chef's Sebastien Archambault RH restaurant is all the rage, with a  "market-to-table" menu that focuses on regional fare and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant will also showcase local wines inspired by local boutique vintners. The first Andaz, Andaz Liverpool Street, opened in London in November 2007.  Subsequent property openings scheduled include, Andaz Wall Street and Andaz Fifth Avenue in New York this year, and Andaz Austin in fall 2010.