Los Angeles isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when you think of intimacy and privacy. When Hollywood is only a stone’s throw away and seeing celebrities on the street is as normal as traffic, going on an escape can be a little difficult — especially when you’re part of said demographic of famous people. However, you’d be surprised that one of the most low-key getaways is hiding right in the heart of West Hollywood.
Enter the San Vicente Bungalows. After more than a decade of operating the iconic Sunset Tower Hotel and recently opening boutique B&B No. 850, hotelier Jeff Klein has decided to try his hand at a new concept. Unlike other iconic establishments that line the glamorous Sunset Boulevard, the San Vicente Bungalows offer a different kind of luxury that goes beyond thousand-thread-count sheets and infinity pools.
Credit: Trivago
“Privacy is the new luxury,” Klein tells the New York Times in an interview. Indeed, this members-only club caters to those seeking a more exclusive experience. With a ban on smartphone cameras, the San Vicente Bungalows provide unparalleled seclusion. That might sound a little extreme, but it explains why its esteemed list of patrons are composed mostly of high-profile names who want to relax without being bombarded by dozens of fans.
In an age when good and bad information about someone can be quickly unearthed via a simple Google search, it’s easy to feel like celebrities’ personal lives belong to the public, even on their own vacation days. This makes the San Vicente Bungalows one of the rare places where A-listers are free to be themselves without the impending fear of invasive paparazzi and the subsequently released creep shots. Here, they can hang out with whomever they want without sparking a barrage of dating rumors.
Although San Vicente Bungalows isn’t flashy, don’t think that Klein has scrimped on luxury. The authentic Craftsman bungalows have been refreshed with elegant brickwork, and its lush outdoor area generously decorated with California pepper trees, a plunge pool, and a stunning dining room and bar, where members can indulge in food and bubbly. Upstairs, you can find a screening room with an elegant piano set up on a small, intimate stage.
Credit: Guest of a Guest
The location has since played host to a slew of events, including global superstar Angelina Jolie’s private soiree for Alfonso Cuarón. A pre-party for the Oscars was also held at San Vicente Bungalows, which was attended by a mix of industry people such as Spike Lee and Lady Gaga. The Hollywood heavyweights are some of the most revered artists of their generation and are known for using their platform to spread their respective advocacies.
In the past, Lee has been vocal about his support for the #BlackLivesMatter movement, often using his platform to create films and host his own events for the cause. On the other hand, Gaga continues to preach body positivity, a cause that has no shortage of supporters today — from brands like Adios Barbie to Love Your Body. Inclusive clothing brand Woman Within has also joined the coalition, promoting an extensive and stylish selection of sizes — a move that might seem simple, but is revolutionary when put in the context of an industry that has long boxed women in. Other A-listers like Chrissy Teigen and Rihanna are huge supporters of this cause as well. Although the San Vicente Bungalows are a little too exclusive for those types of events and advocacies, they are wonderful for planning due to the unprecedented privacy they provide.
Already, the place is being hailed as Hollywood’s newest “it” clubhouse, but Klein clarifies that they are not built to be a nightclub. The hotelier and restaurateur describes the place as “everything that’s great about the Beverly Hills Hotel, minus all those people.” Although its clientele is highly curated, the San Vicente Bungalows wants to make sure it gets a good mix of guests in. While you might catch industry veterans such as Christopher Nolan and Brad Pitt, these will still be balanced out with burgeoning talent and up-and-coming names.
With only nine suites, a stay at the San Vicente Bungalows will make you feel like you’re in on one of the hottest Hollywood secrets — your own secret getaway that manages to still be in the middle of all the action.
