Aster Los Angeles: The Hidden Gem You NEED to Experience!
Aster Los Angeles: My Love Letter (and a Few Little Grievances)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – the delicious tea, with a side of maybe a slightly burnt scone (we'll get to that) – on Aster Los Angeles. This place… well, it's kind of stolen a little piece of my heart. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. Aster is a vibe, a whole damn experience. And trust me, I'm not one to gush easily. After a grueling week, I needed a retreat, a proper escape, and oh boy, did Aster deliver.
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Aster Los Angeles Review: Luxury Hotel & Spa Oasis in LA. Accessible, featuring pool, spa, dining, and more. Free Wi-Fi, amazing views, and impeccable service. Perfect for relaxation and unforgettable experiences. #AsterLA #LosAngelesHotel #LuxuryHotel #SpaGetaway #AccessibleTravel #HiddenGem #CaliforniaDreaming
Accessibility: A Breathe of Fresh Air (Literally!)
Okay, first off, HUGE kudos to Aster for getting accessibility right. This is sadly rare, folks, but I noticed it immediately. (Even though I, thankfully, don't need those features, I appreciate them immensely). From the wide hallways to the elevator, it's clear they've thought about everyone. Makes a huge difference. You know, seeing a hotel that cares about inclusivity? It's just… refreshing.
Getting Past the Gush – The Reality (and a Few Minor Hiccups)
So, yes, the hype is real. I'm not gonna lie, the photos online didn't do it justice. The moment you step into the lobby, it's… wow. It's all sleek lines, soft lighting, and a feeling of effortless cool. Think sophisticated, not stuffy. And the staff? Seriously, they make you feel like you're the only guest. Like, actually listen to your requests. (Though I did have one minor issue… more on that later).
Rooms: My Sanctuary, My Fortress
My room? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. Let's tick off the boxes, shall we?
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock (I'm old school!), Bathrobes (yes!), Bathroom phone (for emergencies, duh!), Bathtub (hello, relaxation!), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea (bless!), Daily housekeeping (bliss!), Desk (for pretending to work), Hair dryer (a must!), Free bottled water (hydration!), In-room safe box (peace of mind!), Internet access – wireless (obvi!), Ironing facilities (wrinkle control!), Laptop workspace (sigh…work), Linens (crisp!), Mini bar (tempting!), Non-smoking (thank god!), On-demand movies (binge-watching!), Private bathroom (always!), Reading light (for those late-night reads), Refrigerator (wine!), Satellite/cable channels (options!), Seating area (cozy!), Shower (powerful!), Slippers (comfy!), Smoke detector (safety first!), Socket near the bed (genius!), Soundproofing (peace!), Telephone (rare, but necessary!), Toiletries (fancy!), Towels (fluffy!), Wake-up service (the worst, but necessary!).
Added bonus: Blackout curtains (SLEEP!), Extra long bed (space to starfish!), High floor (views!), Interconnecting room(s) available (good for families), Mirror (check, check, check!), Scale (maybe don't check on your vacation…), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Smoke detector (again!), Socket near the bed (genius!), Sofa (lounging!), Telephone (actually…who uses phones anymore?), Umbrella (LA sunshine!), Visual alarm (thoughtful!), Window that opens (fresh air!).
Okay, so it’s a gold star. My room was perfectly clean, beautifully decorated, and, most importantly, quiet. Seriously quiet. I could actually think. Maybe that's what's truly dangerous about a vacation.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Journey (Mostly Smooth Sailing)
The dining options? Chef’s kiss. Seriously.
The Restaurants: Delicious, gorgeous Asian, International and Vegetarian Options. Breakfast buffet (YES!), A la carte in restaurant (for the discerning diner), Coffee/tea in restaurant (essential!), Desserts in restaurant (hello, sugar!), Happy hour (always!), Poolside bar (obvious!), Room service [24-hour] (because laziness is a virtue), Snack bar (grazing!), Soup in restaurant (comfort!), Western breakfast (can't go wrong!).
I tried the Asian Restaurant, and it was divine. The flavors were complex, the presentation was stunning, and the service was impeccable. (Okay, maybe the price was a little… eye-watering, but hey, you only live once, right?).
The Poolside Bar was my happy place. Sipping cocktails, soaking up the sun, and gazing at the LA skyline? Pure bliss.
The “Burnt Scone Incident”: Okay, I did order room service one morning, and the scone… let's just say it had seen better days. Little crispy, slightly charred. (Minor complaint alert!). BUT, the staff was mortified. They immediately apologized, offered to replace it (which I declined because come on, a burnt scone is character), and even comped me a free coffee. See? They care.
Things to Do (or, How I Learned to Love Doing Absolutely Nothing)
Aster Los Angeles is a destination in itself. Forget cramming in tourist traps. This place is designed for relaxation.
Ways to relax: Body scrub/wrap (luxury!), Fitness center/Gym/fitness (I swear I went!), Foot bath (heavenly!), Massage (worth every penny!), Pool with view (stunning!), Sauna/Spa/spa & sauna/steamroom (sweat it out!), Swimming pool/Swimming pool [outdoor] (I became a professional lounger).
I spent hours at the Spa. The massage? One of the best I’ve ever had (and I've had many). The pool area? Gorgeous. I spent the entire afternoon just soaking up the sun, reading a book, and feeling completely unbothered. The gym? I intended to go. Okay, maybe I walked past it. Twice. --- Side note: My fitness tracker hates me now.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
This is huge, especially these days. Aster nails it.
- Essential Items: Anti-viral cleaning products (thank you!), Cashless payment service (convenient!), Daily disinfection in common areas (reassuring!), Hand sanitizer (everywhere!), Hot water linen and laundry washing (hygienic), Hygiene certification (checks!), Individually-wrapped food options (safe!), Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (responsible!), Professional-grade sanitizing services (yes!), Room sanitization opt-out available (choice is good!), Rooms sanitized between stays (essential!), Safe dining setup (smart!), Sanitized kitchen and tableware items (peace of mind!), Staff trained in safety protocol (critical!).
I felt genuinely safe and secure throughout my stay. And that, folks, is priceless.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost)
Amenities: Air conditioning in public area (crucial!), Business facilities (for work-types!), Cash withdrawal (handy!), Concierge (super helpful!), Contactless check-in/out (smooth!), Convenience store (snacks!), Currency exchange (if needed!), Daily housekeeping (bliss!), Doorman (welcome always!), Dry cleaning (fabulous!), Elevator (essential!), Facilities for disabled guests (important!), Food delivery (lazy win!), Gift/souvenir shop (tempting…or convenient!), Indoor/outdoor venue for special events (festive!), Invoice provided (organized!), Ironing service (smarter traveller!), Laundry service (needed!), Luggage storage (easy!), Meeting/banquet facilities (meetings!), On-site event hosting (exciting!), Safety deposit boxes (secure), Shrine (weird but cool!), Smoking area (for the nicotine-inclined!), Terrace (chill!), Xerox/fax in business center (back to the past!).
The concierge went above and beyond, helping me with restaurant reservations (thank you, internet, for making me less anti-social!…kidding!), directions, and even securing me a last-minute car service. Just… top-notch.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
I'm not a parent, but I saw tons of families enjoying Aster. It seems like they've thought about everything. Because…
- Offerings: Babysitting service (yes!), Family/child friendly (sweet!), Kids facilities (playtime), Kids meal (delicious!).
The "Minor Hiccups" and My Random Thoughts
Okay, so maybe the scone incident was a teensy blemish. And perhaps the Wi-Fi in the pool area occasionally sputtered. You know, minor blips in an otherwise flawless experience. Also, the lighting in some parts of the hotel… a little too subtle? I like ambient lighting, but sometimes I just want to see.
And while they offer incredible **cou
Merrickville's Hidden Gem: Baldachin Inn - Unforgettable Stay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into The Aster in Los Angeles. This isn't some perfectly airbrushed Instagram itinerary, honey. This is real life, with all its glorious, messy imperfections. And me? I'm your overwhelmed, easily-distracted, slightly-caffeinated tour guide. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and a Glimmer of Hope
1:00 PM: Arrival at The Aster (Hollywood, CA)
Okay, first impression: swanky. Too swanky? The valet parking smells like expensive cologne mixed with a faint whiff of desperation (don't we all?). The lobby is all velvet ropes and art that I'm pretty sure I don't understand. My initial thought: "Oh crap, I'm completely underdressed." (Sweaty t-shirt, anyone?) This whole place screams "exclusive," and I'm pretty sure my aura is screaming "discount bin."
1:30 PM: Check-in & Exploration (Mostly Staring)
The front desk staff is impossibly beautiful, like they were genetically engineered for hospitality. I stammer through the check-in, somehow managing to unlock my room without dropping my keycard on the gleaming marble floor. The room…woah. Huge. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking…traffic. Glamorous, but also: hello, reality. My inner monologue is currently a chaotic mix of, "OMG, I could live here!" and "How much is a goddamn mortgage in this town?!"
- Anecdote Alert: I spent a solid five minutes just staring at the plush velvet sofa, wondering if I could legitimately sleep on it without anyone noticing. (I probably could.)
2:30 PM: Lunch at the Rooftop Pool (Attempt One)
Okay, rooftop pool. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. I'm starving. But the menus are confusing and the staff members have eyes in the back of their heads. I try to order, and the waiter somehow asks a question I didn't understand. I panicked and ordered a salad. This is going to be a long day, folks.
4:00 PM: Poolside Panic (Attempt Two)
Went back to the pool, this time with a plan: sit here and don't move until my heart rate returns to normal. The pool is glorious. The sun is beating down. The cocktails are…well, they're expensive. And I accidentally ordered one with jalapenos, and I'm sitting here regretting every life choice I've ever made while trying not to cough up a lung. Then I get the hiccups. At a posh hotel rooftop. The shame.
6:00 PM: Dinner at the Restaurant
I am just surviving. I order the pasta. I eat. I have a glass of wine. It all is kind of a blur.
8:00 PM: Bed and Netflix
Too exhausted to do anything else. Thank god for streaming.
Day 2: The Arts, The Glitch, and Existential Dread Returns
9:00 AM: Breakfast Blues
Breakfast in bed? Sounds fantastic. Reality: I spill coffee on the ridiculously pristine white sheets. Clean-up duty. And the coffee tastes like sadness.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure the remote control is glued to the bedside table. How else do they prevent theft? People probably try to steal everything, right?
10:00 AM: Exploring Hollywood (Kind Of)
Walk up and down Hollywood Boulevard, looking for the Walk of Fame. I get distracted by, like, everything. A street performer dressed as a zombie. A guy selling overpriced sunglasses. A very friendly dog. I end up buying a cheesy "I Love Hollywood" t-shirt (don't judge me!) and missing whatever it was I was actually trying to do.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a (Surprisingly Good) Diner
Needed a break from the glitz, the glam, and the general sense of "I'm not worthy." Found a classic diner tucked away on a side street. Comfort food, friendly service, and a burger that actually tasted like a burger. My soul felt a little better.
2:00 PM: The Aster Club…or is it?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Aster Club, supposed to be the heart of this place. I'm told it's all about "experiences." I try to go. I wander but find I can't get in. I ask someone, and no one knows what is happening. I wander into the wrong place. I am so confused. I try to ask some people, but they treat me like an insect. More existential dread.
4:00 PM: Retail Therapy (Because Why Not?)
Emptied my wallet on some overpriced, but beautiful, candles in a boutique nearby. Because…self-care? Maybe?
6:00 PM: Dinner…Again
Fine, I'll eat at a restaurant. I'm not particularly looking forward to it. I hope I can get a decent burger, or at least some good fries.
8:00 PM: Bed and Netflix (Again)
Do I need to vary my life? Maybe. Tonight, though, the couch is calling my name again.
Day 3: Farewell, For Now (and Maybe Forever?)
9:00 AM: Breakfast Replay
Another spilled coffee. Another moment of quiet despair.
10:00 AM: The Pool (Once More)
I just want to enjoy this pool, ok? It is still good, and I will never get another chance to enjoy it. I spend a couple hours.
12:00 PM: Check Out
I hand over my keycard, feeling a strange mix of relief and regret. This place was…an experience. Too much? Maybe. Still, I'd consider going back.
Departure:
Back to my reality. Back to my normal life. But the memory of this short trip will follow me forever. And the bills…the bills…
Aster Los Angeles: So, About That "Hidden Gem"...
Okay, seriously, what *is* Aster? I keep seeing it everywhere. Is it hype or reality?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Aster Los Angeles? It's... a *vibe*. Seriously. It's not just a restaurant; it's a whole damn *experience*. Look, the hype is real, but is it *all* justified? Nope. (More on that later.) Basically, it's a French-ish brasserie/California-cool hybrid in a gorgeous, sun-drenched space. Think exposed brick, overflowing plants, and more Instagram-worthy corners than you can shake a stick at. But the hype? Yeah, it's partly because of the food, which is genuinely good. And partly because *everyone* seems to want to be seen there. It's LA, after all.
Is the food actually good, or is it just pretty? (Because, let's be honest, LA...)
Okay, let's get REAL here. The food at Aster? It's mostly REALLY good. I, *ahem*, splurged on the bone-in ribeye on my last outing. (Don't judge my credit card debt, it was WORTH IT). Seriously. First bite? Pure, unadulterated *bliss*. Perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth. My friend, however? Got the duck confit. Now, she's a purist. She gives this like… 0.5 point. She claims it was “a little too… California-fied”. (Whatever that means.) So, yeah, the quality seems to be there. Don't expect any culinary earth-shattering revelations, but it's solid, delicious, and the portions are… well, let's just say I didn't leave hungry *at all*. (Except maybe for more ribeye, because I’m a greedy monster.) The bread? Oh my god, the bread! I could honestly eat a whole loaf of that sourdough. And I have on several occasions. Don't miss the bread.
What's the vibe like? Is it pretentious? (I hate pretentious.)
Alright, *this* is the big one. Pretentious? Well, it *leans* that way, let's be honest. It's LA, and you're surrounded by people who look like they stepped out of a magazine shoot. (Except me, clearly. I was rocking a slightly-stained t-shirt that day. Fashion sense, I have none.) There's a definite "look" to the crowd. However, here's the good news: I've also seen genuine laughter, people enjoying themselves, and even some (gasp!) normal-looking human beings. The servers are generally friendly, but, honestly? Sometimes you can tell they’re a little… over it. But it’s like, the place is packed, you know? Be prepared for a buzz, but don't let it intimidate you. Go in, own your vibe, and if you can laugh at yourself, even better.
The Instagram photos look amazing. Is it actually as pretty as it seems?
Yes. Yes, it is. Like, ridiculously pretty. The light is *insane*. Every corner is practically begging for an Instagram post. The interior design is impeccable, with those gorgeous windows, the plants, the decor... It's like they *designed* the place to be photogenic. And you know what? They *succeeded*. Bring your camera (or prepare to steal away at the end and hope nobody notices your photo-op). Just try not to let that *be* the whole experience. I confess, I spent a good chunk of my time trying to figure out how they managed that light. It's a dark art, I think. Anyway, yes, the pictures don't lie. But don't forget to actually *look up* occasionally and actually enjoy the food.
Okay, spill the tea. What's the biggest downside?
Alright, here's the brutally honest part. First off, the price. It's... not cheap. But it's LA, so what do you expect? Secondly, the noise level. It can get incredibly loud. Forget about having intimate conversations unless you’re shouting. Thirdly, the parking. Good god, the parking. It’s either valet (which is another cost) or you're circling the block praying for a miracle. And finally… the wait times. Reservations are a must. And even with a reservation, you might still be waiting. My patience, like my bank balance, has limitations. Get there early or be prepared to hang out with your friends (and be social).
Is it kid-friendly?
Ehhh, I'd say, *kinda*. There's nothing inherently *un*-kid-friendly about it. No screaming banshees of doom. No obvious dangers, like a live volcano (unless you count the heat of my ribeye). But it's more of a special occasion place, and I don't see many screaming toddlers. So, you can bring your polite little ones, sure. Just be prepared for side-eye from the perfectly coiffed clientele. I'd probably leave the kids with a babysitter. You can thank me later.
What should I order? (Be specific!)
Okay, listen up! Firstly, the bread. Obviously. Get the bread basket as it will save your life, and your plate. It’s a must. Then, if you’re feeling flush (which, let's be real, I rarely am) the bone-in ribeye. It's pure indulgence. If you're not wanting to bankrupt yourself, the steak frites is a solid choice. For starters, try the *frisée salad*. Light, refreshing, and perfect. If you're a pasta person, my friend swears by the cacio e pepe. And if you're feeling *really* fancy, go for the oysters. Just... be prepared to open your wallet. Oh, and don’t skip the dessert. Even if you're stuffed, there's always room for dessert! I had the chocolate something or other on my last trip. I can’t even fully remember, because all I remember is it was decadent.
Any tips for surviving Aster and still having a good time?
Okay, here's the survival guide:
- Make a reservation. Seriously. Don't even THINK about showing up without one.
- Embrace the people-watching. Half the fun is seeing who's there. Keep your eyes open, it's an experience.
- GoHotel Search SiteThe Aster Los Angeles (CA) United States
The Aster Los Angeles (CA) United States
