My fourth and final Airbnb was located in West Hollywood, a vibrant area known for its thriving nightlife and renowned restaurants, considered the best in the entire city. With high expectations, I had specifically chosen this neighborhood for a weekend stay, anticipating an exciting and lively atmosphere. However, the reality proved to be different. Exhausted from the previous days of walking in Venice Beach and battling persistent jet lag, my feet were in considerable pain, making it impossible to fully explore the area on foot or partake in the vibrant nightlife.
Before checking in at my Airbnb, I decided to join an Airbnb experience called the Paparazzi Safari in Beverly Hills. This unique adventure involved accompanying a paparazzi photographer in the pursuit of spotting celebrities. As we ventured through the streets, the paparazzi shared insider knowledge on the area’s best restaurants and hotels, adding an intriguing dimension to the experience. Unfortunately, our timing coincided with New York Fashion Week, resulting in many celebrities being out of town. However, we did manage to catch a glimpse of Usher’s ex-wife, which turned out to be quite an intriguing experience. Watching the paparazzi in action, snapping photos of her, who seemed less than pleased by the attention, was an interesting sight to behold. Despite the limited celebrity sightings, the experience provided valuable insights into the paparazzi culture and added an extra layer of excitement to my time in Los Angeles.
Later that day, my new friends and I headed to The Abbey, a fantastic gay bar that stays open throughout the day and night. We enjoyed drinks and indulged in some delicious nachos until it was time for me to head home and get some much-needed rest (otherwise, I might have fallen into a deep slumber).
The following day, Friday, proved to be quite exhausting. I had already mentioned the pain in my legs, which made movement a challenge. Nevertheless, I had scheduled a Hollywood Sign hike for 8 o’clock in the morning. Fortunately, I was still waking up early at 5 am, so that part wasn’t a problem. The hike itself was suitable for those who enjoy hiking, but given my current fitness level, it was quite strenuous. Walking 7 km uphill with sore legs under the scorching LA heat was no easy feat. Although the views were breathtaking, I doubt I’ll attempt it again. Thankfully, our guide, who happened to be an actor and comedian, kept us entertained along the way, making the hike a bit more enjoyable. The relief I felt upon reaching the top was immeasurable. However, I quickly discovered that descending the hill with my exhausted knees was even more challenging.
Thankfully, I had a treat in store for myself—a day pass at the W Hollywood hotel to relax by the pool. The rooftop pool deck offered splendid views of Hollywood, providing the perfect spot to unwind after the hike. However, visiting on a Friday turned out to be a mistake due to the bustling pool party. Even as someone who loves pool parties, I just wanted to relax in peace and find solace from my exhaustion. It was difficult to find a quiet space amidst the party atmosphere. Nonetheless, I couldn’t resist indulging in some delightful drinks and jello shots, which added a touch of enjoyment to my time by the pool. It is worth mentioning that day passes for pool access are available in many luxury hotels in LA, and they often come at reasonable prices, making it a great option to enjoy a bit of luxury and relaxation.
I would like to share an unusual incident that took place by the pool. While enjoying my time there, I had an intriguing encounter with a girl lounging on the sun lounger next to mine. We struck up a conversation, and as we delved into different topics, she casually mentioned that she worked as a real estate agent, which I later confirmed by checking out her Instagram profile. However, what truly caught me off guard was when she shared that she was actually the ex-girlfriend of a guy I had matched with on Tinder. It was indeed intriguing to uncover this connection, especially since he was the only person I had been texting with on Tinder during my time in LA. Discovering that they were still involved with each other added an unexpected surprise to the situation. However, I want to emphasize that this revelation is not the main focus of the story I am about to share with you. Throughout our conversation, we both enjoyed food and drinks, separately ordering at different times. After a while, she said goodbye and left the pool area, seemingly to settle her bill. However, when it was my turn to pay, the staff informed me that she hadn’t paid for her purchases and had left without settling the bill. The staff asked me repeatedly if I knew her, as if they doubted my explanation. I recounted what she had told me about her connections at the hotel, but the staff revealed that she had lied about having such connections. Thankfully, they believed my side of the story and didn’t hold me accountable for her expenses. It was a strange and unexpected situation, adding an interesting twist to my day by the pool.
After enjoying my time at the pool, I had the idea of taking a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard on my way back to the apartment. However, my perception of the boulevard had changed drastically since my previous visits. It had become my least favorite part of LA. While the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater were still interesting, the rest of the boulevard was chaotic and crowded, with people constantly approaching and asking for money. I was on high alert, watching my belongings closely. The long walk left me even more exhausted, both physically and mentally. I looked so worn out and exhausted (I looked like a zombie!) that even a homeless lady showed kindness, remarking that we seemed to be in the same situation. I decided to stay indoors for the rest of the day, indulging in my favorite DiGiorno Cheese stuffed crust Pizza and watching two or three Netflix films. It was far from the lively Friday nightlife I had anticipated. On a side note, I couldn’t help but wonder why cheese stuffed crust pizza isn’t as popular abroad.
Saturday turned out to be the most enjoyable day of my trip. Despite feeling tired from all the previous walking, I was glad that I pushed myself to visit Melrose Avenue. Known for its trendy shops, unique boutiques, and vibrant street art, Melrose Avenue had a distinct charm that I couldn’t resist. Funny enough, I ran into the paparazzi from the paparazzi safari I had joined earlier, who was on the hunt for celebrities right where I was walking. Unfortunately, neither of us spotted any famous faces, but I couldn’t complain. After all, I had already experienced my own “Kelly Clarkson moment” at Catch LA the previous Saturday, and that was a memorable highlight in itself.
After my visit to Melrose Avenue, I made my way to Beverly Hills for a scheduled photoshoot. It was a fantastic opportunity to capture some memorable moments. During the photoshoot, I had the pleasure of meeting a group of friendly girls. We hit it off and decided to grab a small lunch and enjoy some Prosecco together on a lovely outdoor patio right in the heart of Beverly Hills. It was a delightful experience, surrounded by the luxurious ambiance of the area. I couldn’t help but feel like Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” as I strolled through the streets and indulged in the opulence of Rodeo Drive. Everything exuded luxury, from the high-end stores to the sleek cars and fashionable people. Not a single ugly car was in sight! One highlight was the Louis Vuitton exhibition, which was exquisitely crafted and showcased the brand’s timeless elegance. Later in the evening, based on the recommendation of the girls I met at Catch LA, I headed to Sugarfish for dinner. Being a sushi enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the chance to dine at this renowned sushi spot. The food was so exceptional that I ended up ordering another round after finishing my first serving. It was a culinary delight that perfectly satisfied my sushi cravings. To my surprise, Sugarfish had a non-tipping policy, which is not exactly the norm in the United States
I had planned to visit Delilah in the evening for a drink, as it was reputed to be a fantastic restaurant and club. Its popularity was evident, with even Kylie Jenner having celebrated her birthday there. Given its proximity to my Airbnb, just 100 meters away, it seemed like the perfect choice, especially since I preferred not to walk around after sunset. However, much to my disappointment, I was not allowed entry because the establishment was closed for a private event. Just as I thought my evening would be cut short, a friendly British security guard kindly directed me to the other side of the road, where there was another cool spot called Laurel Hardware. Although I was initially hesitant due to its uninviting exterior, I decided to give it a chance. To my surprise, the interior was a completely different story. It exuded a genuinely cool atmosphere that captivated me. Once again, I had the pleasure of meeting some genuinely friendly people with whom I shared drinks. They insisted on covering the cost of my drinks, and one of the girls, a yoga teacher, even insisted on ensuring my safety by offering to share a taxi with me back to my Airbnb, despite it being only a mere 100 meters away. It was heartwarming to encounter such care and concern. This time, I managed to stay up until a little past midnight, which was considered “late” for me. It was ironic that the one night I was meant to go to bed early was the night I stayed out. The following day, although I had a hangover, I knew it was worth it because of the amazing time I had the night before.
#Hollywood #WestHollywood #TheAbbey #KylieJenner #LayrelHardware #BeverlyHills #Sugarfish #PrettyWoman #MelroseAvenue #MelrosePlace #Luxury #LouisVuitton #Prosecco #Paparazzi #WHollywood #Celebrities #Hiking #HollywoodHills #HollywoodSign #Hollywoodsignhike
Anyah Mroz 