Founded in 2016 by entrepreneur, real estate developer, and now hotelier Leo Grifka, the Grifka Group is making its mark on the fast-evolving hospitality scene in Los Angeles with a new design-led property in what’s arguably the city’s most fashionable neighbourhood—West Hollywood. The hotel, called Short Stories, occupies a fully revamped 66-room property on South Fairfax Avenue, just around the corner from The Grove, a preferred destination of many of the area’s discerning shoppers. For the interior, Grifka collaborated with local architect Kevin Klein and landscape design practice Rolling Greens to recreate a design-led urban retreat in contemporary California style. Short Stories occupies three distinct buildings set on a half acre of meticulously landscaped grounds that add to the relaxing vibe. The light-filled lobby sees colourful checkered marble flooring and Venetian plaster on the walls, and opens out to the public spaces, including a tree-sheltered courtyard oasis with a classic stone fountain, fireplace and cozy seating arrangements.
Adjacent to the courtyard, lies the hotel’s pool, with chaise lounge seating and a vibrant living green wall. The guest rooms and suites come in different various categories, but all have been designed to provide a space that feels like home. As said, this is a design-led property and the eye for detail is evident across the premises, including the rooms. Each room features king or double beds, herringbone hardwood floors in the signature rooms and elevated parquet hardwood floors in the Junior Suites and Grand Studio Suites, art from Pasadena-born painter Kenton Nelson, custom-built oversized rounded armoires and credenzas, in addition to a seating area with a comfy couch and a table of Carrara marble. The guest bath are nothing short of a stylish room feature and comes with poured-in-place terrazzo flooring and sinks along with branded Italian bath amenities and Lefroy Brooks plumbing fixtures. For those who require extra pampering, or simply more space, Short Stories‘ largest room, aptly dubbed the Grand Studio Suite, has its very own separate sitting area and dual vanities.
The property also knows how to entertain guests, and its trump card is called Short Stories Restaurant. A dining concept of celebrated chef Ricardo Zarate, the establishment offers California cuisine with Peruvian touches, using ingredients sourced from local butchers, farms and dairies. Fittingly, the settings are inspired by a new age Pan-American bistro, featuring terracotta colours and earthy woods. The restaurant has a formal dining room and a heated outdoor patio. The adjacent bar features the hotel’s cocktail programme and the restaurant’s menu. Additional facilities include The Courtyard, an elegant lounge serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night drinks under a canopy of lush trees. The outdoor pool is reserved for guests only and features a smaller menu with plans to operate for breakfast and lunch. Last but not least, there’s an event space on the premises, offering multiple space options, from a small intimate dinner, to a full-scale corporate event.
Short Stories
115 South Fairfax Avenue (West Hollywood)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Telephone: +1 323 9373930
Publishers Note
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