Hotel Snapshot
Framed by the Hollywood Hills and icons like the cone-shaped Capitol Records building, you’d likely miss The Aster without its exact location pinned and its grand yellow doors etched into memory.
Just off the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a left on Vine Street leads you to this adults-only boutique hotel and private members’ club, where the tourist-heavy buzz of Hollywood Boulevard fades the moment you step inside.
Design & Character
Whether you pass through the front doors or via the discreet valet tucked beside the entry, you’re greeted by a lobby that feels nothing short of theatrical. A grand, winding staircase sets the tone, while a dramatic waterfall chandelier hovers above the centered check-in desk, quite literally stealing the scene.
California Craftsman interior design comes fully into view here, with square-paneled walls, an earthy palette punctuated by vibrant pops of artwork, and corner couches on each floor. It’s polished but playful—grand without feeling cold—and authentic Hollywood in every way.
The Rooms
Spread across the second and third levels, the hotel’s 35 all-suite accommodations feel more like private studios than traditional hotel rooms. If you live in a studio apartment…take notes.
In the 350-square-foot Club Studio—where I stayed for a night (or two)—you’ll find a living area, a bedroom framed by bedside tables, floor-to-ceiling windows, a freestanding armoire, and an en suite bathroom. A Kelly green balcony overlooks the enclosed outdoor pool (more on that shortly).
And yes, I noticed the bathrobes. Burnt-orange terry cloth with cream trim—equal parts retro and refined—they’re unlike anything I’ve seen in a hotel bathroom to date. Post-Diptyque rain shower, it’s the kind of detail that quietly seals the deal.
Food & Drink
When hunger strikes, you won’t need to leave the property. Lemon Grove—the hotel’s rooftop restaurant—is worth a visit whether you’re a guest, a member, or a local in the know. The space offers both al fresco dining for those golden LA afternoons and an indoor dining room for breezier evenings. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, it’s the kind of spot you bookmark for repeat visits.
If you order one thing: the grilled sourdough. Then add the hamachi crudo and the Lemon Grove Caesar—menu anchors that never miss. The housemade lemonades (on-brand, of course) are equally strong. I went for the dill-and-cucumber-forward “Mulholland Drive,” and not a drop was left behind.
Beyond the restaurant, the rooftop unfolds into a lush terrace lined with lemon trees, garden paths, and lounge seating. The Hollywood Sign sits directly in your line of sight, and Capitol Records feels close enough to touch (don’t try). On weekends, live music and skyline views turn it into one of the more compelling social scenes in the City of Angels.
The Amenities
As a members’ club first and hotel second, the fifth floor is devoted to co-working and community. Think plush seating nooks, refined meeting rooms—one wrapped in rose-hued Oriental wallpaper—a decked out Recording Studio, and long communal tables that elevate even a casual laptop session.
A full-service bar fuels the day-to-night shift: vanilla lattes and French omelets at 10 a.m., dirty gin martinis and an American Wagyu burger by 5 p.m. It’s a workday setup that blurs productivity with pleasure.
Private members’ clubs can sometimes feel exclusive but empty. Here, the energy is tangible. On a Monday evening, the Cabaret loft and the 36-seat indoor cinema were both in full swing. Members gathered at the bar, catching up over cocktails before settling in to watch Telly Award nominees on the big screen. The creative buzz was palpable—and contagious.
Wellness
Guests and members have access to a 24/7 fitness center equipped with high-tech machines, free weights, and mat space, along with Pilates classes and personal training sessions. After a workout, the heated outdoor pool offers a welcome reset—equal parts social scene and sun-drenched sanctuary.
Location & Neighborhood
Located in LA’s Vinyl District—directly beneath the legendary Capitol Records tower—The Aster fully embraces its Hollywood setting.
Step outside and you’re immediately among the stars on the Walk of Fame, where legends from Joanne Woodward (the first recipient in 1960) to more recent honorees like Adrien Brody have earned their place in entertainment history. It’s tourist territory, yes—but staying here lets you experience it from a far more elevated vantage point.
Fast Facts
Location: Hollywood, California
Address: 1717 Vine St, Los Angeles Area, CA, USA
Rating: 5-Star
Room Count: 35 spacious, all-suite rooms
Pricing: Rates start at $330 per night.
Dining: Lemon Grove (rooftop restaurant & bar); Aster Park Lounge & Patio; Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Amenities: Outdoor pool, Rooftop, Fitness center, Pilates studio, 2 Restaurants & Bars, Movie theater, Co-working spaces, Meeting rooms, Private call rooms, Podcast studio, Recording studio, and Valet service.
Airport: Approximately 45–60 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), depending on traffic; 25 minutes from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Hollywood, California, United States
