Hotel Snapshot
At Short Stories, urban charm meets quiet and cozy accommodations in the middle of Fairfax Avenue. This 66-room hotel opened in 2022, taking over the former Farmer’s Daughter Hotel space with an upgraded ambiance and design-forward tone. Despite being located in the heart of one of L.A.’s busiest streets, there is a sense of solitude as you walk past a wide wall of greenery and enter the bright and airy lobby. Though the property maintains a few dated elements, like a slow-moving elevator and motel-style pool area, the rooms, common spaces and bar have been brought up to standard with thoughtful renovations and an attention to detail.
Whether you’re visiting on business or planning a chic staycation, Short Stories is a centrally-located gem that has managed to fly under the radar as one of WeHo’s best-kept secrets.
Design & Character
During the daytime, Short Stories’ checkered-floor lobby sets the scene with floor-to-ceiling windows and open glass doors, allowing an ample amount of natural light to flood the first-impression space. A massive, curved couch sits in the center of the room, offering a place of plush respite during check-in and check-out. To the left of the lobby, you’ll find an enchanting outdoor patio with lantern-adorned trees, lush greenery, charming bistro tables and cozy booths. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a WFH (work from hotel) session while soaking up some of that coveted SoCal sunshine.
On the second floor, a sunbathing deck with linen-lined loungers hovers above the pool, adding a modern touch to the otherwise retro exterior. Baby blue is one of the hotel’s most celebrated colors, and you’ll find it painted on all of the room doors and across the multi-floor railings. Though the pool area is kept simple and clean, its most stunning feature is a wall of potted plants, which yields an earthy green contrast to the water’s cool blue tones.
The Rooms
Expect beachy vibes and retro undertones across all 66 rooms and suites. Above the bed (or beds, if you opt for a Signature Double), chic artwork by Kenton Nelson pays homage to L.A.’s trend-setting nature, while a round armoire adds a soft femininity to the otherwise angular architecture of the space. In the bathrooms, framed vintage matches from Canter’s Deli offer a local touch, and custom Italian bath products line the shelves in the glass shower.
Though the beds take up a majority of the square footage, a cozy reading nook and marble table are strategically placed in a corner by the window, providing a great place to eat, work or peruse a book from the in-suite library. The mini fridge and snack selection is carefully curated with goodies ranging from Madre Mezcal and Frey Ranch Whiskey to canned wines and gourmet candies, tempting even the most strict of splurgers. In the evenings, return from dinner to a simple turndown service complete with a couple of chocolates on your plush 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens.
The Food & Drink
The Bar at Short Stories in the hotel's only formal drinking and dining concept, but it checks all of our boxes. While you’re welcome to enjoy the full menu from outside on the courtyard, the indoor space boasts an entirely new vibe, with warm acid-washed walls, a black marble bar top and checkered tile arches throughout. An impressive happy hour runs the entire week (besides Mondays when The Bar is closed), and on Friday’s, the discounted drinks and bites are available all day. Select cocktails and wines are available for just $8—a deal that is virtually unheard of in West Hollywood.
Menu highlights include the signature Short Stories Burger, umami-coated French fries and refreshing cucumber and avocado salad. However, the deals don’t end there! On Tuesdays, with every margarita or signature tequila cocktail ordered, patrons receive two complimentary crispy beef tacos. As a West Hollywood local, I can say with full confidence that Short Stories offers one of the best happy hours in the city. Between the quality and the prices, it simply doesn’t get better than this.
The Amenities
Despite its laid-back dynamic and low-key facilities, the team at Short Stories ensures that the main amenities offered actually count. In other words, expect quality over quantity. Once the sun sets, the outdoor lounge turns into a fairytale-like garden with glowing lanterns and twinkling string lights. The pool is heated to a comfortable lukewarm temp year-round, and in the mornings, there’s no better way to start your day than with a cup of complimentary coffee on the courtyard.
If you’re traveling with your four-legged family member, the hotel provides dog beds and bowls upon request (just know there’s a $150 pet fee). Though there’s no spa, you can always inquire about weekly wellness happenings at the front desk—think yoga and meditation sessions—or head to a workout class with one of the nearby property partners.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Short Stories sits directly across from both The Original Farmers Market and The Grove, making it the ideal homebase for a weekend of shopping and sightseeing. While L.A. isn’t known for its walkability, this is one of the few hotels that offers easy exploration without constantly needing a car to get around.
Fast Facts
Location: West Hollywood/Beverly Grove
Rating: 3-star
Room Count: 66 rooms and suites
Pricing: Prices start around $175 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The stylish bar and daily happy hour. The curated mini bar and in-room snack selection also leave a lasting impression.
Dining: The Bar—dinner and happy hour available served daily.
Amenities: Swimming pool, laundry service, complimentary coffee in the mornings, pet amenities, valet parking, and scheduled wellness activities.
Nearby Attractions: The Grove, The Original Farmers Market, LACMA, The Holocaust Museum, and The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Airport: LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport
