The Charlie West Hollywood

I’ve been coming here for over 12 years and it never disappoints. It’s an oasis in the middle of West Hollywood with all the old world charm and service one can expect. Love that you have a full kitchen, plus washer and dryer in unit. Very peaceful.

Over the decades, we have stayed in countless hotels, but never one with the cinematic pedigree of The Charlie. The property was once owned by film legend Charlie Chaplin, and the various accommodations he built are named after celebrities who reportedly stayed in this connected series of English Tudor residences. We stayed in the Steve, on the ground level and one of the less expensive options, yet it had a small private garden in the front. (Be warned: staying amid Hollywood history does not come cheap.) But there is secure off-street parking (which is coveted in West Hollywood) and the grounds, with their winding stone paths and fountains, are lovely to stroll about. There are only 14 accommodations, some on the second and third floors, each with its own charm and antique sensibilities. The highlight is a 1,400-square-foot freestanding cottage where Marilyn Monroe supposedly stayed in the 1940s. All have full kitchens (so we brought fixings for breakfast) and a washer-dryer. There are rumors that ghosts may still reside amid the cinematic history, but the only noises we heard were from the incessant water fountain outside our stained-glass window. We wished Steve had a king-sized bed, but that would be the only nit we would pick. Being presented with a wonderfully fragrant bouquet of yellow roses and gifted two Charlie mugs were an extra treat. For us, the true barometer of any overnight stay is whether we would consider a return visit. The answer is a quick and inequitable YES.

In May, 2024 due major renovations in my home, I moved to the Charlie while the work was going on. Little did I know that I would be living there until December 2024! Living at the Charlie was what kept me going. My bed was the most comfortable one I have ever slept in. My unit had a full size kitchen, living room, bedroom and 1 1/2 bath. The Hotel is gated so I was able to park on the property in safety. But one of the things I enjoyed most were the grounds with flowing fountains, birds, squirrels and beautiful flowers. The management and staff were very welcoming. I cannot recommend the Charlie enough as a great place to stay, especially for a long stay.