Hotel Ziggy's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Sunset Strip

 Hotel Ziggy opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony, April 5th 2022.


By Karen Ostlund       @HotelZiggy  #FreeTheMusic

(WestHollywoodToday blogspot, CA April 7 2022) The new Hotel Ziggy's design at 8462 W. Sunset is influenced by Sunset Strip rock 'n’ roll bands, with a modern culture spin for travelers and locals, to come and hang-out.                                          

April 5 2022. Hotel Ziggy's ribbon cutting ceremony led by West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister and members from West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

                                                                               

Singer Haley Reinhart and saxophonist Scott Page performed in the lobby.

The hotel took over space from Grafton Hotel and is seen as "the last standing rebel on the block", with cocktail lounge, pool and lobby, located next to Mondrian Hotel.
                                                                                     

Hotel Ziggy has the largest saltwater pool in West Hollywood.

"We created Ziggy to provoke stimulating and meaningful conversations with the intent to spark curiosity and playfully challenge perspectives. What better location than the Sunset Strip to celebrate the rebellious spirit of norm-breaking musicians who have changed how we live?" said Jon Bortz, Chief Executive Officer at Pebblebrook Hotels. "Hotel Ziggy is located right down the street from the former sites of two world-famous music destinations: Tower Records and House of Blues. These icons are now gone, but a legacy needs to be remembered. We push boundaries with our hotels, and we certainly did that with Ziggy.”                                  

Hotel-room Hotel Ziggy

Hotel Ziggy invites hotel guests to check in at a sociable and engaging bar lined with hundreds of vinyl albums. A record player behind the front desk fills the communal space with music spanning every progressive genre. A retractable glass garage door partitions one end of the lobby, creating a versatile music venue called "Backbeat," which supports local musicians and invites them to come and share their sound in a new space to rise above the noise.
                                                                            

Me, Karen Ostlund at Hotel Ziggy photo-booth.

Walls and ceilings celebrate musicians of past and present. A collection of memorabilia includes framed legal documents highlighting decades of lawsuits between musicians, producers and streamers with the intent of asking the controversial question, "Who really owns the music?" Hotel Ziggy's goal is to trigger lively conversations and in doing so, connect people. Its position is clear for all to hear: "Free the music!"                                                               

Hotel Ziggy cocktail-menu at the opening.

The award-winning design team of Dawson Design Associates (DDA), characterized the space and design to honor and support the rebellious and independent attitude of musicians' fight to be heard. Powerful street murals wrap the front exterior of the building, the courtyard surrounding the pool, and  main lobby, together expressing the vitality and rebelliousness of the music scene. A mix of modern and vintage furniture sits on top of rustic hardwood floors and worn oriental area rugs, to create a space to chill-out in West Hollywood.

"It was vital that this hotel didn't take itself too seriously," said Andrea Sheehan, founding Principle and Art Director at DDA. "We kept things simple so the art could speak for itself. We stripped away all previous attempts to make this quirky building look modern. Instead, we exposed its blemishes and embraced the awkward structure for what it was – authentic, just like our guests and the musicians we are celebrating."

The "free the music" theme offers guests access to a Shred Shed that includes electric and acoustic guitars, amps, records, record players, Walkmans and backpacks to use, while finding inspiration in LA or sharing creativity with others. All are welcome to borrow, experiment, and share in the "free the music" movement.

 LA's first iconic record store and precursor to the original Tower Records, Licorice Pizza, a casual dining concept named "B-side Pizza" fronts Sunset strip. The pizza joint’s history goes back to mid-century carhops with an old school pick-up window that allows locals to order to-go with concierge service and style. A custom neon-wrapped 9-inch vinyl album solidifies the retro theme.

More info www.hotelziggy.com  @hotelziggy on Instagram and Twitter #FreeTheMusic