W. . . The Best of New York Comes to L.A.
By Bonnie Carroll

The opening of the new W Hotel in Westwood was without a doubt the most exciting opening party I've seen in years. Gorgeous dancers performed on platforms throughout the hotel, from the Livingroom Lounge to a raised platform in the middle of the swimming pool. The MOJO staff presented a bevy of seductive beverages like Green Parrot and Latin inspired appetizers were abundant, and all the beautiful peo- ple were there, enjoying it all!

The renovation and design of the hotel is clean and retro chic. with splashes of dramatic color. There is a Miami kind of airiness through- out the main lobby area that leads to an elaborately decorated pool and bar area, which I am told has subsequently become one of the hottest party bars in L.A.

The rooms are sophisticated, but simple. Done in rich woods and comfortable colors, with every possible convenience; including fully equipped conference work centers in their larger suites. The toiletries were all especially designed for W by Aveda, the renowned skin and hair people, and the fragrance they designed is wonderful!
Dining at the hotel is also an exciting experience. The energy here is definitely New York ...fun, fast and busy! It is never a problem to wait for a table because the live people show is terrific to watch. The bar is literally a beehive of beautiful people in action, and the design of the bar itself is a sensational.

MOJO restaurant presents a menu that is colorful, exciting, and delicious, while the servers arc extremely helpful. Menu items are unique and include lamb chops with many-mint glaze; swett potato empanadas; crab and white corn empanadas; cocoirut tempura shrimp with ruin-starfruit glaze; sweet yellow corn artpa with pan seared scallops; avocado salad and saffron; three- hean croquettes with tomitillo salsa; coca de vegetables; and asparagus, plantain and three cheese tumults. My favorite desserts include chocolate-banana mousse tangle and mini espresso ice cream sandwiches. For Recipes see fbworld.com

The premier W Hotel opened in New York in December 1998, and was followed by 1999 openings in Atlanta. San Francisco, Seattle, Honolulu, New York, The Court &The Tuscany; and finally Westwood in 2000. A total of 20 W Hotels will be open by the end of 2001, including their first international property in Sydney. Australia. W hotel arc owned and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., which operates more than 700 hotels in over 72 coun-tries, with 130,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Included among Starwood properties are renowned hotel brands including Sheraton, Westin, The St. Regis/Luxury Collection and Four Points Hotels by Sheraton. For reservations call 877-whotels or visit http://www.whotels.com. See other hotel reviews on www.fbworld.com.