Your Guide to Experiencing Awards Season in West Hollywood

Each winter, the film, television and music industries gather in Los Angeles to celebrate their biggest stars at award shows like the Golden Globes, the GRAMMYS and the Academy Awards. The buzz on the streets is palpable, especially in West Hollywood, where celebs find everything they need for a standout appearance — including trend-forward fashions, premier aestheticians and luxurious hotel suites big enough to fit an entire glam team.

Even if you’re not walking the red carpet, here’s how you can get the authentic awards season experience in West Hollywood — any time of year.

Stay in the Lap of Luxury

West Hollywood’ top-rated hotels attract industry insiders year-round. For the full A-lister experience, book a celeb-certified suite and stay where the stars get red-carpet ready. From the Andaz to the Sunset Marquis, these hotels boast penthouses with designer furnishings; private rooftop decks with skyline panoramas; and spacious abodes perfect for a knockout afterparty.

Pro tip: Reserve your glamorous suite a few weeks in advance to ensure you get your top hotel choice.

A-List Shopping Experiences

Ever dreamed of working with a professional fashion stylist? In West Hollywood, you can shop where top stylists go to get inspired and pull looks for their celebrity clients. Stroll around star magnet Sunset Plaza, discover fashion-forward statement pieces at Maxfield and H.Lorenzo, and don’t miss The RealReal, a luxury resale mecca where you might even score a piece once owned by your Hollywood fave.

Pro tip: Make your first stop the Skims flagship in Sunset Plaza, where you can pick up shapewear in virtually every skin shade.

Read More: Check out our Ultimate West Hollywood Shopping Guide

Give Your Skin the Celebrity Treatment

Flawless skin is the foundation of any red carpet look. In the weeks leading up to a big event, celebrities often turn to expert facialists and targeted treatments to clear, tone and brighten their canvas. West Hollywood is home to some of the most trusted names in skincare, including Joanna Vargas, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Ole Henriksen Face/Body Spa and The Spa at The West Hollywood EDITION, where the Red Carpet Edition Facial was designed specifically to prep clients for the spotlight. 

Pro tip: Start with a deep-cleansing facial two to three weeks out, followed by sculpting microcurrent treatments and ultra-hydrating masks in the final days to look refreshed and camera-ready.

Read More: Get a Red-Carpet Makeover in West Hollywood

See & Be Seen at Celeb Hot Spots

West Hollywood venues provide a stylish backdrop for awards-season events of all kinds, from nominee brunches to press events to afterparties. Be ready to see stars at sought-after hotels like The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, Sunset Tower Hotel and The West Hollywood EDITION. Bars, restaurants and nightclubs like Skybar and Delilah are also popular party spots. 

Read More: Where to Spot Celebrities in West Hollywood

No Photos, Please

Actually, we lied. We want all the photos. Once you have glowing skin and the perfect ’fit, you have to capture it for your social feed. West Hollywood is famous for its social media-worthy locations, so grab your camera and a friend and visit one of our picture-perfect spots before you lose the light. Some of our favorite photo ops include Harriet’s Rooftop, The Formosa Cafe, Great White, Kimpton La Peer Hotel and just about anywhere along the Sunset Strip or the West Hollywood Design District.

Pro Tip: Opt for your phone, because some of these locations may ask you to stop if your session seems like a professional photo shoot — and some even have strict no-photo policies. 

Updated from the original article by Maxine Tatlonghari.