L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

Following successful collaborations on previous projects, the client entrusted WATG and a signature interior design firm to lead the transformation of L’Ermitage Beverly Hills. The vision was to reposition the former Viceroy property as a five-star boutique destination distinguished within Beverly Hills’ competitive hospitality scene. Long regarded as a retreat for locals, celebrities, and professional athletes, the hotel was ready for a new chapter.

The objective was to reimagine the property as a refined, contemporary expression of luxury, anchored by a rooftop destination comparable to the city’s most coveted venues.

The brief called for a comprehensive renewal of the 1970s landmark, focused on delivering a distinctive hospitality experience and introducing a vibrant rooftop food and beverage offering. The guiding design direction drew from a European sensibility, articulated through tailored elegance paired with California ease. This approach was expressed through considered detailing, elevated materials, and a clear relationship between interior and exterior spaces.

WATG’s scope included the complete redesign of the rooftop deck, a refresh of the building’s facade to strengthen its street presence, and architectural services for the renovation of key interior spaces.

WATG’s architecture and landscape architecture teams led the transformation of the rooftop deck, with the intent of creating a destination on par with the city’s most celebrated rooftop venues. Central to the client’s strategy was a renewed focus on food and beverage, positioning the rooftop as the heart of the hotel experience. Drawing inspiration from boutique European hotels and Mediterranean garden traditions, the design envisioned a social retreat defined by clarity, comfort, and measured sophistication.

The project involved a complete reconfiguration of the rooftop. A previously underused artificial turf roof and dated structures were replaced with a sculptural wood-clad bar, a reconstructed pool, and a dynamic dining terrace. The deck height was raised subtly yet meaningfully, improving sightlines and opening views toward Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Hills, and downtown Los Angeles. These architectural moves unified the rooftop into a cohesive hospitality environment that balances privacy with openness.

Landscape architecture played a defining role in the transformation. Layered plantings, trellis elements, and richly detailed exterior finishes were integrated with the architecture, lending a garden-forward character that introduces softness and comfort. The result is a rooftop setting that supports dining, lounging, and social gathering with equal emphasis.

“We reimagined the rooftop as a ‘garden in the sky’ – a fusion of European elegance and the laid-back California soul. By blurring the lines between the pool and terrace with layered greenery and curated textures, we’ve anchored the experience in a destination-driven culinary concept. It’s an invitation to linger in the art of outdoor living.” – Lance Walker, Managing Principal, Landscape Architecture

For the building exterior, WATG explored a range of approaches that balanced architectural ambition with project priorities. Through close collaboration with the client, the scope was refined into a focused and effective update. The final design centered on a carefully considered repainting of the facade, paired with selective detailing to sharpen the building’s profile. These updates strengthened the hotel’s street presence and introduced a contemporary clarity that reflects the renewed character of the interiors and rooftop above.

WATG worked closely with the client, the signature interior design firm, consultants, and contractors to deliver a comprehensive renovation within a complex existing structure. Originally constructed in the 1970s as a residential apartment building, the property required thoughtful adaptation to meet current hospitality standards. Key challenges included low ceiling heights, layered code requirements, and complex accessibility conditions.

WATG’s architecture scope encompassed the interior architecture for a 6,150-square-foot renovation of the ground-floor lobby, lounge, bar, and restaurant. The team supported reconfigured layouts responding to evolving guest expectations, coordinated MEP and lighting systems within tight ceiling conditions, and implemented accessibility upgrades wherever feasible. Through careful coordination and inventive problem-solving, these constraints informed an architectural response that respects the building’s history while delivering a modern, high-end guest experience aligned with the client’s vision.

“The building began as a residential apartment property in the 1970s, so bringing it up to today’s hospitality standards required careful coordination at every step. As Architect of Record, we balanced code compliance, accessibility, and design intent while working within existing structural limitations. Seeing it come together as a refined, modern hotel was immensely rewarding.” – Greg Villegas, Managing Principal, Architecture

The renovation of L’Ermitage Beverly Hills reflects a considered balance of luxury and restraint. WATG’s role as architect and landscape architect established continuity from concept through delivery, from complex structural coordination and accessibility solutions to the crafted rooftop experience. The completed project repositions L’Ermitage as a compelling presence within Beverly Hills’ luxury hospitality market.