Pretty-On-The-Inside Hotels

Would you stay in one of these hotels if you didn't get to look inside?

Sadly, the old adage, "you only get one chance to make a first impression" is true -- and it doesn't just apply to people, but to architecture and its interior design, as well. You wouldn't expect a luxury hotel to be a diamond in the rough, but there are quite a few examples that have convinced me to never judge a book by its cover when it comes time to book a room.

After reading this article on Oyster's blog, I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at two hotels that desperately need a second chance at a first impression. Think of these hotels as the "ugly guy," from Walking and Talking -- that unattractive guy that turns out to have a stellar personality and wows you when you weren't expecting it.

As a guest rolls up to the Viceroy in Santa Monica, CA, she's likely not impressed with the boring facade -- it kind of looks like a Holiday Inn. The hotel's website doesn't even have any gallery of the outside! So, would you expect that this big bland box would house design from Kelly Wearstler? Not from this angle, that's for sure.

However, inside you'll find Kelly Wearstler's much-celebrated interiors. Wearstler used bright greens and yellows throughout the hotel, making it feel like a beach destination while still playing up the sophistication of the affluent Santa Monica crowd. The yellow library sitting area feels funky, and the accessories, furniture shapes and chandelier add elegance to the fun.

The green, black and white bath is playful with tiles laid both vertically and horizontally and an extra wide white border at the wall's base. The mix of contemporary styling and traditional furnishings makes it feel urban and hip. Who wants to book me a room?

The Mondrian in West Hollywood is another big, white box, even uglier on the outside than the Viceroy, in my opinion. Its hospital-ish exterior is really quite a turnoff, and I can't imagine pulling up to this place and saying "wow" for a good reason. However, upon entering the lobby, that feeling will quickly change. You step into a golden world of ultra-hip, über-chicness courtesy of designer Benjamin Noriega Ortiz. Though the exterior disappoints, the interior surely matches the tragically hip WeHo culture.

The theme throughout the hotel is a sunny one: Natural light and light-colored fabrics are dotted with pops of yellow and orange throughout the contemporary-styled guest rooms. The bar area is beyond hip with its curving orange seating and ceiling details. Looking at the exterior, who would have guessed this was inside?

Want a peek at another fab hotel? Check out this post:

- The Kimber Modern Hotel in Austin

And looking to pretty-up your own pieces?

- Spruce up your wardrobe with DIY studs