INTRODUCTIONA friend and I enjoy performing stand-up comedy. We often travel to places to perform or to watch other people perform. On Saturday, September 21, 2013, we drove up to Hollywood, California. We were on our way to the Hollywood Improv. And since we didn't want to drive back after the show, we planned to stay the evening.In preparation for our outing, I researched hotels near the Improv. I found The Andaz Hotel, described online as a "boutique" Los Angeles hotel. On the internet, most people gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Not bad! I called and found out the cost for a night's stay starts at about three hundred plus. This was pricey. However, the comments on the internet were so positive we decided to stay there. The Andaz is located at 8401 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. This is a heavily populated area of Los Angeles and is teeming with life, both day and night. The night we stayed there was no exception. There were people walking up and down the streets and sunset blvd was crowded with vehicles.The hotel has magnificent modern décor. I would have to say mid 20th century, 1960's, 1970's. Personally, I enjoy this décor and find it very nice and appealing. The furniture and room designs are dramatic with clean and curving lines blending together and in contrast to wonderful textures of stone, marble, onyx, leather, metal and fabric. It is truly fun to see. I loved it.We arrived in the afternoon on Saturday. It was busy. As Steve was checking in I wondered around. As I approached the kitchen, a delicious smell enveloped me. The smells were flavored with a rich blend of fresh herbs. I thought I distinctly smelled cilantro. Instantly, this brought back wonderful memories from my youth. The smell was so delicious and inviting that I convinced Steve and we dined at the hotel later on that evening. We both ordered a mushroom burger which was recommended by the waiter. It was light, meatless and delicious! I strongly recommend trying this burger out. And I have to say that even the water at the restaurant was delicious. It was light, indistinct in flavor and easy going down. I put lime in mine. But mostly for me, what made the dining experience wonderful, was the smell in the dining room area. It made me feel at home. There are a set of stairs by the front door of the hotel which go to the second floor. Incredibly, on the second floor, by the end of the hall, there too was a distinct smell. This was different from the smell at the dining room. I was wowed since this smell too brought me a flood of memories and feelings of comfort. I enjoyed it greatly. We stayed in room 308. It was a neat room decorated in a modern and clean design. As an artist and lover of architecture, I pay attention to building construction. Interestingly, the ceilings in the hallway of the third floor were at varying levels. It was perplexing. Throughout, I marveled and pondered at the construction of the place and it made me wonder what the architect must have been thinking...Overall, we loved our stay at the Andaz Hotel and we recommend it.