a watermelon margarita from High, one of many fresh cocktails it serves

High at twilight

High's boardwalk simulates a walk to the sand

the view from High

High Above The California Coast

I last visited Hotel Erwin in 2009 when it was already the In place to stay and the trendiest spot in town for a snacky lunch, light dinner, and delicious cocktails thanks to its beautiful rooftop, open-air lounge, High, where the views extend all the way from the green hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the allure of the Malibu Beach Colony. 

The clever design of the new rooftop, an addition appended to the building in a total refit of the previously existing property, incorporates a pair of wooden boardwalks to simulate a walk out to the sand.  Intimate conversation areas surrounded by plants give guests a degree of privacy if that is what they seek, though others enjoy being in the mix as the bar area fills with a mostly youngish crowd of artsy types and IT executives who favour strong drinks and a laid-back vibe in exceptional surroundings.  Not that anyone outside these categories is excluded from the fun; here in easygoing Venice Beach, where the superficiality of other parts of LA are left behind, people engage in conversation just for the fun of it.  Apart from the eclectic crowd, fun atmosphere, good food, and great drinks, the main attraction at High is the sunset over the Pacific, though the occasional fog rolling in from the Pacific creates a lovely, ethereal atmosphere.

High can be booked for private parties and corporate events, taking the fun to a higher level by being surrounded by friends, family, or colleagues.  Contact Group Sales Manager Erin Holness at 1 424 214 1004 for more details.

Drinks of all kinds are available on board V Australia, which offers a delicious signature cocktail, The Australian.  This concoction of spirits, cognac, cranberry juice, ginger, and lime is but one of the many touches of originality in V Australia's excellent Business Class, where a fully flat bed provides the perfect place to sleep off the giddiness of the alcohol, though the giddiness brought on by the high level of comfort and service will last a lot longer.

Hotel Erwin
1697 Pacific Avenue
Venice, CA 90291
www.hotelerwin.com