BondSt Lounge, Thompson Beverly Hills

“Where’s the restaurant?” he asks quietly, walking past a small group of people at the lobby. “We’re not here to eat,” I respond, walking briskly past the small area and to the steps. He follows, several feet behind me. I assess the space at the top and move toward a chaise in a darker corner. There are two other people in the lounge, and no one looks up. That’s one of the unspoken rules of this place: you don’t look, and if you do, by chance, happen to see anything, you never say a word. After all, what were you doing here on a late Monday night?

The BondSt Lounge, Thompson Beverly Hills
9360 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310.601.2255

An affair can be lived entirely in the confines of a room and an inbox. And it should, if we’re smart. But we’re not always smart. We crave the edge. That’s what the affair is about. The trick is to strike a balance and what better reminder of the constant risk assessment that this requires than a place named Bond?

The New York favorite is here in Beverly Hills, just past the lobby of this boutique hotel. But ignore the restaurant (you’re not really here for food, are you?). Take the stairs at the lobby. At the top you’ll be faced with the warm darkness of the second floor bar. Decorated by Dodd Mitchell (of Boa Lounge and Falcon fame), the place presents the sort of modern biomorphic background that invites the most delightful debauchery. And if you remember the height of the wild Roos days (which, unsurprisingly, is also a Thompson property), you know that the staff is nothing if not discrete.

Avoid Tuesday nights at all costs. The best day for uninterrupted pleasure is Monday–but call in advance to make sure there are no scheduled private events. For extra privacy, walk through the upstairs bar and past the French doors to the private library alcove. Here you can let the sexy art books set the mood for you as you enjoy a drink–off her clavicle.

Your mistress need never know this fantastic spot is located at what was once a Best Western. Though that, surely, will add just the right dash of smutty dirtiness to the whole thing.

Last Call: 1:30 AM
Accepts credit cards: Yes.
Attire: Dressy.
Waiter Service: Attentive, discrete.
Outdoor seating: No, but there is a rooftop bar in the hotel (ABH, for Above Beverly Hills, is a hotel guest-only retreat — usually).
Smoking: No; go downstairs, outside.
Alcohol: full bar, bottle service ($275 – $800).
Price Range: $7 for beer, $11 – $20 for mixed drinks.
Parking: Valet.

Photo by AV Flox.