Let’s go to the Chateau: Unveiling the Mysteries of LA’s Chateau Marmont - Brunch Dining Review
- Emma Hamrick
- Nov 23, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 30
The castle-like structure of the Chateau Marmont looms over Sunset Boulevard, signifying the gateway to the famous Sunset Strip. Chateau has a storied history; Over the years, it’s operated as an extended stay for the who’s-who of Hollywood, been name-dropped in literature and music, and manifested its own ghost story. If you’re a Swiftie like me, you’ll also recognize it as a choice venue for Grammy’s after-parties hosted by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
While notorious in name, the Chateau is also notoriously mysterious. Between the $2,000+ per night rack rates for the hotel, the inability to book dinner at the restaurant online, and the limited information available on the hotel’s website, it’s safe to assume the ambiguity around the Chateau is intentional. As an LA resident, I’m here to demystify the Chateau for you, share how you can experience a taste of Hollywood’s Golden Era, and review the Chateau Marmont's brunch offering (And maybe I can convince you to save some cash).
How to Visit the Chateau Marmont
Well, you can book a stay in one of the rooms with a starting rate of $900 per night! And if that’s not in your budget (I assure you, it’s not in mine), you can opt to dine at the restaurant located on the property. Scoring a dinner reservation or a seat at the bar in the evening requires some finesse; you’ll need to know someone, try to visit on an “off” evening like a Monday or Tuesday where there might be an empty table, and/or be very good at talking your way into exclusive locations.
That said, the simplest way is to simply book brunch on Resy! These reservations only recently started popping up publicly, and as of right now, they’re pretty “get-able” by LA standards.
Where to Park for the Chateau Marmont
Expect to fork over $25 to park your car on-site for 3 hours (+$5 for each additional hour). You could also try to find street parking (SpotAngels is helpful ), or opt for an Uber.
What to Wear for Brunch at Chateau Marmont
You’ll want to consider the weather for your visit; the prime seating area is a large outdoor garden area with some overhead coverage for the rare LA rain. There are heat lamps in the winter to keep things warmer, but shade is seemingly limited. While there is no formal dress code, I’d advise you to dress “snappy casual.” For women, that’s a nice sundress in the spring or summer and a sweater and trousers in the chillier months. For men, I’d recommend dress pants and a collared shirt. That said, you’ll see a mix of everything; I saw a woman in a cocktail dress and a group of guys in baggy jeans and hooded sweatshirts. Wear what you want, but expect your fellow diners to look generally “expensive.”
Brunch at Chateau Marmont - Dining Review & Menu
The Ambiance
The restaurant’s garden seating is quintessential LA; wicker tables and chairs, comfy lounge seating, floor-length striped divider curtains, and luscious greenery. There are areas of shade under alcoves, along with a large tented patio area with a transparent roof allowing for sun. My friend and I sat in a small strip of tables exposed to open air. It’s serene; you almost forget you’re right off of Sunset Blvd.
The Menu
Expect to find a menu of classic California staples, along with some seafood selections. The brunch, seafood, and cocktail menus for Chateau Marmont are available below (Updated November 2024)
Our Meal
Smoke and Mirrors Mocktail
So I messed up right out the gate and ordered what I thought was a grapefruit spritz… turns out the heading on the top of the menu said “Sans Spirits” not “Summer Spritz.” I need to go to the eye doctor. The flavors here were good with sweetness and a nice balance between grapefruit and lime. It would’ve been better with a shot of vodka and absolutely should’ve included the vodka at the eye-popping price of $20. A mocktail should never cost more than $12. Ouch.
Lobster Roll
So lobster rolls are one of my top five favorite foods. Especially when served “Connecticut Style” with hot butter on a brioche bun. The Chateau’s lobster roll included chives and saffron sauce (and no side). I will say, this was good! The brioche was perfectly toasted, there was a hearty amount of lobster meat, and it tasted great. The saffron sauce didn’t do much for me, but I would order it again. I think for $42, this should come with fries. This wasn’t the best lobster roll in the world (That honor belongs to Benny’s on the Beach in Lake Worth, Florida), but this did feel like an elevated meal option fitting of this establishment.
Americano
My friend opted for an Americano. It… looked fine. She had no notes. I don’t doubt that it was satisfactory.
Bibb Lettuce with Egg Whites on the Side
When I saw my friend’s Bibb Lettuce hit the table, I nearly cried for her. This bowl of lettuce with nothing on it and a small side bowl of vinaigrette cost $24. That makes Erewhon look cheap. She got two egg whites on the side that… looked like eggs. Not what I would’ve ordered, and I think she regretted her decision.
The Service
Our server was warm and friendly, accepting our accommodation requests. I appreciated that she didn’t rush our experience and let us enjoy a leisurely meal. The service staff attentively took our plates and refilled water as necessary. I will say the hostess was not nice and came off cold and snooty which was a bit disappointing as our “welcome” to the Chateau.
Is Brunch at the Chateau Worth It?
So… This place is overpriced. I’ll just call it like it is. But when being exclusionary and catering to the ultra-rich is the intent of an establishment, you take what you’re given.
Here’s our tab:
The real value here is getting to dine at this storied location. That doesn’t make paying $20 for a mocktail feel good by any stretch of the imagination. But it does make it feel like you’re walking away with something.
TLDR: My Final Review of Brunch at Chateau Marmont
If stepping foot in the Chateau has been a dream of yours, then I’m not going to advise against having brunch here (It’s probably the most economical way to visit). If you’re an LA local with an industry connection, wait until you go there for work-related reasons, or find a way to stop by the bar for a cocktail in the evening. If you’re visiting from out of town hoping for great food and celeb spotting, I’d recommend trying somewhere else… Maybe The Front Yard in Studio City for great food and Castaway in Burbank for a unique venue. Hit Alfred’s Coffee on Melrose and count the celebs and influencers you spot there while saving big bucks). And if money isn’t an object, enjoy your stay in LA’s most exclusive, albeit most expensive, hotel!