Want to discover a secret hideaway where you can simultaneously:

Party above one of the hippest neighborhoods in LA
Dodge the crowds
Relax and luxuriate
Feel like a VIP
Avoid the Paparazzi

Sound too good to be true? Well, then its time you visited the charming little Hotel Chamberlain right in the heart of West Hollywood. A boutique-style offshoot of the luxurious Kor Hotel Group, the Chamberlain underwent a sleek redesign for its 2005 opening. The 114 guest rooms and suites feature high-thread counts, gas log fireplaces and a clean, modern color palette. The intimate patio-side restaurant, downstairs, seats 30, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

However, the most exciting feature of Hotel Chamberlain is its rooftop pool bar. The 360-degree views of Los Angeles are the perfect backdrop for mingling on a breezy evening as the last rays of sun cast a warm glow against the Hollywood Hills. So, why haven’t you and your pals already discovered this designer hideaway?

Well, there’s a catch. Non-guests of the hotel must buy a membership... The good news is that you pay only $200 for the rest of 2009! That might sound like a lot at first but when you realize that you get free access (for yourself and guests) to the exclusive rooftop pool bar; 25% off food and drink at the Hotel Chamberlain (as well as 15% off at Maison 140 and Avalon Beverly Hills as well as the Viceroy in Palm Springs) it starts to sounds pretty good. Plus, the Hotel Chamberlain membership also offers 25% off poolside cabana and deck chair rentals, 15% off best available suites, 50% off parking and 25% off meeting room rental.

I recently experienced stylish rooftop cocktail party at the Chamberlain. Sauteed scallops, cheese-stuffed balls of risotto, salmon pinwheels and colorful “fruit sushi” were particularly delightful among the highlighted hors d’oeuvres. I forewent the so-called “cocktails” (which I found a bit disappointing) and stuck with plain sparkling wine which actually suited the ambiance quite nicely.

I could imagine myself returning often to delight friends and business colleagues with the view and exclusive access to this urban retreat above the usual hub-bub. Annual membership just might be a small price to pay for the kind of "cool factor" street cred...