High Rooftop Lounge At Hotel Erwin Gets Makeover

Sitting along the glass-edged wall of what looks like an infinity lounge on the rooftop of the Hotel Erwin in Venice has always been a coveted spot to take in the multicolored, morphing hues of a southern California sunset.

And now with a new facelift, from designer Tara Bean, whose other notable work includes Belles Beach House, Elephante, Venice Beach House, along with DJs and an updated cocktail selection, the High Rooftop Lounge has become the latest Venice destination for the city's beautiful people.

The best nights, the locals say, is during the week when the vibe is a little less tech-bro and influencer chick. But really for an entirely open-air experience in the blazing last weeks of August heat, any night it makes for a good escape.

With the upgrade came new seating. In particular the Oceanfront VIP Sections which require a $25 fee per person and a minimum reservation for four to guarantee a seat to nature's spectacular light show: the Venice sunset.  For anyone looking for a less velvet-ropish vibe, happy hour is where its at with cheap(er) eats; $12 cocktails, and a decent beer and wine list for about ten bucks.

"This is one of the best spots to see the coolest neighborhood in Los Angeles," says 22-year-old Tony Broly, a surfer from Marina del Rey who watched his brethren navigate the popular Venice Beach break behind the skate park as the sun set over the Pacific in cotton candy colors. "With a cocktail? What's not to love."