Hotel as Temptress?

The seduction campaign began a month ago. In the mail was an acrylic box containing tiny puzzle pieces that spelled: “We hope to see you soon.” Next came a tin of bandage strips. Printed on the wrappers was “Let us take care of you.” A nostalgic View-Master with tiny photographs of romantic rooms was followed by a postcard that repeated the wish for an encounter.

A puzzle, bandages, View-Master--what’s the link between these seemingly unrelated objects? The Mondrian hotel on the Sunset Strip. Seduction--all so beckoning . . and unfair--is part of hotelier Ian Schrager’s success. (He also owns the Morgans, Royalton and Paramount hotels in New York City and the Delano in Miami Beach.)

And now his ethereal L.A. hotel, famous for attracting the famous, has a new restaurant, Asia de Cuba, which rivals the property’s Skybar for staying power. People arrive at 8 p.m. and don’t vacate their dining chairs until closing time. They’re lured by the Latin sounds, the blend of cuisines and the abundant portions that force diners to share. Fanciful desserts and retro tropical drinks add to the flavor. “You can have a seriously good restaurant and still have fun,” says Jeffrey Chodorow, the brains behind Asia de Cuba.

The Mondrian, 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (323) 650-8999.