Hotel Palomar Los Angeles Westwood: How it rates

How it rates * * *

New and noteworthy: San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group converts a Westwood Doubletree into L.A.’s first eco-luxe boutique hotel.

The stay: Luxurious and residential-feeling décor may encourage lingering in the plush bed, but the hotel’s limited dining and recreation options will inspire excursions off the property.

The scene: Aimed at hooking the film festival market, the upscale atmosphere also attracts college students for cocktails, condo-dwelling seniors for dinner and out-of-town guests for bar mitzvahs at neighborhood temples.

Deal maker: Commitment to social and environmental causes does good and helps make green chic.

Deal breaker: Not quite walking distance to commercial districts, so guests must drive to parking- challenged Westwood.

Green touches: The hotel claims more than 40 eco-friendly practices are part of its operations.

Stats: 10740 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 475-8711 or (800) 546-7866, www.hotelpalomar-lawestwood.com.

Rooms: Standard rooms begin at $459; the 645-square-foot suites are $659. The grand opening rates are significantly lower.

Rating is based on the room, service, ambience and overall experience with price taken into account in relation to quality.

* * * * * Outstanding on every level

* * * * Excellent

* * * Very good

* * Good

* Satisfactory

No Star: Poor