Rose on Rose

British fashion photographer Glen Luchford has just opened the Rose Hotel in Venice, California, one of LA’s hottest locales. A historic building with a very colorful past- rumor has it the hotel was once the Venice founder and developer Abbott Kinney’s private brothel- the Rose is now an intimate, relaxing hotel in the midst of the vibrant Venice life. Luchford had been in the market for a hotel primarily because he wanted an inexpensive but stylish option where his photographer crew and friends could stay while they were in LA. He first came to Venice in 1993 to photograph Dennis Hopper for The Face- the now defunct cult British magazine- and although the city was quite rough at the time he was drawn to the place.

Luchford proceeded to renovate the turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts style building into beach house chic with a palette of cool marine blues, gray and white. Inside you will find Eric, the resident manager and native Venetian who is the go to source on all things Venice. He can arrange surfboard rentals, surfing lessons, paddle boarding, bike rentals, help you explore the canals, navigate the boardwalk, find the best shops, and much more. Of late, real estate prices have skyrocketed in the area, but that doesn’t mean that the community has completely gentrified. While Abbott Kinney Street may be newly posh, Rose Avenue remains authentic and Luchford likes it that way. He imagines a vibrant future where the Rose Hotel will house pop-up shops hosted by his friends in art and fashion, and eventually a restaurant. www.therosehotelvenice.com