Getting my nails did in OPI's Mad As A Hatter (Photo ©Disney)
Cherry chocolate macaroon
It may have been another Friday night in Hollywood, but instead of cozying up home with an episode of Law & Order stored on my DVR I was actually out on the town, relieved that there weren’t any insane crowds to brave. So far. It was my first in-person peek at The W Hollywood – open for a couple months now – and the occasion was Disney Living’s Alice in Wonderland party in The Lobby.
Red Queen
For the occasion, a pop-up display featuring Alice in Wonderland-inspired dresses designed by Sue Wong and jewelry by Tom Binn was erected to last the weekend. Characters dressed as The Rabbit, Red Queen, White Queen, Alice herself and others I probably didn’t even recognize were either super festive and dressed to theme accordingly, or were paid to act the part. I wasn’t quite clear on that, but they definitely helped with the Alice atmosphere – what with them traipsing and scampering around the posh, art deco lobby space.
No matter – there were signature cocktails to be sampled (aply named “Down the Rabbit Hole” and more) and consumed at the bar. Initially, I was dismayed the main liquors used were vodka – twice - and acai-distilled spirit in the cocktails but thankfully one of the vodka cocktails wasn’t too sweet. Yes, Alice in Wonderland is very girly, and accordingly – vodka is apparently feminine.
Tara the Cat, The Rabbit & Alice
We soaked up our libations with passed appetizers; true to form, Lindsay, Maya and I stood by the hallway to pounce on the kitchen-exiting servers with their passed trays. Subtle.
Also on theme was the Bliss station, where the resident 3rd floor spa promoted their services with mini-but-awesome neck & shoulder massages and mini manicures furnished with OPI Alice in Wonderland nail polishes (I chose a multi-colored, glittery color). My only complaint: My free massage wasn’t long enough. 
Tom Binn Tea Necklace
Fearing an impending sugar crash a few drinks into the party and a few trays after the h’ors doeurves had transitioned into dessert, we spied the fully-occupied bar at the beautiful new Delphine restaurant and 40 minute wait for a table before making the walk to Umami Burger.
What a fun party with a great pop-up display. My favorite was definitely Sue Wong’s White Queen-inspired dress. To many more one-off events and legit reasons to visit The W Hollywood. As for Delphine, my first taste will have to wait until another day…
Further reading:
Disney Alice in Wonderland Flickr set
Cool stuff I would actually wear: Alice in Wonderland – ShopEatSleep
The W Hollywood
6250 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.798.1300
The W Hollywood Lobby
What a fun party! Thanks for not describing the drinks. This liquor fast thing is hard enough as it is. I wanted to see how your manicure turned out. Where’s the pic for that?
Haha – unfortunately they weren’t worth describing, so you lucked out on that. As for the manicure, I forgot to take a picture! I know – blogger foul. Think I was self-conscious about how short they are, but now I wish I did it because the color is really cool. Here‘s the color!
Sounds fun! I’d expect something a little more wacky since it’s Alice but that’s just me.
Bianca – Trudat.
It was still fun, though, and a good way to get a free mini massage and manicure over a few drinks!