Have you seen this place?

Every business traveler outside of Los Angeles tries to get their company to spring for the SLS Hotel. Sure, it's pricy. But the girls in the bar are to weary travelers what Samantha Fox was to men in the 80's. The place is chic and situated right on Restaurant Row. But I don't see people venturing out of the hotel to eat. Not with the addition of The Bazaar. The lobby, bar and restaurant are on a sprawling first floor, with mismatched furniture and conversation pieces pushed together to make intimate little spaces. This is also one of those places where everyone is checking out everyone to see if they're someone.

Myself and some friends gathered for cocktails at the bar, and I ordered a smoking concoction made with dry ice. I ordered it for the name; Smoke on the Water. And did it smoke! I looked like an evil chemist. 

This place is fun!

The Roger Room

How IS it that in a recession, when well-advertised businesses are struggling to get customers in the door, the Roger Room is packed? 

This place is:

A) Relatively new (opened late 2009)

B) Has NO SIGN (they call it "speakeasy style")

C) Has NO WEBSITE

D) Serve expensive drinks ($14- $16)

E) Packed. Just utterly packed.

I was with good people, we enjoyed some old-fashioned cocktails and shared fine conversation. But really? A through E (list above) is killing me. Who are these people and how did they hear of it? Granted,  I was one of them, but that was on a fluke. Trust. 

Did the crowded bar demonstrate the desperation hipsters have to see and be seen at the newest thing? The New York Times reported that the owners call it the reverse of snobbery, with no celeb clientele. That is, unless you consider Cameron Diaz and Fiona Apple celebrities. And if it isn't pretentious, do please explain this: Dress code: Casual but distinct, with designer or vintage accessories.

Like I said, the place was great. But please, consider the list above (A through E) and explain.  

...Anyone?
 
...Bueller?