Haute Living recently launched our newly redesigned website, which is constantly being updated with the most pertinent information about the luxury lifestyles in each of our markets. Over the course of Haute Living Los Angeles’ two-year history, we have encountered and profiled some of the city’s most notable individuals. While we are happy to share their stories with you, now we want to take it one step further. These are people who have the inside scoop about the Los Angeles scene, so we thought it prudent to ask them for their opinion on the city’s best, from brunches and power lunches to dinner spots and shopping destinations. You can find a slew of these completed questionnaires on HauteLiving.com, and we will be showcasing the answers from one notable individual in each edition from here on out. For our second Inside Guide, we asked Marty Collins, president of Gatehouse Capital, the company behind the new W Hollywood Hotel & Residences, for his thoughts on Los Angeles’ hautest venues.

Where were you born: Outside of Frankfort, Kentucky

How long in Los Angeles: On and off for more than 20 years

Neighborhood: I have been all over the map, from the hills above Beverly Hills to a sailboat in Marina, to summers in Malibu, to Hollywood, where I am currently.

Occupation: Real estate investor and developer

Favorite restaurant: R23

Best steakhouse: BOA Steakhouse on Sunset

Best sushi: Katsuya Hollywood

Best ethnic restaurant: Jitlada Thai Restaurant on Sunset

Best Italian: Mozza

Best pizza: Vito’s Pizza

Best lunch: Outside patio at Chateau Marmont

Best place for late night dining: Kate Mantalini’s

Best dessert: Sorry, just not my deal

Best place for a romantic date: Catching a sunset on Mulholland Drive

Best Sunday brunch: Ammo

Hautest club and/or lounge: Drai’s Hollywood will unquestionably be the hautest

Best place for a power business meeting: Cabana in The Backyard at W Westwood

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills or W Westwood
(until W Hollywood opens)

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Undefeated in Silver Lake

Best place to buy jewelry/watches: Michael Beaudry for jewelry; used watches at HMS or Westime

Best spa: Bliss–any location

Best gym/athletic facility: Anywhere that Teddy Bass is

Best massage: Bliss

Best limousine/driving services: Diva Limousine

Favorite charity event: 20 Wonder (formerly Superball) by Jim Hodgson for Down Syndrome

Favorite cultural event: Engagement Parties at MOCA

Favorite cultural institution: LACMA

Best museum/exhibit: Hammer Museum

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

All-around favorite locale in Los Angeles: The Green Room at Jimmy Kimmel

Best aspect of Los Angeles: Hollywood, because without it, L.A. is definitely something much more ordinary