The James West Hollywood backs out of the Sunset Strip

The much-anticipated The James West Hollywood will not open on the Sunset Strip after all. Just two months ago, the hotel announced it would open May 1 in one of the towers in CIM Group’s huge new development called Sunset|LaCienega. But that didn’t happen.

A message posted on the hotel’s website with the title “Embarking on a new path” (and the word “farewell” in the URL) reads, in part:

While all of us at The James continue to maintain our commitment to community, personal wellness, art and design, we will not be introducing The James Hotels to Los Angeles at this time. It has been an honor to be a part of this endeavor, and we have an endless amount of gratitude for our partners and especially to you, our guests.

Representatives of the James Hotel have not returned messages seeking comment. The 10-story hotel was designed to offer guests 286 rooms, including 35 suites and penthouses, plus a glamorous pool.

It’s unclear who’s going to take over as operator of the hotel now that The James is out of the picture.

• Fred Segal will open new flagship store in CIM Group’s Sunset Strip development [Curbed LA]
• Mapping the Fancy New Developments Headed for the Once Scuzzy Sunset Strip [Curbed LA]