San Vicente Bungalows is the modern sovereign of privacy and the most exclusive social institution of the 21st century. While its current iteration as a private club was founded in 2013 by the visionary hotelier Jeff Klein, its biography is an inspiring story of revitalization. Klein took a collection of run-down bungalows from the early 1900s and transformed them into a $40 million fortress of elite social life. It motivates us to see the hidden potential in the old and the forgotten, proving that with a keen aesthetic sense and an unwavering commitment to quality, we can redefine what luxury means for a new generation.
Culturally, the Bungalows represent the ultimate realization of “Stealth Wealth” and the modern desire for absolute anonymity. In an era of constant surveillance and social media, the club enforces a strict “no photos” policy, even applying green stickers to the cameras of guests’ iPhones. It has become the preferred retreat for the A-list—from tech founders to Oscar winners—who seek a place where they can be themselves away from the public eye. The culture is one of curated intrigue, where members are chosen not just for their wealth, but for their contributions to art, science, and the creative economy.
Historically, the property occupies a site that was once a bohemian colony in the heart of West Hollywood, reflecting the area’s long history as a sanctuary for those living outside the mainstream. The renovation by noted architect Mark Appleton and designer Rita Konig has preserved the intimate, residential feel of the original bungalows while adding world-class amenities like a lavish screening room and lush, hidden gardens. It is a physical manifestation of the evolution of West Hollywood from a gritty neighborhood into a global center for high-end hospitality and creative power.
For the aspiring entrepreneur, San Vicente Bungalows is an uplifting example of how to build a brand based on the value of “exclusivity through character.” It proves that the most valuable thing you can offer the modern elite is a sense of safety and a community of like-minded, intriguing individuals. The club continues to be the most discussed and desired membership in the world, a place where the future of Hollywood is being written in the shadows of the garden. It is a reminder that in a digital world, the most powerful luxury is the ability to disappear.
San Vicente Bungalows & JK Hotel Group
Operating as an ultra-exclusive, members-only social club and boutique hotel, the business provides an unparalleled level of personalized service and privacy. The business model is built on the philosophy of “The Home Away from Home,” where every detail—from the curated menu to the intimate indoor/outdoor bars—is designed to make members feel like they are in a private residence. It remains a leader in the boutique hospitality sector, with plans to expand its unique brand of high-exclusivity to Santa Monica and beyond.
The SVB Community Fund
Through its membership and corporate initiatives, the club supports a variety of local West Hollywood and Los Angeles nonprofits, with a particular focus on the Trevor Project and organizations supporting the creative arts. The club’s philanthropic mission is to maintain the inclusive and progressive spirit of its neighborhood, providing a ladder of opportunity for emerging artists and ensuring that the creative energy of Los Angeles continues to thrive.
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