In 1993, just three days after graduating from college, Jeff Klein began his hospitality career as a Bellman at The Franklin Hotel in New York City. Over the next two years, he gained comprehensive experience across various hotel operations, including front desk, housekeeping, and sales, which led to his swift promotion to General Manager. His hands-on experience at The Franklin equipped him with essential knowledge in hotel management, preparing him for his own venture when the hotel was sold in 2000.

Impressed by Jeff’s meticulous attention to detail and exceptional personalized service, his boss at The Franklin invited him to partner in a new hotel project, The City Club, located on 44th Street. Inspired by the emerging trend of boutique hotels appealing to a younger, trendier clientele, Klein utilized his keen aesthetic sense to transform an old office building into a stylish haven for discerning guests. He collaborated with designer Jeffrey Bilhuber to reinvent the interior spaces and persuaded renowned Executive Chef Daniel Boulud to launch a restaurant that later earned the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award. The City Club quickly gained recognition for its luxurious duplex suites, outstanding service, and the famed “DB Burger,” establishing itself as a boutique hotel phenomenon.

After successfully launching The City Club, Jeff set his sights on another property: The Argyle Hotel, a worn Art Deco tower on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. In 2003, he undertook a substantial renovation that revitalized the property, transforming it from a neglected eyesore into an elegant hotspot for Los Angeles' elite. Renamed The Sunset Tower, a nod to its original 1929 title, the hotel became renowned for its impeccable service, stylish accommodations, and sophisticated clientele, along with its celebrated restaurant, The Tower Bar. Despite having no previous experience in restaurant management, Jeff curated an extraordinary dining experience marked by a delectable menu, an elegant atmosphere, and a star-studded clientele. The Tower Bar's success led to the relocation of the Vanity Fair Oscar Party to the venue for four consecutive years. Although several new hotels have opened along the Sunset Strip since Jeff acquired The Sunset Tower, none have matched its prominence or loyal following.

Seeking a new challenge, Jeff identified a gap in the market for exclusive membership clubs in Los Angeles, aside from Soho House, which opened in 2010. With the intent to craft a uniquely Southern Californian experience, Jeff purchased a collection of run-down bungalows in West Hollywood, dating back to the early 1900s. One of the larger bungalows was transformed into Hotel 850, a charming boutique hotel inspired by The Seven Rooms Villadorata in Noto, Sicily. Across the street the other properties and their grounds were renovated and expanded by noted California architect Mark Appleton, collectively named The San Vicente Bungalows after their address. Designed by the esteemed British designer Rita Konig, the new spaces feature a dining room, pool room, multiple indoor/outdoor bars, a private area for intimate dinners, a lavish screening room, and nine luxurious suites. These buildings encircle a lush garden complete with a pool and seating areas, providing a serene environment for members and their guests.

Jeff aspired to offer a level of exclusivity that sets San Vicente Bungalows apart from other membership clubs. Gaining admission is challenging to foster a community of intriguing individuals across various fields, with strict privacy measures in place (green SVB stickers are applied to the iPhone cameras of non-member guests). Member feedback is carefully assessed and implemented whenever feasible, ensuring a personalized experience in which members have a vested interest.

In 2024, The Sunset Tower Hotel and Hotel 850 were among the first hotels in California to receive the prestigious Michelin Star.

In response to the growing demand for club memberships, Klein is preparing to launch two additional San Vicente locations: San Vicente Santa Monica and San Vicente West Village. The Santa Monica venue will offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean alongside all the amenities of San Vicente Bungalows. San Vicente West Village, situated in the historic Jane Hotel purchased by Klein, will feature opulent interiors designed by the renowned British designer Rose Uniacke, along with all the amenities available at the West Hollywood club, including seven bedrooms and two-bedroom suites.  

Jeff Klein’s unwavering dedication to meeting customer needs and consistently delivering a unique hospitality experience is undoubtedly the reason his properties continue to thrive.