The City of Angels – Hollywood, Westwood, Brentwood - Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica - all names synonymous with Los Angeles.
LA (baby) offers excellent & genuinely interesting tourist attractions, superb restaurants, beaches, surfing. exclusive shopping … and star spotting – both those in the sky and those from stage & screen! But where to stay …
The BusinessClass.com guide to the best hotels in Los Angeles:
Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel - 9/10
Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel started welcoming guests in 1928. Nearly a century later, it is widely regarded as one of the finest hotels in the world. It features 395 rooms and suites, the Wolfgang Puck Michelin-starred steakhouse CUT, THEBlvd – home to most delicious all-day dining in Beverly Hills, spa, outdoor swimming pool, celebrity stylist … and ballrooms that have appeared on nearly every television set in the world. The BW has been managed by Four Seasons since 1992. Guests can therefore expect faultless service and superb facilities at this hotel but it offers so much more – celebrity and history. The property was built on the former site of the Beverly Auto Speedway. The original building withstood major earthquakes and even doubled as an air raid shelter during World War II. In 1971, The Beverly Wing was added, along with the hotel’s Mediterranean-style swimming pool, which was modelled after Sophia Loren’s pool at her private Italian villa.
During awards season – which includes the Oscars – the Beverly Wilshire is home from home for the international A-list – musicians and actors - but is also the preferred address for royalty, politicians – and indeed luxury travel aficionados. The hotel’s guestbook is filled with familiar names but Steve McQueen, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Warren Beatty actually lived at the hotel for long periods of time. The hotel offers every facility and amenity imaginable but also privacy – which in La-la-Land is sacrosanct. Despite a glamourous past and whether you are a celebrity or not, what can be expected is VIP service with every guest treated as extra special.
Hotel Bel-Air - 9/10
Located in the exclusive neighbourhood of Los Angeles’ Bel-Air, the legendary pink-hued Hotel Bel-Air is hidden within acres of lush, tropical landscaped gardens, delivering low-key elegance since 1946. The 12 acres of land on which the hotel sits boasts more than 4000 plants and 483 specimen trees. Offering a welcome oasis away from the bustling city streets nearby, the property offers 103 stylish rooms and suites; gourmet Californian cuisine from Wolfgang Puck and live music in The Bar & Lounge; a signature 25-metre oval-shaped outdoor heated pool; the Hotel Bel-Air Spa with The Enclave private spa area, a 24 hour fitness centre, steam room and hair & beauty salon; a Boutique and a business centre.
There are 103 guestrooms including 45 suites. Of these, there are 7 “signature suites” including Grace Kelly and Swan Lake. They offer privacy … and luxury in equal measures with 40 inch Bang & Olufsen televisions, wood burning fireplaces and superbly appointed bedrooms. The Presidential - with its own infinity pool - is one of the finest suites in Los Angeles. The celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck looks after all the food & beverage offerings at Hotel Bel-Air. Expect delicious meals all day, every day! Guests enjoy free transportation within three miles of the hotel. The Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles is part of The Dorchester Collection.
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The Peninsula Beverly Hills - 9/10
Opened in 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills has become a favourite for families and followers of the Hong Kong-based hotel company. The Pen has 195 guestrooms with 38 suites and 17 villas. The Peninsula experience begins at LAX where your airport limousine could be a Peninsula-green Rolls-Royce. You are swept to through to Santa Monica Boulevard (15 minutes from Rodeo Drive) where white capped uniformed bellmen usher you through the Lobby to your guestroom. The exterior of the hotel is Renaissance in design but the interior is quite contemporary – and you can expect Oscar de la Renta toiletries, state of the art technology and in suites – monogrammed pillowcases – which you are encouraged to take home with you! Lovely.
The Belvedere is The Peninsula Beverly Hills' main restaurant – serving stunning cuisine in a delightful surround. The Bar is one of those to “see and be seen”. The Roof Garden is the ideal breakfast location. The outdoor pool – complete with cabanas - overlooks the city and by night is an excellent vantage point. There is – of course – glitz and glamour at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Every room has access to a film library that includes every Oscar winning film since 1929! So, you can watch the excellent Life of Emile Zola (1937) before you go to bed!
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The Beverly Hills Hotel - 9/10
For over a century, The Beverly Hills Hotel’s iconic, pink sign has been a beacon of glamour, heralding a safe and luxurious haven for the well-heeled and the well-known. Often referred to as “The Pink Palace”, the hotel is set in 12 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, gardens which feature more than 180 plants including palms, trees, shrubs, roses, herbs, ferns and many, many more. There are 208 guest rooms and suites including 23 one-of-a-kind bungalows. There are four restaurants and bars including the epicentre of Hollywood dining – The Polo Lounge, the site of many a negotiation and deal. The legendary pool dates back to 1938 and includes 11 private poolside cabanas, each named after a popular area of Los Angeles including Brentwood and Hollywood.
The Beverly Hills Spa is located on the Promenade level of the hotel and offers 178-square metres of space including six treatments rooms including one couple’s suite, separate steam rooms and saunas for men and women. There is also a boutique. The hotel is located on Sunset Boulevard, half way between LA and the sea in the famous 90210 zip code. The chocolate soufflé is one of the most amazing desserts in the world … The Beverly Hills Hotel is a member of The Dorchester Collection.
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Maybourne Beverly Hills - 9/10
Opened in 2020 (previously The Montage), The Maybourne Beverly Hills is fast becoming one of the most popular luxury hotels in the Golden Triangle (Santa Monica Boulevard, Canon Drive and Wilshire Boulevard). The hotel is a hop, skip and a jump from Rodeo … and a few seconds walk from Spago – one of LA’s most famous restaurants. The Spanish colonial-style property has 201 rooms and suites – and the 12 suites are individually designed and rather lovely – with delightful balconies. With sister hotels including London’s The Connaught and Claridge’s, The Maybourne Beverly Hills certainly has the right pedigree. Expect Cowshed toiletries, Dyson hairdryers and floor to ceiling windows.
Head to the Terrace for fresh, fresh Cali-cooking. There is also The Maybourne bar, the Maybourne Café and The Cigar and Whiskey Bar. The spa is quite spectacular – 2,000 square metres in area – complete with Turkish steam rooms, mineral pool, saunas, and relaxation rooms. The Rooftop Pool is one of the best in the city – and offers private cabanas, televisions, Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. The hotel offers the only bona-fide children’s club in Beverly Hills.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles - 9/10
If you are a fan of Ritz-Carlton and/or boutique hotels then The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles does not disappoint. Located Downtown and situated in a 54-floor modern building, the hotel enjoy spectacular views of the City, mountains, and ocean. The hotel shares the building with a J.W. Marriott – and guests of the Ritz-Carlton can use the facilities of its cousin seamlessly. The hotel – which opened in 2010 - is on Olympic Boulevard - close to the Staples Centre and Grammy Museum – so ideal for sightseeing in that part of LA. The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles has 123 rooms and suites – with the Ritz-Carlton being the top guestroom at 272 square metres in area – complete with mountain and ocean views.
Guests can eat in the JW restaurants but the Ritz-Carlton offers Savoca – for Italian dishes, the Illy Caffe for coffee, the Glance Lobby Bar and finally The Mixing Room for cocktails. A heated roof top swimming pools offers amazing views and the Ritz-Carlton Spa at 800 square metres in area has 9 treatment rooms. It is always in demand so book treatments well in advance.
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L’Ermitage Beverly Hills - 9/10
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills was originally built as an upscale apartment block but was converted to a hotel in 1975 just before it was completed. Indeed, the hotel was the first all-suite hotel in the USA – as each guestroom is sizeable – starting at 65 square metres and climbing to 440 square metres in area. There are 116 suites in L’Ermitage Beverly Hills – all very French in look and feel – with balconies, oversized bathrooms and 2 – 3 bedroom options. The hotel offers Avec Nous – a Californian take on a French bistro – serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner – delivering dishes including lobster risotto, seared sea scallops, lobster bucatini and numerous healthy salads. The restaurant is located in the old Writer’s Bar – one of Hollywood’s most famous watering holes. The Godfather and Jaws were dreamt up here and Justin Zackham who penned The Big Wedding starring Robert de Niro was once a barman in the Writer’s Bar!
The hotel has a fitness centre and a rooftop pool – complete with cabanas – boasting stunning vistas over the Hollywood hills and downtown. The Canopy – adjoining the pool offers al fresco dining. The Spa offers a plethora of treatments from facials to massages – a wonderful retreat from the hustle & bustle of Beverly Hills.
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Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills - 9/10
Guestrooms designed by the legendary Pierre-Yves Rochon, cuisine designed by the legendary Jean-Georges Vongerichten and cocktails designed by a bustle of mixologists, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has become one of the most acclaimed city hotels in California. The hotel is positioned close to its Hilton Beverly Hills stablemate – although there is no crossover in address (seven minutes’ walk from Rodeo) or facilities … the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is a diamond in its own tiara. The hotel lobby is stunning and three floors of visual delight. Expect to see gold and Lalique crystal. No expense has been spent on this property. There are 170 rooms and suites in the hotel – every one boasts its own terrace with views. Contemporary design, clinical bathrooms with Salvatore Ferragamo products and comfortable beds & furniture are standard in all rooms … while the suites give guests added space.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten is one of the most famous names in international cuisine and he guides the hotel in all aspects of his food & beverage offerings. From the hotel’s signature restaurant – Jean-Georges Beverly Hills to the Rooftop by JG and the Jean-Georges Beverly Hills, guests will receive wonderful experiences in products and service. The hotel boasts a La Prairie Spa, fitness centre and a rooftop lounge deck – complete with cabanas, swimming pool, and amazing views from the 12th floor.
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Petit Ermitage - 9/10
Every great city has a luxury hotel that is slightly left of centre – unique, different, and totally mesmerising. In Los Angeles – it is Petit Ermitage. The hotel has its own manifesto and offers a “liaison of happiness” service – a butler … but not – of course - in the usual sense! Petit Ermitage is located in West Hollywood – 15 minutes from Beverly Hills. This boutique hotel has 80 suites including eleven in the Masters Quarters - on the top floor. Each suite has a minibar, iPod dock, and CO Bigelow bath products. Petit Ermitage has placed Paris, Marrakesh, and LA in a blender … pressed on and has produced a heady cocktail of ordered crazy. There are over 150 pieces of original art displayed in the hotel from legends including Dali and de Kooning.
The rooftop offers guests a chlorine-free swimming pool. Also, the Rooftop Garden – which serves international cuisine. The Garden is recognised as a butterfly and hummingbird sanctuary by the National Wildlife Federation. The hotel also has a gym – although with all the cocktails on offer … and incredible market to plate cuisine, guests may not have time to use it!
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Shutters on the Beach – 9/10
Billed as “your personal beach house” Shutters on the Beach opened in 1993 and is THE place to stay on Santa Monica beach. Shutters is a short walk from Santa Monica Pier, 30 minutes’ drive to Beverly Hills and a couple of kilometres from the delightful Pacific Coast Highway. Shutters has 198 rooms including 12 suites. Guests can expect balconies, whirlpool baths, enormous and handcrafted beds, complimentary Wi-Fi – and oodles of fun. Shutters does not take itself seriously – it is on the beach – a world away from the business of entertainment – only 15 kilometres away! On the food front, Shutters offers 1 Pico Restaurant – a fusion of Mediterranean and Californian coastal cuisine. It overlooks the beach. Coast Beach Café and Bar serves Cali-comfort food all day. The Living Room is open for coffee, drinks and those small plates that makes a holiday complete!
The ONE spa offers every treatment imaginable from facials to manicures and pedicures to massages – using Omorovicza and Biologique Recherché luxury products. There is an outdoor swimming pool, Fitness Center, yoga sessions and meditation. Shutters comes into its own in the Summer months when the beach is the most popular. Beach butlers and a concierge is on hand to make the experience perfect. Shutters on the Beach is a beach resort – part of LA … but not. It is an escape … and a delightful one.
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