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A newcomer to the Beverly Hills luxury hotel scene, The Mosaic Hotel (125 Spalding Dr., 800/463-4466, www.mosaichotel.com, $390–710) offers a laid-back, urban vibe in both its chill common areas and its comfortable guest accommodations. Rooms are furnished in contemporary fabrics, with soothing light colors blending into attractive wall art and fluffy white down comforters.
Mattresses are topped with feather beds, and the bathrooms sparkle and sooth with Frette towels and BVLGARI bath products. If you’ve got the cash to spring for a suite, you’ll be treated to something that feels like your own elegant apartment, with a living room with 42-inch plasma TV, sofa, and armchair.
Downstairs, a hip bar and small dining room offer top-shelf cocktails and tasty California cuisine. Friendly, helpful staff will serve you tidbits in the bar, and can help with any travel or room needs.
The most famous of all the grand hotels of Beverly Hills, the Beverly Wilshire (9500 Wilshire Blvd., 310/275-5200, www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire, $500) is now a Four Seasons property. But never fear: The recent multimillion-dollar renovation didn’t scour away all the classic charm of this historic hotel. Nor did it lower the price of the privilege of sleeping inside these hallowed walls. Even the plainest of guest rooms here feature exquisite appointments such as 42-inch plasma TVs, elegant linens, attractive artwork, and even live plants.
Of course, guests with all the money in the world can rent a suite; the Presidential suite resembles nothing so much as a European palace, complete with Corinthian columns. With an in-house spa, a dining room, room service, and every other service you could want, folks who can afford it consider a stay at the Beverly Wilshire well worth the expense.
In West Hollywood, the Sunset Tower Hotel (8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollwyood, 323/654-7100, www.sunsettowerhotel.com, $330) might look familiar to recent visitors of Disney’s California Adventure. Indeed, its architecture inspired the “Tower of Terror” ride at the amusement park. But there’s no terror in the Sunset Tower today. Instead, you’ll find a gorgeous deco exterior paired with a fully renovated modern interior.
Guest accommodations range from smallish standard queen guest rooms with smooth linens and attractive appointments up to luxurious suites with panoramic views and limestone bathrooms. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi.
The Le Montrose Suite (900 Hammond St., West Hollywood, 310/855-1115, www.lemontrose.com, $270) will give you a taste of the kind of luxury celebrities expect in their accommodations, especially in trendy, gay-friendly West Hollywood. The atmosphere and decor are almost desperately modern, from the silver discs behind the front desk to the neo-patchwork bedspreads in the guest rooms.
Happily, you’ll find lots of plush comfort in amongst the primary colors and plain geometric shapes in your room. A Berber carpet snuggles your feet, a high-end entertainment system sees to your every audio-visual and gaming need, and a gas fireplace provides just the right romantic atmosphere for an evening spent indoors.
Outside of your posh suite, you can take a dip in the rooftop saltwater swimming pool and whirlpool, play a set on the lighted tennis courts, or get in a good workout inside the fitness center. Hotel guests alone can enjoy the gourmet delicacies of the private dining room or order from 24-hour room service. If you’re dying for some great clubbing or a seat at a show while you’re in town, just ask the concierge, who can provide all the assistance you need.
© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.