The Peninsula Beverly Hills

California
United States

The Experience

French Renaissance may seem a peculiar style to choose for a Southern California hotel, but it's what makes this small property feel so serenely off the beaten path, even though it's actually on the busy corridor where Beverly Hills becomes Century City. According to industry lore, The Pen Beverly Hills was the birthplace of the Hollywood power breakfast. But it's not celebrities that make this hotel special, it's the impeccable service, the light flowing through French doors and the large windows overlooking pocket gardens, giving the Pen the feel of a country chateau.

The Rooms

Rooms come decorated in a mix of overstuffed casual chic with the odd touch of chintz or Asiana, in shades of straw yellow, cream and sand. And all include the Pen's signature bedside consoles, allowing guests to control lights, temperature and music with the touch of a button (though it's very odd that in the world's entertainment capital, this Pen has no TVs over the bathtubs). Upgraded rooms offer more of a celebrity-status feeling, with balconies or terraces and romantic touches like fireplaces, while the higher-end suites feature hardwood floors, Oriental carpets and signature details like outdoor Jacuzzis.

The Service

So-smooth-it's-hardly-noticeable service is a Pen tradition, and this hotel has it down. Likes and dislikes are all stored on the computer and catered to before the guest can think to ask. Do you have a favorite mineral water? It's in the minibar. Do you hate apples? You'll never see them again. Repeat visitors have their beds made up with pillowcases personally monogrammed for them.

The Highlights

From the time you pull into the circular driveway, you feel a sense of relief from the traffic and frantic business dealings of Los Angeles outside, the sense of having entered a club even Woody Allen wouldn't be able to resist. But don't hole up too deeply. The Pen so embraces its outdoor surroundings that you may want to skip the wood-paneled, dark-leather bar. Instead, sit outside at the light, airy Belvedere restaurant, or head to the fifth floor. Its pool, cabanas and restaurant area turn ultraromantic at night, and the massive outdoor fireplace warms the cool night air against a backdrop of city lights. Better yet, try the roof garden: In spring 2008, a complete redesign saw the planting of palm trees, jasmine, wisteria and other lush flowering plants to form a “Living Wall” backdrop to panoramic views that extend from the Hollywood Sign to the Pacific Ocean.

 

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