There may not be another city in the world where so many of its top hotels are concentrated in such a compact area as Los Angeles. In fact, all seven hotels – the only seven hotels in the Los Angeles metro area to receive 5 stars from the Forbes Travel Guide, are in the Beverly Hills and Bel Air, with several a stones through from each other. Forbes sends undercover inspectors and pays for multiple night stays so the inspector can sample a wide variety of what the hotel has to offer using a checklist with over 900 data points. Of its 5-star hotels, Forbes says, “These are outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.” With that in mind, in this issue we take a look at the top suites each of these top ranked Forbes hotels offers.
1. The Beverly Hills Hotel
2. The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
3. Hotel Bel-Air
4. Montage Beverly Hills
5. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
6. Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
7. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
1. The Beverly Hills Hotel
Forbes Travel Guide says, “One of L.A.’s most enduring icons is this stately, pale-pink Five-Star hotel on Sunset Boulevard. The Beverly Hills Hotel has been attracting guests (famous and not) since 1912, and its star power is by no means fading. While celebrities love the hotel for its luscious private bungalows (perfect for canoodling and doing whatever else stars do), the rest of us love the tropical gardens (gorgeous) and the retro-style pool (so movie-star chic). Don’t miss the scene at the famous Polo Lounge, which still buzzes with handshakes and business deals, or the new Bar Nineteen12, which has turned into a place to party with the beautiful and affluent.”
Presidential Bungalow
The 1,835 sq. ft. Presidential Bungalow features a spacious living room with a 12 ft. raised beam ceiling and private study. Floor to ceiling glass sliding doors let in the sun. There are fireplaces in bedroom and living room, a private patio and infinity plunge pool with underwater music. There’s also an outdoor walk-in shower, a professional chef’s kitchen and dining room for up to 10 guests plus outdoor dining on the patio. More suites here.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Sitting on tree-lined Doheny Drive, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is more than just another place to check in, as you’ll note as you step into the gleaming lobby teeming with colorful floral arrangements. One of the great things about this beautiful hotel is its location. Not only are you in ritzy Beverly Hills, but you’re also a quick jaunt away from stellar shopping on Rodeo Drive and Robertson Boulevard. The 5-Star hotel attracts locals and high-class visitors alike — whether it’s for dinner at swanky Culina or a staycation complete with time lounging by the rooftop pool.”
Presidential Suite East
The 2-bedroom 3,235 sq. ft. Presidential Suite East provides views of Hollywood Hills and the downtown Los Angeles skyline from eight walk-out balconies. There are two full marble bathrooms, plus guest powder room with shower. Both Master’s have their own private sitting rooms, and large walk-in closets There is extended separated living and dining area with grand piano. There’s also a kitchen for a private chef. More suites here.
3. Hotel Bel-Air
Forbes Travel Guide says, “A visit to Hotel Bel-Air will transport you back to Hollywood’s glamorous golden age. After two years of renovations, the new fresh-faced hotel has perfectly captured old Hollywood style (a simple, clean look with pops of color and polished marble). Hotel Bel-Air sits on 12 acres of lush gardens in the Bel-Air Estates neighborhood of Los Angeles, so the view from any of the 58 guest rooms and 45 suites is tropical. World-renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck mans the restaurant and bar, creating fresh eats with California-meets-European influences. Yet another extra-luxe perk can be found in the Hotel Bel-Air Spa. With seven treatment rooms, a mosaic steam room and top-notch service, it’ll be tough not to relax in this L.A. oasis.” More suites here.
Presidential Suite
The 2-bedroom, 2.5 bath, 3,335 sq. ft. Presidential Suite draws on Hotel Bel Air’s glamorous roots with classic details, modern lines, and a tranquil sense of space. Offering private dining for 10, a chef’s kitchen, a study, living room with grand piano, and a private, full-sized swimming pool (pictured above), this is a truly spectacular residence. More suites here.
4. Montage Beverly Hills
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Located smack-dab in the middle of Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle, Montage Beverly Hills is the pinnacle of decadence that has come to represent the neighborhood. The entrance of the property is on Canon Drive, while the backside backs up to Beverly Canon Gardens, a beautiful courtyard that makes for a good place to sit with a book. After settling in, check out one of the hotel’s best experiences, which includes having breakfast at The Rooftop Grill while savoring views of the Hollywood Hills and indulging in cold-pressed juices such as The Green Drink (spinach, celery, kale, ginger, cucumber-lemon juice and green apple). While staying at the property, be sure to take advantage of Spa Montage’s treatments, gym, mineral pool, steam, sauna and relaxation lounges.”
Residence 7A
Located on one of the top floors of Montage Beverly Hills, the 3,865 sq. ft. suite overlooks the beautiful Beverly Canon Gardens offering panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills. There are three bedrooms with two masters, 3.5 bathrooms, a large living room with a fireplace, a media and entertainment room, as well as a private office with a balcony. In addition, the gourmet full service eat-in kitchen is outfitted with marble counter tops and Viking appliances, and a private wine cellar that can hold over 600 bottles of wine. There’s also private elevator access. More suites here.
5. The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Forbes Travel Guide says, “While The Peninsula Beverly Hills is known for its old-school attention to service, it also delivers of-the-moment details, such as the in-room technology centers that control the lighting and ambience or the luxe Oscar de la Renta bath products. On the roof garden, poolside cabanas — surrounded by heated limestone flooring for year-round lounging — can be transformed into offices or massage treatment spaces. The hotel’s Living Room, located just beyond the lobby and entrance, is a see-and-be-seen spot for Hollywood’s power elite, who come for the superlative afternoon tea or to take over the comfortable, over stuffed couches for evening cocktails.”
The Peninsula Suite
Not the largest, this 2,250 sq. ft. suite brings you across the Pacific with its newly transformed with an East-meets-West theme, The Peninsula Suite boasts spectacular views of the city and the hills beyond. This Presidential Suite is also known as the ‘Green Suite’ thanks to walls upholstered in soft greens, providing a backdrop for framed antique Asian textiles, Chinese blue-and-white porcelain and a grand piano. The principal seating area faces a carved-wood fireplace and features a hand-knotted Savonnerie area rug. In the dining room, where the mahogany table seats 10, hand-painted Chinoiserie-style murals depict intricate renderings of foliage, birds and flowers, evocative of the hotel’s garden setting. A Chinoiserie-style screen is the focal point of the master bedroom, which features a hand-painted four-poster bed A modern kitchen and a spacious seating area make this an ideal suite for guests who enjoy entertaining. It is located on the 4th floor. More suites here.
6. Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Forbes Travel Guide says, “The high-profile set hides out at the Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, a sanctuary that protects guests from prying eyes and pampers them with superb service. This hotel sets itself apart with its intimate feel and exclusivity (the pool, for example, is for hotel guests only, which isn’t always the case at L.A. hotels). The rooms are also some of the most spacious in Tinseltown, with cutting-edge technology, large walk-in closets and balconies that overlook lovely tree-lined Burton Way. The hotel really feels like a home away from home — it’s as if you’re staying at a friend’s house, and a massive one at that. A hangout for celebrities and a 5-Star rating to boot, the Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills is a stylish standout among Los Angeles hotels. The luxurious pool has some amazing views of Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills.”
Presidential Suite
The newly renovated 3,700 sq. ft. Presidential Suite can be extended to 4,400 sq. ft. with connecting suite. There is a12-seat dining room. There are five extended balconies to enjoy the Southern California weather. For entertainment, the suite features a private home theater, study/games-room, and a full kitchen with professional-grade appliances, Italian Dada cabinetry and fully-stocked refrigerator to make it feel more like home. Adding to the residential feel, the suite includes a including a full-length tri-paneled mirror, and large walk-in closet. More suites here.
7. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Forbes Travel Guide says, “As the debut West Coast hotel of the brand, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills left nothing to chance in making a lasting first impression. The hotel’s dining program was curated by heralded chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the La Prairie spa is exclusive to L.A. and stunning interiors were designed by famed French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. A nod to Hollywood’s golden era, the hotel — built by architectural firms Perkins+Will and Gensler — is art deco modern. A new build to the tune of $200 million, the property glows with sparkling splendor in every detail — from the ornate, crystal chandelier in the lobby to the golden geometric accents of your bathroom’s flooring.”
Presidential Penthouse Suite
The 3,215 sq. ft. Presidential Penthouse Suite is highlighted by its Noir Saint Laurent marble, floor-to-ceiling windows, 1,459 sq. ft. private terrace, dining room, private spa, mini-gym, and personal home theater. The Crestron smart home system is like a personal assistant. Room service, lighting, music and home theater system can all be handled via the app. More suites here.
