How much can you spend on the hotel? Here are the two best in LA according to Conde Nast's Gold List:
Los Angeles
Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills, 88.7 overall
www.fourseasons.com/losangeles
310-273-2222
'The incredible staff won't let you lift a finger' at this L.A. spot 'popular with the rich and famous of Tinseltown.' 'They know what you want even before you do.' The 'private, isolated setting' is nevertheless 'close to Rodeo Drive,' and 'spacious' rooms have 'views of Beverly Hills from the balconies.' Gardens serves 'excellent California cuisine.' 'Don't miss the Sunday brunch.'
$$$; 285 rooms; pool, spa; wheelchair-accessible
Hotel Bel-Air, 89.6 overall
www.hotelbelair.com
310-472-1211
'A marvelous oasis in a megacity,' with 'swans swimming in the lake,' this 'early Californian' hotel 'hasn't lost its character from the old days.' The 'sprawling rooms' all have 'different decor,' and 'one-of-a-kind' staff 'do things you want done but don't linger.' The restaurant offers 'a wide choice,' and 'you can eat outside on the patio.'
$$$$; 92 rooms; pool, spa; wheelchair-accessible
And the best in Beverly Hills...
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, 85.7 overall
www.beverlyhillshotel.com
310-276-2251
In the 'breezy, impeccably cared for gardens' at this 'pretty pink hotel,' 'someone actually dusts the palm leaves.' 'Sunny' rooms are 'lovely, especially those with garden views,' but for Hollywood magic 'get a suite—you're guaranteed that someone famous has stayed there.' The Polo Lounge is 'marvelous': 'We ate there every day.' 'Extremely attentive service is the norm.'
$$$; 203 rooms; tennis, pool; wheelchair-accessible
The Peninsula, 92.7 overall
www.peninsula.com
310-551-2888
'It's renowned for service in a town where people are pickier than most.' 'They couldn't upgrade my room so they gave me use of an Audi A8—on the house.' Belvedere's menu is 'inventive': 'The mashed potato-encrusted halibut is far-out.' 'Spectacular rooms' include 'rugs that feel good underfoot.' Just blocks from Rodeo Drive, 'it's the only hotel I'll stay at in Beverly Hills.'
$$$$; 196 rooms; pool, spa; wheelchair-accessible
Raffles L'Ermitage, 84.3 overall
www.raffles-lermitagehotel.com
310-278-3344
Set in 'a secluded residential neighborhood,' this West Hollywood retreat is 'popular among celebrities because of the privacy it offers.' 'Very discreet yet efficient' staff 'can handle almost any request.' Rooms 'large enough to throw parties in' have 'chic minimalist decor' and 'home theater systems.' The bar is 'great for celebrity sightings,' and the rooftop pool 'has great views of the city at night.'
$$$$; 123 rooms; pool; wheelchair-accessible
Regent Beverly Wilshire, 90.2 overall
www.regenthotels.com
310-275-5200
'The epitome of elegance,' this 'five-star luxe' hotel on Rodeo Drive is 'close to everything you're looking for in L.A.' and offers 'impeccable service'—'they run a tight, but not uptight, ship.' The bar is 'always well stocked,' and in-room spa services are 'soothing and worth every penny.' 'Sparkling, pristine' rooms come with 'beautiful tapestries' and 'posh amenities'; 'you're reluctant to go home.'
$$$$; 395 rooms; pool, spa; wheelchair-accessible
Link to the Gold List