Having recently celebrated its 25th birthday, The Peninsula Beverly Hills still exceeds expectations as the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California.
Located on Santa Monica Boulevard’s trendy shopping strip, minutes away from iconic Rodeo Drive and Century City, the Peninsula is right at home within Beverly Hills.
Although a busy hotel, it’s famous for an ebb and tide of Hollywood’s elite and a bustling driveway of Bentleys and Lamborghinis. Flashiness aside, its 195 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 17 private villas are luxuriously appointed with plush furnishings, mod cons, and extras such as patios, hot tubs, and kitchenettes and gardens available in some suites.
Renowned for its award-winning dining, The Belvedere, which has emerged fresh from an extensive renovation, offers a seasonal Mediterranean-inspired menu of locally-sourced produce and wild-caught seafood and I’ve always enjoyed an extensive Californian and European wine menu.
High ceilings and a bright and spacious interior provides a stylish setting of pastel-hued furnishings with an exquisite art collection, showcasing 11 original pieces by internationally-acclaimed artists. The adjoining outdoor space boasts a fresh leafy terrace, ideal for alfresco dining on balmy LA nights. While the Roof Garden and swimming pool is a friendly, cosy space with a homely feel, it’s a popular meeting place for locals and guests, with fresh Californian cuisine.
We enjoyed this resort-style city oasis with private cabanas, luxurious loungers, and cocktail bar. LA’s famous sunsets and barbecues on weekends attract a crowd to the Roof Garden throughout summer.
Although ‘The Club Bar’ in the lobby has a gentleman’s club feel about it, I noticed more well-heeled ladies sipping lychee martinis and resting weary shopping legs, than pipes and moustaches.
The Peninsula Spa is also popular with the locals and although the gym is small, it does the job should you wish it to. Kids are also well catered for with a range of specifically tailored programmes and amenities, including a free kids’ menu for under-12s.
I was looking to savour the quintessential Beverly Hills experience and the Peninsula certainly delivered.
peninsula.com
The Peninsula Hotels is part of exclusive luxury travel network Virtuoso. When you book through a Virtuoso advisor, you can be sure your travel experience will be taken to the next level with access to exclusive features and benefits.
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