Yes, you read it right. One of the world’s most iconic hotels (it could have something to so with a very pretty woman), the Beverly Wilshire Hotel is not only a landmark in chic Beverly Hills, California. It is part of every woman’s life long dream (for the hotel, this must be the gift that keeps on giving!!) – as all you know, one finds true love in this place. Or goes shopping.
I was really excited to stay at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on my last trip to California. And Mr. O was seriously channelling Richard Gere. Or so I thought (but in a nice way). Anyway, here is how my stay at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, went.
Pre-Arrival
– Was there any pre-arrival communication by the hotel with myself via email or social media?
Yes there was. My stay was planned months in advance and I had possibly one of the nicest welcomes I ever had.
– Did I try to engage the hotel via Twitter? Did the hotel interact with me and made me feel welcome/special?
I tried of course, and was never disappointed. I said countless times that if there is one hotel brand that understands and has embraced social media, it is the Four Seasons.
– Has the hotel tried to gather any personal information (e.g. preferences) prior to my stay?
It would be fair enough to say so. I may be known for my love for cocktails. You decide…
Arrival
– The wow factor! What was the hotel decor style?
We valeted our car and were escorted to reception. The hotel was really buzzing (and busy) but it wasn’t a problem at all. When I got to the lobby, I sighed. It was stunning, like all the hotel public areas. I have to say it looked nothing like I remembered (or thought I remembered) from the movie. For the record, I have not seen the movie for over 10 years.
– How quick and efficient was the hotel check-in?
Very slick and efficient. Obviously I waited in line (we checked in at check-out time) possibly 2 minutes. Not a problem at all.
– Was I addressed by name once reservation has been located? (it is all about the small details, some others are outstanding with this, and I love it, like I do when I board an airplane)
Absolutely. It was done very nicely. The valet asked for our name, then it was passed on to every member of staff who escorted us all the way to reception. I think we had 3-4 touch points so to speak. Very impressive.
– Did I get an upgrade from my confirmed pre-booked room type?
I did, I was upgraded to a suite with views of Rodeo Drive (I almost wrote ‘world-famous’, but it is an expression that *really* irritates me).
– Did I feel genuinely welcomed by the hotel staff?
Throughout our stay, which was spotless. Again, what I would expect at any Four Seasons property – the consistency, no matter where I am in the world (and I have stayed at more than 10 Four Seasons hotels).
– Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know
We never saw the luggage from the moment we handed over the car keys. It was sent straight to our room. Like it should be.
– Wi-fi – was I told anything about it? Was there a charge?
Standard wi-fi is complimentary to all guests at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. There is super fast wi-fi available at a charge, but I did not need it.
Room Experience
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A room with a view – a world of temptation awaited..
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
We had a large suite, but to be honest, I was disappointed with the decor – it just did not match the rest of the hotel. It was dated and tired – and I could swear there was some furniture missing. But it did have a great view.
– Welcome amenity
We had one of the sweetest amenities ever, and I really appreciated it. More temptation to go shopping… but when in Rome…
– The bed
It was actually very comfortable, as one would expect. Every night we got to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on the late side (it is LA, come on!) and we slept like babies every night.
– Closet/Wardrobe – proper hangers or those annoying ones where you need a PhD to get them out one by one? This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can’t stand them.
Not a problem at all.
– Iphone Charger/Dock
Yes, for iPhone 4.
– Bathrobes and slippers
Yes and very soft.
– Coffee and Tea
To be honest I didn’t find it, but again, I don’t really need them. It had a very good mini bar, I can assure you 🙂
– Free bottled water
Absolutely and replenished throughout our stay – both in the living room and the bedroom.
– Magazine selection – had some nice surprises and doesn’t happen often enough!
It was not stellar. But I really didn’t have any time to read.
– Power sockets in useful places – we have more and more devices and we know where we want them! By the bed, by the working area.
We struggled a little bit in this department, but again, because the room needs updating. Needless to say I did find power outlets, just not exactly where I would want them.
Bathroom
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
Again, very good-sized, but also dated.
– Bath, shower and taps – I am looking for Duravits and Hansgrohes (or other fab brands) around the world. How fab was the shower? And a little pet peeve.. was I able to operate the shower without asking Mr. O for help?
We had a separate bath and shower (I had dreams of that bath tub, I will admit), but we are not talking state of the art. A little refurb should be on the cards.
– Towels – yes, please! How many and how soft and lovely?
Towels were great and there were lots. And bath matts were outstanding – just like home.
– Toiletries – own brand, super brand, baby ones or proper ones? I shall find out!
Toiletries were on the small side, but of a new brand for me. Dana Decker. They smelled lovely.
– Amenity kit – I don’t want more sewing kits thank you very much, but I will need a shower cap.
I had everything I needed and all carefully displayed and organised.
– Hairdryer – is it a human one, or just something stuck to a wall that only makes noise?
A bit of a disappointment, the hair dryer was not really what I would expect from a Four Seasons hotel. It was from, let’s say, ‘an older generation’.
Breakfast
We had breakfast at The BLVD and it was very good. No buffet (thank you very much) and a very cheeky menu, which we loved. I had the crepe (aka ‘lazy duvet’), because I *had* to and I was very surprised by Mr. O’s choice of a full English. Someone must have been homesick. Service was faultless.
Spa
The spa… where do I start? To say it was good, it would be to be kind. It was extremely outstanding (I do have a knack for words, I know). The staff were as lovely as you could wish for, and as always, the locker rooms and facilities, were very comfortable and chic. As always, one would have every beauty product necessary for after a treatment, which is an example for many other spas to follow.
I had a ‘diamond facial’, because well, I needed one. Seriously, it is The Spa’s signature treatment and by one of my favourite spa brands in the world – Natura Bisset. I was very surprised/impressed to see this Barcelona-cult brand in BH, but hey, they do know what they are doing.
Pool
On our last day, we spent a morning by the pool. It was Monday and it was beautifully quiet. It was lovely. Towels were lovely and everything was simple, like I would want anywhere in the world. We had our own cabana (there was too much sun…) and loved what came with it – the fresh fruit, private space, and of course, champagne. I never drink during the day, but it was our last day of our incredible California trip, so I was happy to toast with Mr. O.
General thoughts
– How good and reliable was the wi-fi?
Brilliant and worked everywhere, even by the pool.
– Did the hotel interact with me via Twitter during my stay?
Yes they did, and we had a bit of fun.
– Location
Unbelievable, at the heart of Beverly Hills. Need I say more?
– Cost – rooms starting from…
Rooms start at $500 and suites from $1,000 per night.
– Would I recommend it to my best friend?
Absolutely. Every woman should have (at least) a Beverly Wilshire moment in their lives. T would love it!
– Would I stay again?
I would, but a little room refurb would make this hotel perfect, but the public areas more than make up for it.
Have you visited this hotel? What were your thoughts?
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: I was a guest of The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel during this stay, but hopefully you will see that this has not influenced my thoughts about the property. For more information about the hotel, visit its official website.