Sometimes good things happen to good people. I do my best ‘all the time’ to be a good girl – and every now and then you to get a reward in the form of an exceptional hotel stay. I can’t tell you how much I was looking forward to visiting the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and, more importantly, how much I look forward to going back (which I have on many occasions).
Arrival
– The wow factor! What was the hotel decor style?
The Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is a classic hotel, and decorated in a very classic style – chic but not over the top. Lovely, really.
– How quick and efficient was the hotel check-in?
As I walked in the hotel, I was welcomed by Greg Velazquez, Director of Marketing and Manolo Christ, the Director of Guest Services. I was quickly checked-in at the desk and escorted to my room by Manolo. It was quick, efficient and painless.
– 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, and this happened throughout my (sadly) short stay. It was quite interesting that people knew my name at the bar.. more on that later.
– Did I get an upgrade from my confirmed pre-booked room type?
I did indeed – from a deluxe to a beautiful suite with great views over the city.
– Did I feel genuinely welcomed by the hotel staff?
In true Four Seasons style, everything and everyone was fantastic. If there is something that sets this chain apart from others, I have to say, it is the consistency of the service. Everyone smiles, tries to genuinely help – no one is indifferent.
– Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know
Well, we had packed for months, really, and the luggage was taken to our room after we checked-in. We were asked if we needed help unpacking, which we declined.
– Wi-fi – was I told anything about it? Was there a charge?
Basic WiFi is free to registered guests and easy to log in with your room number and surname. It didn’t kick us out throughout our stay, which is always a nice plus. There is an option to purchase high-speed wi-fi.
Room Experience
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
Our room was lovely – the décor is classic and a bit old Hollywood, but it was perfect for the location. We had a lovely living room with a balcony, a compact but very comfortable bedroom and a great bathroom. I noticed that the bathroom was not ‘inside’ the bedroom, but then there was light. This is LA, you are bound to entertain people in the suite.. why would you want them to go through your private bedroom?
– Welcome amenity
Well well well… I have to say that I got an amenity and a half. Greg (oh Greg, no other hotel will ever compare to this) knows I love lychee cocktails. The whole world knows. But what did Greg and the team do? Set up all the ingredients so that Mr. O could mix us the ‘Mrs. O Lychee Cosmo’. We also had some chocolate – everything you see is edible. Lovely indeed.
12pm was a bit early to get started on the cocktails, so we waited until after 5pm – wasn’t easy to resist, but it was the right thing.
– The bed
Was great. Uber comfortable and the pillows were to die for. Can’t fault it in any way.
– 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.
We had a wardrobe with obviously ‘normal’ human hangers. I had a bit of fun locating the laundry bag, which turned out was in the bedroom on one of the chests.
– Iphone Charger/Dock
Yes, for iPhone 4 and we also had an iPad, where we could access all the hotel’s services. I didn’t play with it too much – I had to leave some things for when I go back.
– Bathrobes and slippers
Of course.
– Coffee and Tea
To be honest, I didn’t check – as I said before, it is something that really doesn’t matter to me. I am pretty sure I could call and get it sent over anytime. I only had eyes for the ‘Mrs. O’s lychee cosmo’.
– Free bottled water
Yes indeed, and replenished at turn-down service.
– Magazine selection – had some nice surprises and doesn’t happen often enough!
Quite a few options and quite readable – Travel + Leisure, Town & Country and Angeleno. Sadly, I didn’t have time to read any.
– 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 didn’t have problems finding sockets near the bed.
Bathroom
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
Again, in a classic style and very spacious. We had both a bath and a shower, which looked very inviting.
– 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?
Everything was of the expected standard and the walk-in shower was very good indeed.
– Towels – yes, please! How many and how soft and lovely?
Lovely and soft. And plenty.
– Toiletries – own brand, super brand, baby ones or proper ones? I shall find out!
On this occasion, we had Bulgari toiletries which is always a nice touch.
– Amenity kit – I don’t want more sewing kits thank you very much, but I will need a shower cap.
All there, no need for anything else.
– Hairdryer – is it a human one, or just something stuck to a wall that only makes noise?
I saw it, and it looked proper – but I didn’t use it. I was in LA and went to have my hair done a couple of times while I was in town. I loved my LA hair.
Restaurant
We had a lovely lunch with Greg by the pool, which seemed quite busy as there was a big wedding party at the hotel. Needless to say, plenty of deliciously looking but über health conscious options – I went for the ‘indulgence’ menu options and loved the mahi mahi tacos and the spicy pulled chicken quesadillas. I would do bad things to eat those wonderful things again.
Bar
Oh my. We went out for dinner and drinks and expected to come back to the hotel and turn in early. That kind of didn’t happen – I must confess I wasn’t expecting the bar to be so lively. Pair that with some very good live music and dirty martinis and well, Mr. and Mrs. O had a very fun night out. I don’t remember the last time I danced until 2am (not to say I am not up at that time every now and then) – it was great fun.
Breakfast
I would love to tell you how beautiful the breakfast room was, but I never saw it. (hint: I am coming back). After our late night, came a late and lazy morning, and that meant in-room breakfast. I loved how you could just order exactly what you wanted – and we didn’t want a feast at all. It was delivered timely and was delicious. (Cost for our selection: $50)
General thoughts
– How good and reliable was the wi-fi?
Very good and we never had a problem.
– Did the hotel interact with me via Twitter during my stay?
They did on the Friday I checked in, but not on the second day – only the following Monday, and have been in touch ever since.
– Location
A great location in Beverly Hills, in a nice and quiet residential area, but minutes from everything.
– Cost – rooms starting from…
Standard rooms start at $455, Executive suites (similar to mine) start at $755 and one-bedroom suites at $1,100 per night.
– Would I recommend it to my best friend?
She was supposed to come with me on this trip, and that didn’t happen. This will show her what she missed (again, hint: coming back)
– Would I stay again?
Would you believe me if I said no? Exactly. I loved my stay at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and, without a doubt, will return.
Have you visited this hotel? What were your thoughts?
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills 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 website.