While I would not do this either, I understand how it is 2 very different experiences. At Shutters, you can walk out of the bldg directly on to a beach. They are traveling w/a small chid and might want this type of situation for part of the trip but perhaps not all of it.

It would be bad for those among us who hate packing and the check-in, check-out component with the lost hours between a noon check-out and a 3 or 4 pm check-in. However, these are both luxury properties and March is not a particularly busy time, so I imagine that they could/would accommodate a late check-out and/or early check-in request(s).

If this is what would suit you, em, then I think a combo SM and BH trip sounds fine.

Thanks everyone again, and thanks socialworker for getting where i'm comign from .Not that i relish the thought of two hotels but we would get a 4 pm checkout thru amex, so it would make it more palatable.

Im really all over the place with this, as you can see. It would be so much easier if i could visualize and know what the area is like. My DH keeps telling me its like going from our suburb to our city, so perhaps we won't need to do the 2 hotels.

I will report back to those interested what we end up deciding to do. Thanks again!

welch (and others), what is the difference between teh two four seasons, aside from the pool? Thank you!

I prefer the Four Seasons at BH- just my taste. It has drawn a pretty big celeb crowd in the past. I've had many star sighting there and they've just finished a remodel.
When I go to LA I really enjoy time by the pool as I'm coming from the cooler Bay Area. It's always been my hotel of preference.
Perhaps someone else can give you further insight on the Beverly Wilshire

what about neighborhoods? It's my impression from what i've been reading that the beverly wilshire is better situated for ease of getting around. With a child, would the location make a difference to you?

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel is a Four Seasons hotel, but I think welch is referring to the "Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel" which is actually in the city of Los Angeles on Doheny. (Don't you just love the marketing strategy?) It's only a mile between the two, but for some reason it seems farther to me (and I work IN Beverly Hills).

The BH Four Seasons has easier in/out valet service and is in a slightly less trafficky, more residential area if you plan to do much driving around. But, if you just want to walk the streets of Beverly Hills, you can't beat the location of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Or the Montage Hotel. Or the Peninsula Hotel.

My personal fave is the Peninsula in Beverly Hills. Beautiful setting, great service, super comfy beds and they even left milk and cookies for our daughter in the room upon check-in! Love the monogramed pillow cases and all the little extras. The pool is on the rooftop and recently remodeled. We have never used it much because we have been busy doing other things when there. Of course, with a little one, the beach is always a great bonus, so maybe Shutters would be good. Our kids have always enjoyed our time on the beach more than just about anything else we did while in California. I am a native, love the whole scene, but you can't beat the beach. Of course, in March you never know about the weather...

Jean, I believe both Four Seasons (the one on doheny and the wilshire one) are four seasons hotels. Im not sure from your post if you thought only the wilshire was. My DH stayed at the Wilshire one and he said that while it is a great location it feels more like a business hotel. It;s too bad as I think we can get the best rate here.

The peninsula is definitely in the running. I think at this point it migght be between the Peninsula and raffles L'hermitage. I have still yet to call and get rates. Thanks again everyone.

If it's between those two hotels I'd definitely go with the Peninsula.
It think the Rafffles lacks much. The rooms are large but charmless and the service isn't up to par.
The Four Seasons on Doheny is the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. It may not be at Rodeo Drive but it's right around the corner from 3rd and from Robertson, two areas I find more interesting, as well as missing the majority of traffic in the Rodeo area.
Raffles is a little further out of the way than the Four Seasons on Doheny if that matters to you.

Thanks Welch, I was under the impression that Raffles was in a better location. SO much to think about. i'm going to make some calls hopefully today to get some pricing.

I like the location of Raffles. It's about 3 longish blocks from the eastern side of Beverly Hills on a street a little less trafficky than Doheny where the Four Seasons Beverly Hills Hotel is located. Raffles allows pets, so I always see the bellmen walking dogs in the morning. Can't comment much on the rooms or service. Rooms on the back side would have uninteresting views. Mostly likely, all rooms at the FSBHH would have good views, some toward the Hollywood hills and perhaps from the highest floors a view of downtown L.A.

I also like the location of the Peninsula if you plan to spend your time in Beverly Hills, but the ingress and egress is a little less friendly if you're going to do a lot of driving around. I think you can only make a right turn as you're leaving.

Not to confuse you, but have you considered the Beverly Hills Hotel? Probably closer than the Four Seasons on Doheny. Very upscale location on Sunset Boulevard.

But having added to your list, I would advise not to fret much over this. These hotels are among the best in L.A.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with this issue. we have decided to go with the Montage. great reviews, reasonably priced as compared to the other 5 star properties, and a great location.

AH, *that* was the huge construction site I used to walk past when stayed in Century City for the winter of '08! You are right, it is a great location. I looked at the website and it looks like a lovely place.

If you want a moderately-priced lunch or dinner near the Montage, try L.A. Food Show. It's located almost next door to the hotel on the Beverly Drive side. The guys that developed this restaurant were the same ones who started California Pizza Kitchen. No pizza here, but an interesting and eclectic menu. Something for everyone.


http://www.lafoodshow.com/

Thanks jean- that looks like a good place!

I haven't read all the replies, emcash, but wanted to add two of my favorite restaurants to consider:

-Mastro's steak house, near Southcoast plaza mall. very swanky steak house with fantastic food all around. Their appetizers are amazing.

-Ramos house cafe in San Juan Capistrano which has the opposite ambience..... outdoors, small, quaint; also with amazing food. here is a link: http://www.ramoshouse.com/