When in LA for leisure, I usually stay at the Hotel Bel-Air or the Ritz Carlton Huntington (in Pasadena). I'm interested in hearing about your favorite upscale hotels in LA and what endears them to you. Planning a December weekend but the Bel-Air is booked, sigh, and I'm feeling like trying something new . . . .

Thanks much,
Kat

Try the Regal Biltmore or the Whyndam Checkers, both very posh establishments.

Try the Beverly Prescott - within walking distance of Rodeo Drive. The most beautiful, well maintained, small boutique hotel I've ever used. Huge rooms with comfy, cozy, imaginative furniture. A great restaurant, you won't believe the extravagant Christmas lobby decor, pool, balconies look out toward the Hollywood Hills sign, excellent staff and the cleanest hotel I've every seen - bar none. Highly recommed. Can be booked through Express Reservation at a fair rate,too.

We love the Peninsula in Beverly Hills. We were treated very well and food was good in the restaurant. Also great location for shopping and sightseeing.

The Hotel Nikko in Beverly Hills. Incredible high-tech creature comforts like excellent sound systems with CDs, remote control everything, the DEEP soaking tubs are awesome, and the separate shower is big.

We spent our thanksgiving escape
at the Four Seasons on Doheny Dr.in Beverly Hills.It is off the tourist route so you would need a car but everything else about it was perfect..The understated lobby,the large rooms with chocolates upon arrival,the even larger bathrooms.The service was exceptional(including instuctions to put shoes out to be polished overnight!).The pool and exercise facilities were generous and in retrospect I should have used them more diligently ! We were made to feel lke welcome guests in a manor house. This hotel avoids the glitz while pampering its guests.

We spent our thanksgiving escape
at the Four Seasons on Doheny Dr.in Beverly Hills.It is off the tourist route so you would need a car but everything else about it was perfect..The understated lobby,the large rooms with chocolates upon arrival,the even larger bathrooms.The service was exceptional(including instuctions to put shoes out to be polished overnight!).The pool and exercise facilities were generous and in retrospect I should have used them more diligently ! We were made to feel lke welcome guests in a manor house. This hotel avoids the glitz while pampering its guests.

Eat at the new Spago's in Beverly Hills. The angel hair and mushroom appetizer is to die for.