I stayed at both the Beverly hills Hotel and the Regent Beverly during last years vactaion. We were due to spend 1 week at each hotel. However, after staying in the BH Hotel, we spent only one night in the Regent Beverly. We weren't impressed. Poor atmosphere, poor pool area, rooms not that special at all. We had a superb bungalow in the BH Hotel set in lush surroundings with excellent pool area.
My question is how does the Peninsula compare to the Beverly Hills Hotel. Okay, I know that it's a top class establsihment, with great reviews and everyone saying how it's the best. It's certainly newer, but to look at, the building looks like something out of a lego set - very basic and square. Ive been on their website, received their brochure and yes the interior is very plush and luxurious, but nothing more than you'd expect from a top hotel. Basically, I'd like someone to shed some light on why people claim it's better than the rest? I can't see how you can get a better pool area, better bungalow villa - complete with grand piano - (I know that the Pen has their version) and more lush green surroundings than is offered at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
I am going back to L.A. next summer and automatically thought of returning to the BH Hotel. However, I am really interested in hearing what are people's thought on this.
Your views will be much appreciated.
Many thanks,
Brad.

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Brad,
I looked carefully at both the Beverly Hills Hotel and Peninsula when I was in LA at the end of August. We have always stayed at the Four Seasons and love it but I was curious. We had also begun the trip at the Ritz in Pasadena and checked out after 1 night (and into the Four Seasons) because we were SO unimpressed with the property (very long list of problems). I was very surprised by the lack of security at both properties (Beverly Hills and Peninsula). I was able to wander in off the street and visit the pool on the top floor of the Peninsula (no attendant in evidence there- think we could have spent the afternoon if we wanted - the pool was very small and uninspired. Didn't care for the "retro" (i.e. wallpaper) look of the Berverly Hills Hotel and had the same lack of security. There we ented the lobby, wandered the grounds and left via a side street! I certainly wouldn't bother with the Peninsula from what I saw. I don't think you can beat the Four Seasons. The service is outstanding, the pool area fantastic with constant pampering, rooms are lovely (not huge, but VERY well done), spa outstanding and tons of celeb watching. The staff is always very nice and always offer to make everything "right" for you- no snobism we've run into. Also have stayed at the Belair and hated the outdated decor, pool in the shade a good portion of the day and remote feeling. Let me know if you have further questions.

Stick with the Beverly Hills Hotel!

Gee, Barbara, pretty weak grounds for making a recommendation about a hotel (we walked around the Peninsula, etc).

Brad, one of the best hotel rooms I've ever stayed in was a villa suite at the Peninsula BH. Nicer than a suite at the FS NYC, nicer than the FS Maui, nicer than the Mansion on Turtle Creek.
I factor value into this equation because the rates for one of these suites was far below that of other places of similar quality, plus I was given my own Audi A8 to drive while there, free of charge.
This is a very classy but not overly stuffy hotel.

I have stayed in standard rooms there which were nice not spectacular. But again, for the price, they're still a good value for what you're getting.

But the villa suites are top notch. Mine had about a 400 sq ft wrap around private veranda with tables and chaises, nice living room, with entertainment set up, etc.

Many thanks for your comments.
Brad.