Fodor's Expert Review Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Combining French sensibilities with Hollywood glamour, the Sofitel is an ideally located spot for international business and leisure travelers to work, play and relax while in Los Angeles. The hotel has a chill, European vibe and caters to laid-back guests with great service and a bevy of amenities. Set in the heart of a busy city intersection, visitors are just a stone’s throw from restaurants, bars and shopping.
room
Around half of the classically decorated rooms have balconies with great views and all come with free WiFi, in-room coffeemakers, and work desks.
If you want to bring your dog, the hotel does not charge a fee. However, you will be responsible for any damages.
bathroom
Standard bathrooms come with Lanvin products while suites are supplied with Hermes. Most bathrooms come with lighted mirrors, separate bathtubs and peek-a-boo showers (though with the touch of a button, you can get some shaded privacy).
lobby
The lobby has an art museum feel to it with a giant phallic centerpiece sculpture and old Hollywood prints on the walls. Black marble floors with colorful runner carpets lead guests to the check-in area and grand spiral staircase.
pool
A large outdoor deck descends to a concrete pool with a limited number of sun chairs and cabanas. The pool gets rocking in the summer, though, with DJ-lead promoted parties on Saturdays and Sundays.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The pool feels removed from the rest of the hotel and hovers over a busy stretch of Beverly Boulevard. If you want to lay out and relax, be aware that the hotel is across from a hospital and you may hear ambulance sirens throughout the day.
spa
SoSPA is outfitted with both French and local products and offers a range of treatments like massages, facials, nails, hair, and more.
gym
SO Fit boasts that it’s the largest hotel fitness center in LA. Whether that’s true or not, we can confirm its size and vast array of cardio machines, free weights and accessories. The gym also gives out expensive memberships to neighborhood locals.
Personal trainers can be made available by request.
dining
There are a few restaurant options at the hotel: Estérel is the main bistro with Cali/French cuisine and a gorgeous outdoor patio dubbed Le Jardin with lush gardens for day and nighttime dining. Riviera 31 is the hotel bar and serves a limited menu of bites like sliders, zucchini beignets and flatbreads.
drinking
One of the best reasons to come to the hotel as both a guest and a local is for the scene at Riviera 31. The chic lounge is decorated with old Hollywood glam in mind, and features jazz, burlesque, DJs and drag shows throughout the week.
LOCATION
Getting Around
The Sofitel is in one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city. Within 5-10 minutes you’ll find dozens of restaurants, shops, bars, and attractions. Getting around here is easy with taxis lined up outside the hotel or Uber and Lyft drivers all around you. There isn’t a train stop around here, but buses come through all day long. If you rent a car, parking at the hotel isn’t cheap, but it can make life easier if you need to get to farther reaches like Downtown or Santa Monica.
Restaurants
Keeping with French themes, you might want to check out Joan’s on Third (10-minute walk), a cute café with fresh food, baguettes, and cheeses. Sushi fans should head to Izaka-Ya (8-minute walk) for extra fresh sashimi and remarkably inexpensive lunch specials.
WHY WE LIKE IT
France and California were meant for each other, and that’s on full display here. European guests will feel right at home with a high level of service and a bevy of luxurious amenities. The hotel has great food options, and the bar is a fun scene every night of the week. Ultimately, you can’t beat this hotel’s location: you’re walking distance to amazing shopping streets, top-rated restaurants and ultra-fun bars and clubs.
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