Global Traveler went west for our annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, held at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. As this was my first time in LA, it was quite the experience.

When I first arrived at The Luxe Rodeo Drive, I found it interesting the hotel seemed as though it was just a walk-through through other buildings; it was an almost plain black hallway with an elevator at the end.

I walked up to the main desk and gave them my name. They immediately gave me a warm welcome, my key, WiFi information and directions to my room. I got in the elevator and waited 10 minutes, thinking it was broken, until I realized the elevator was key card locked! I finally swiped my room key and went upstairs.

When I finally got to my room, instinctively I put on the robe; it was about a 6/10 on the comfort scale. I heard a knock on my door and answered to a gentleman with a plate full of macarons. After a long plane ride, it was a nice and thoughtful treat.

I tried to set up my WiFi in the room with the password provided. For some reason, it would not work. I was also curious why the password was “Luke.” After going down to the main desk and asking about it, I discovered my password was not “Luke,” it was “Luxe,” which, in hindsight, makes more sense.

Overall, I had a great time in LA and at The Luxe Rodeo Drive. The room was great and the people were happy to help. Not to mention the location is awesome, right in the middle of everything! I now know where I will stay next time I am in the city.

— Andrew Risch, advertising coordinator