Arrival/Check-In: L’Ermitage is a little hideaway just off Burton Way in Beverly Hills, and one can easily pass it. Previously owned by the Raffles Group, it has been managed by the Viceroy Hotel Group (Kor) since 2010. It was to be reflagged the Viceroy Beverly Hills, but that has yet to happen. When I arrived, it was very hot, topping nearly 100 degrees in downtown L.A. The front door and bell staff were out in force and apologized for the delay — of which I said there was none. In seconds, my car was taken and I was off to the front desk. They do need to figure out a way to ramp the access, as there are steps outside and in, and it makes pulling your roller bag a hassle. Without any delay, Brandon checked me in and offered a tour of my room, which I accepted.

Guest Quarters: I was in a beautiful suite with light-colored wooden floors and matching built-ins. A powder room and small kitchenette were immediately to the right, which I found very convenient. There were lots of plates and glasses but no coffeemaker, which I found a little odd — and not in keeping with GT standards. The living/working room was large, with a desk at the far left end; the desk chair had its back to the TV, and I soon fixed that. The room also featured a large sofa, overstuffed chairs and a giant coffee table. On the back wall, a long table had a super cocktail setup with half-bottles of all the favorites. That’s the Viceroy touch in action!

The bedroom was equally huge, with a California king bed (why are they bigger than a regular king?) and a state-of-the-art lighting system with a master switch by the bed. This was a comfortable platform bed, lower to the ground than average (a slight Asian influence throughout the room), but sleeping was not an issue.

Behind the headboard were a hallway with a large closet and the entrance to the master bathroom with its soaking tub, separate shower, commode, bidet and double sink. Special touches like cotton swabs and top-notch amenities completed the experience; L’Ermitage uses Acqua di Parma bath, shampoo and conditioning products. There were also lots and lots of towels. (I was swimming in them!)

When I checked in, the room was like a sauna; and even with temperature adjustments it was not cooling down. I went down for a drink at the bar, and Tatum, the sexy bartender, took care of the issue in a jiffy and also arranged a hotel car to drive me to a local restaurant for dinner — perfect!

Services/Amenities: I cut my stay short, so I missed dinner at Livello, but I did enjoy a few fine cocktails at the bar and breakfast outside (before the heat hit) near the cascading water feature. It was a lovely setting.

The front desk staff and the concierge, Christine, were, in a word, spectacular. I had a lot going on with shipments, boarding passes and cutting my trip short, and they took on the challenge like the pros they are.

A big no-no was charging for WiFi, and I felt the lighting could be better. I spent an entire evening in the room working and really had issues with the lighting.

Did I tell you about the pool? The spacious pool is on the rooftop, perfect for hot days like the ones I encountered in L.A. Full Frontal was filmed here, and it is a known spot for late-night skinny-dipping — so I hear!

The Experience: I have always liked the property, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy your off time, as the lounge and bar are inviting. It lacks much of the phony Beverly Hills scene that other properties have, and that’s a good thing.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/Valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• State-of-the-art fitness center

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

9291 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
tel 310 278 3344
viceroyhotelsandresorts.com