Arrival/Check-in: I arrived — exhausted after an early-morning transcontinental flight and a full day of meetings — eager to get to my room and relax for a bit. Luckily, the staff at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills read my mind. I kept my luggage with me, and the front desk attendant was friendly and professional. She came around the desk and directed me to the elevators, and I was on my way. My one tiny complaint: The elevators were consistently slow. I must add, check-in is tucked away to the left, but the beauty of the entryway and lobby is something to be admired as you make your way in. (27/30)

Guest Quarters: My first thought upon entering my one-bedroom suite was, “I wish I were here for more than one night.” The property completed a $33 million renovation in March 2010, and the entire hotel décor feels chic and elegant. The cushioned wall behind the bed, adorned with a large flower silhouette, was especially striking.

I entered a large living area with a couch, an armchair, a glass coffee table and a chaise-style chair. A wall of windows overlooked Los Angeles, and a small balcony off the room was large enough to stand on and take in the view. A large bathroom, with ample L-shaped counter space, completed this area of the suite.

Through a door was the spacious bedroom. A similar set-up, complete with patio, mimicked the sitting area. As I dropped into bed that night, I decided the king-sized bed was among the most comfortable I could remember. Another bathroom was located off the bedroom. (29/30)

Services/Amenities: I enjoyed breakfast and dinner — both were fantastic — at the new restaurant, Culina, Modern Italian. The hotel spa may be small, but my 90-minute Manipura Experience (a scrub and massage) was perfect, allowing me to wind down before a red-eye flight.

There is also Cabana Restaurant, located by the fourth-floor pool and fitness center, for casual, light dining. The bar, Windows Lounge, is one of Beverly Hills’ coolest, frequented by Los Angeles bigwigs. (39/40)

The Experience: I’ll say it again — I wish I had more time here. In the short amount of time I stayed, I was nothing short of wowed. It is a bit tucked away, but with a car, the location is a non-issue. A fun fact — J. Seward Johnson, an American sculptor renowned for his lifelike statues, sculpted the statues of Marilyn Monroe and Vincent van Gogh that greet arriving guests from their permanent location on the outside portico.

Total Score: 95/100

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
300 S. Doheny Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90048
tel 310 273 2222