Arrival/Check-in: I checked into the freshly renovated property at the end of the day. The driveway was busy but was made orderly by the parking and front door staff. When I pulled in, a bellhop took my luggage, and I proceeded to the front desk. The check-in clerk told me I had a wonderful junior suite that had been newly renovated. I was on the same floor as the Peninsula Spa, which has a secret entrance to the rooftop bar and restaurant; this was very convenient when I was meeting guests. (29/30)

Guest Quarters: My suite was very comfortable, with a long hallway flanked by a dressing area and closet to the right and the large bathroom on the left. Not much renovation was needed for the bathrooms at the Peninsula, as the pinkish marble and other natural surfaces were still in top shape. Thebathroom had a large tub for premium soaking time and an equally large shower stall. Double sinks and amenities such as Davi body lotion and shampoo added to the experience. Of course, the Peninsula offers a wide variety of personal care items, and the staff is pleased to fetch any other items needed.

The bedroom had a king-sized bed and a personalized pillowcase with “FG” embroidered on it for a special touch. Part of the renovation was a complete redress of the rooms with paint, wallpaper and fabrics. All the furniture and rugs were replaced in keeping with what Peninsula patrons expect. A comfortable desk with all the necessary items was off to the right, and I set up shop there for my stay, conducting a great deal of business from my room. A small sofa and coffee table were close to the window for relaxing, reading or watching the flat-screen TV. (29/30)

Services/Amenities: This is an area where the Peninsula excels over other properties in its competitive niche. I made sure that I entertained at its signature restaurant, The Belvedere; The Roof Garden; and The Club Bar. Not only was the cuisine superior, but also the staff took the establishments to a much higher level. I found the staff at The Belvedere on top of their game as I was entertaining some Global Traveler VIPs that evening. At the more casual Roof Garden, I had dinner with a friend, and everything was wonderful — the pool is a perfect place for relaxing or for an event. The Club Bar has been a mainstay in Beverly Hills ever since the hotel opened. Again, it was the staff (who remembered me from the previous night) and their sense of humor that make travelers feel at home there.

Housekeeping kept my room in order, pressing clothing when needed and making sure all my other needs were attended to. A nice fruit plate was in the room the day I arrived, and the Peninsula has a knack for figuring out guests’ favorites and keeping them supplied. (39/40)

The Experience: I can’t think of a better place in the area. Even with many additions and changes at 5-star properties in Los Angeles, the Peninsula stands out as the consistent shining star.

Total Score: 97/100

The Peninsula Beverly Hills

9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
tel 310 551 2888
www.peninsula.com