Photo Courtesy of Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel
Facelifts are nothing new in Beverly Hills, but among the more stunning makeovers is the $15 million renovation of the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel - a distinctive destination in the center of Los Angeles' most exclusive enclave. This prime property is, in fact, the only hotel located on Rodeo Drive.
I recently booked a stay at Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel to see its multi-million dollar redesign first-hand. Upon entering the lobby of this quaint boutique-style hotel I was immediately struck by its timeless elegance - a mix of elegant white orchid floral arrangements and other stark white décor juxtaposed with dark woods, mirrors, glass and fine art. And, of course, strategically placed throughout are those trademark green apples. Hats off to famed New York designer Vincent Wolf who conceptualized this upscale hotel's clean, minimalist design.
Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel offers 86 guest rooms on four floors, all revamped with warm and inviting contemporary décor and creature comforts, which overlook the area's luxury storefronts and sparkling city lights. The property offers 19 Superior Double rooms, 20 Superior King rooms, eight Superior Queen rooms, 30 Deluxe Kings rooms, and five Deluxe Double rooms.
Additionally, two junior suites are available, with each spanning more than 250 square feet to include a separate bedroom and sitting area. Balconies are available with some, so do inquire when making your room reservation should this be of interest.
Speaking of balconies, the most dramatic accommodation of all at Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is perched at the top. The penthouse suite, boasting over 500 square feet, is an outstanding location for hosting an event given the spacious wraparound outdoor terrace overlooking breathtaking views and availability of on and offsite catering.
The penthouse has private elevator access along with two bathrooms, a parlor room and bedroom. Here, the indoor capacity can accommodate 40 people and there's enough outdoor space for 150. For it combination of location and luxury, these penthouses have served as special luxury gifting suites for premier celebrity events like the Oscars, Golden Globes and Emmys.
No matter which room you choose at, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, you'll find it elegantly appointed with fresh orchids, a 32-inch flat screen television, complimentary Wi-Fi and DSL, multiple multi-line telephones, iPod docking station, private email, and twice daily maid service. Other notable features include high thread-count linens, plush robes, a safe, refreshment center and 24-hour in-room dining. All rooms and suites offer lovely views of Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Hills and/or downtown Los Angeles.
The hotel gym on the second floor also benefitted from the renovation - now featuring top-of-the-line cardio machines, including recumbent bike, treadmill, and elliptical trainer and resistance training equipment, including free weights, fitness balls, tubes and benches.
While there is no spa on-site, some of the best in the biz are just minutes away. Indeed, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel offers a special menu of in-room spa services by Be Well Spa, such as massages, facials, yoga, skin and body treatments. These spa services can be enjoyed by individuals in the privacy of their rooms or included in special events being hosted at the property.
Wine & Dine Divine
Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel's on-site Café Rodeo, with quaint al fresco patio seating where you can feel the proverbial pulse of Beverly Hills, features a global fusion menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The menu offers eclectic fare known for fresh ingredients and dramatic flavors, including truffle fries, short rib risotto and sandwich wraps for lunch and a Mezze plate, Japanese squash and sweet potato ravioli, and Atlantic sea bass for dinner. Café Rodeo is, in fact, the only outdoor dining experience on Rodeo Drive.
Bar 360 adjacent to the hotel lobby, equally sophisticated in design, delivers special bar selections, a nightly cocktail hour and live music on the weekends. This is a great spot to have a martini or glass of wine after a full day of shopping on the 'Drive.' The bar is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. A special cocktail hour is featured Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with special appetizer and drink prices.
Location, Location, Location
Step out of Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel on foot and you're mere steps away from some of the most exclusive shopping and art galleries in the world. Before you even leave the property you can shop at Valentino and Michael Kors boutiques, both on-site! Once you've had your fill of Rodeo Drive, other shopping havens and attractions are just minutes away by vehicle; like the Century City Shopping Center, the Beverly Center, the Getty Center and a spectacular assortment of restaurants, theatres and museums. Of course, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip and other popular locales are also in close proximity.
However perfectly situated and aesthetically pleasing, what I found as striking about Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is the highly attentive and personalized service provided by the staff at all levels. With each encounter with hotel personnel, I found them engaging and eager please. They're more than happy to arrange restaurant reservations or limo service, provide directions or advice on where to go and accommodate any special request. All offered a genuine smile and a warm greeting to those who pass by.
For all of these reasons and more, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel has duly earned its reputation as the "crowned jewel" of Beverly Hills well worth a visit for business or pleasure.
Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive
360 N. Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.273.0300
www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com
