VIBE

A heavy hitter on the Hollywood scene since the 1920s, the swish Italian Renaissance-styled Beverly Wilshire drips with classic film-star glamour and draws in famous folk galore. Though a 1990s revamp by new owners Four Seasons brought a more contemporary feel to the guest rooms (many feature deluxe bathrooms with Italian marble soaking tubs and private balconies with views of the Hollywood Hills or Rodeo Drive), the Wilshire has managed to retain its unique Tinseltown character with features like its grand 1940s ballroom (originally built for swinging big band sessions). The service is warm and personalized.

GO HERE WITH

Girlfriends – for a pampering session at the spa and a shopping trip to nearby Rodeo Drive; significant other – for a fancy getaway; family; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Four Seasons has ramped up the luxe amenities but has also been careful not to rub out the quirky "old Hollywood" features of the property. Good pick for an ultra-pampering getaway.

AMENITY WE LOVE

The complimentary house car service (within three miles of hotel)–perfect for getting bags back from Rodeo Drive. The complimentary poolside amenities, like chilled towels and Evian spritz, are pretty cool too, and the spa is top notch.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The rooms are a little on the bland side.

GOOD TO KNOW

For those traveling with kids, they have a range of kid-friendly amenities, like a welcome package, tot-tailored spa treatments, and the "Kid Approved" dinner menu. Reservations are tough to score around major Hollywood events like the Oscars. Just-updated rooms in the new wing in the back are modern yet not trendy, versus the rooms right on Wilshire which are a bit older. The Beverly Wilshire is a member of the Four Seasons hotel group.

CLOSEST COMPS

Four Seasons Hotel (New York); The Dorchester (London)

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