Where to Stay - Los Angeles 2010 - page 78

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bubbling fountains, playful statuar y, and swan-dotted ponds—ar e enchanting, and the
welcoming, richly traditional public r ooms are filled with fine antiques. R ooms, villas,
and garden suites ar e individually decorated but equally stunning; some hav e Jacuzzis,
many have private patios and wood-burning fireplaces, but all feature romantic country
French decor. Even if you don't stay here, you might consider a cocktail at the cozy bar;
or brunch, lunch, or dinner either inside the highly r egarded and ultraromantic restau-
rant, or on the flower-filled outdoor terrace.
701 Stone Canyon Rd. (north of Sunset Blv d.), Los Angeles, CA 90077. & 800/648-4097 or 310/472-
1211. Fax [phone]. www.hotelbelair.com. 91 units. $485-$600 double; $800-$3,700 suit e. AE, DC,
DISC, MC, V. Parking $20. Amenities: Indoor/outdoor restaurant; lounge w/pianist nightly ; babysitting;
concierge; exercise room; outdoor heated pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV/VCR, CD player, hair dryer,
minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
Hotel Palomar Los Angeles If you're looking for the kind of hotel experience
that enhances your Hollywood vacation by treating you like a VIP, the new Hotel Palo-
mar is for y ou. The 19-story property oozes with elements of opulence and ex oticism,
from the grand rouge marble fireplace in the shimmering lobby to velvet shams and faux
snakeskin chests in each guest r oom. O ther high-end per ks include L 'Occitane bath
products, 42-inch LCD flatscreen TVs, plush terry bathrobes, lighted makeup and full-
length mirrors, and F uji spa tubs in the suites. S ure, it's all a bit o ver-the-top, but it is
fun, and that 's what w e want on our v acation, eh? S o go ahead and book the hotel 's
personal trainer. Or watch 24-hour in-room yoga and Pilates on the LCD flatscreen TV.
Or have James drive you to Spago in the hotel's Lexus Hybrid town car. It's your turn to
play diva, though I doubt Mariah is sorting her trash at the in-r oom recycling bins.
10740 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024. & 800/472-8556. Fax [phone]. www.hotelpalomar-
lawestwood.com. 238 units, 30 suites. $269-$459 double; $369-$559 suit e. Rates include evening wine
reception. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $30. P ets accepted. Amenities: Restaurant; lounge; c on-
cierge; exercise room; heated outdoor pool; r oom ser vice. In room: A/C, TV, hair dr yer, minibar, MP3
docking station, Wi-Fi (free).

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The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Despite the almost-for eboding scale, I
really like this hotel. The spacious lobby lounge is always my first stop for a cocktail and
some great people-watching, follo wed by a walk ar ound the immense pool and gar den
area behind the hotel (pack swim trunks). The guest rooms are more attractive than you'd
expect fr om a corporate hotel, with contemporar y furnishings, gorgeous warm-hued
textiles, big closets with terr y robes, and almost univ ersally impressive vie ws from the
small deck. H yatt's celestial G rand Bed is a tr eat, as is the 32-inch L CD flatscreen TV
and iPod docking station. Breeze, the hotel's beautiful 250-seat restaurant and sushi bar,
is popular at lunch, and the X Bar is handy for that late-night cocktail-and-appetiz ers
craving. Adjoining the hotel is the tony Equinox Fitness Club + S pa. (You don't even
want to know how much the membership fee is.) A $20 daily fee allows guests full access
to the state-of-the-art fitness center, fitness classes, and locker r oom.
2025 Ave. of the Stars (south of Santa Monica Blvd.), Century City, CA 90067. & 800/55-HYATT (800/554-
9288) or 310/228-1234. F ax 310/551-3355. w ww.centuryplaza.hyatt.com. 726 units. $399-$509 double;
from $559 suit e. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet park ing $31. P ets accepted with $30 deposit. Amenities:
Restaurant; spa cafe; lobby bar; lounge; concierge; access to nearby health club & spa; Jacuzzi; out door
heated pool; room service; Wi-Fi (free, in lobby). In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi ($10 per day).

London West Hollywood This all-suites hotel reopened in 2008 (it used to be
the Bel Age), and now combines English charm with California sensibility: The decor is