WALDORF ASTORIA BEVERLY HILLS
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Pre-pandemic, I traveled to
Los Angeles several times a year, and I basically saw the construction of Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills from the ground up. My first glimpse at one of the guestrooms was during a meeting with a member of the opening team when the accommodations’ aesthetic was just a model in a concept room off the office. I had enjoyed meals on site before, but I’d never actually stayed at the luxurious property. Therefore, it only felt fitting that, when I made my return to Beverly Hills in December 2021 following a two-year, Covid-related break, I stay at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
Arriving in the afternoon but still before check-in time, the front desk attendant and I chatted over the issues of changing your name post-marriage: My reservation was under “Krol,” and my ID is now “Inlander.” We commiserated together on how the pandemic made the whole process even more difficult, with long delays for things like new identification. The chat made the check-in process go by even more quickly, and my room was ready early. Before I knew it, I was on the way to my room.
GUEST QUARTERS: With a muted palette and premium finishes, a guestroom at Waldorf Astoria is a place you can sink into as soon as you step over the threshold. My room opened into a small foyer, with a mirror and table in front and another small, attached tabletop to the left. A hallway with cream tile floors and gold accents led into the bedroom, with a large closet to the right and the elegant bathroom to the left. The bathroom boasted both a large standalone shower — with plenty of shelving for all the amenities — and a soaking tub. A dual sink and a water closet rounded out the space. The bedroom featured a comfortable king-sized bed flanked by nightstands, with a leather bench at its foot. Across stood a dresser with TV. There was also a desk with two chairs and a plush armchair with a small table in front of my favorite part of the room — the wall of glass doors leading to my private balcony and offering exceptional views of the Los Angeles skyline. Control panels for lighting and curtains/sheers were located in a couple of different spots in the room.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: My colleagues met me for breakfast in Jean-georges Beverly Hills; the lobby-level restaurant offers indoor and alfresco dining and serves breakfast daily 7–11 a.m. and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30–10 p.m. Guests can also enjoy The Rooftop at JG and a separate bar menu at Jean-georges Beverly Hills Bar. The Lobby Lounge is currently closed.
The 5,000-square-foot La Prairie Spa boasts six treatment rooms and a full array of services. There’s a heated pool on the rooftop lounge deck, and cabanas can be reserved. The 24-hour fitness center also has yoga instructors and personal trainers available on request, and KEVIN B Salon is a full-service salon open Tuesday through Sunday for makeup, hair, eyebrows and threading. The hotel also offers 5,600 square feet of event space.