Fantastic Features of Los Angeles Hotels: Part Two

One of the best locations in L.A. to spot a celebrity, the Chateau Marmont is known for its restaurant as much as its notoriety. Reservations are hard to come by, but if you can make it happen, be sure to ask for a patio table. It is all about the scene - see and be seen. Lunch reservations are a little easier to get and are popular for power lunches. In the evening head to Bar Marmont for a classic cocktail and step into one of their many dark and luscious rooms. Look up and marvel at the countless butterflies dotting the ceiling. And you're sure to groove to the beats of their stellar DJ rotation.

The Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills brings a French touch to everything they do. From their spa, LeSpa by Sofitel, to dinner and brunch at their restaurant Esterel, elegance and sophistication are the mode du jour. The bar and lounge, Riviera 31 is a hub of activity. With live music nightly, featuring talented vocalists, jazz quartets and burlesque shows, there is always a show to accompany one of their delicious craft cocktails. The Strawberry Basil Martini, Coco C and the Monte Carlo Bay all help to transport you to the South of France - even if it’s just for the night!

The SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills is a destination in itself. Once you get past the Ferrari and Lamborghini packed driveway, The Bazaar by Jose Andres is a must-try experience. Foodie alert: the menu is Spanish tapas, but the execution is molecular gastronomy. It is as fancy and awesome as it sounds! Their highly trained chefs take a scientific approach to cooking - so every plate is a unique experience. Of course, Bar Centro is equally as thrilling with fizzing drinks - some are accented with cotton candy. Take the party upstairs and join one of their many pool parties at the Altitude Pool while working on a tan. If you’re looking for a serene experience, spend an afternoon in Ciel Spa to treat your muscles, skin and nails.

Mr. C Hotel is a gem that’s centrally located adjacent to Beverly Hills. The Restaurant at Mr. C features some of Cipriani’s classic dishes, from carpaccio to baked taglioni and cocktails like their classic Bellini. Though their restaurant deserves a visit, there is always something happening at Mr. C. In the summer the hotel hosts a poolside cinema, featuring classic movies every other Tuesday. Mr. C is also a destination for live music lovers, featuring various bands and acts playing American music, from blues to soul to jazz, every Friday and Saturday night in the lobby lounge. Another “do not miss” feature is their epically cool glass pool table.

The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills features one of the best brunches in the city. At $75 per person, the buffet-style brunch at the on-site restaurant, Culina features 10 different food stations, from omelettes to sushi, a carving station and two drink bars, one for fruit juices and the other for Bloody Marys. Save room for dessert so you can indulge in their incredible chocolate fountain and savor a bite of a freshly-made, warm doughnut. Visit their bar, Windows Lounge on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for a variety of live music. Enjoy one of the signature cocktails in what has become the new “Hollywood living room.”

The Sheraton Universal is ideal for those wanting to stay close to Universal Studios Hollywood. They offer great hotel packages that include two-day passes to the nearby theme park. A major feature of note is their Shrek Honeymoon Suite, which is unlike anything else on the property! As soon as you enter the room you are transported into another world - Shrek’s world, to be exact. The rustic-inspired décor includes a wood canopy bed, green sheets, and accents of moss, vines and twigs. Amenities include green punch, gingerbread cookies and mud baths. It's one of the most unique places to stay in L.A.!

Tucked away off Sunset Boulevard, the Hotel Bel-Air is a lush oasis where Old World and modern luxury meet. For a taste of opulence, visit their restaurant by Chef Wolfgang Puck for dinner or High Tea, served Fridays and Saturdays, for a classic, elegant experience. The decadent Sunday Brunch is complete with live music and a handcrafted Bloody Mary Bar. Of course, visitors can explore a different side of the hotel by spending a leisurely afternoon in their Spa by La Prairie. You don’t have to spend a fortune to experience the Hotel Bel-Air - every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. they offer a complimentary yoga class al fresco. Be sure to stroll their grounds and say “hi” to their resident swans.

One of the few hotels located in the middle of Venice Beach, Hotel Erwin offers something that no one else in the area can claim - a rooftop bar and lounge. High Lounge at Hotel Erwin is a perfect setting for evening sunsets topped off with nightly drink specials and local DJs to set the tone. The Spicy Mango Tree and The Double Dutch are worth a sip, and on weekend mornings you can start your day with Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Head down to the lobby restaurant, Barlo Kitchen + Cocktails for a fresh, California-inspired menu.