Where is the Best Boutique Hotel in Los Angeles, California?
My super-picky mom came to visit me and wanted to stay in Beverly Hills. Knowing that she had stayed at the Hotel Bel-Air and Ritz-Carlton previously (and in better economic times), I knew the standard she was expecting. I hunted around and checked out some of the ritzier hotels that were smack-dab off Rodeo, but then I stumbled across this one. It is small, elegant yet still groovy-stylish, and very personable. It is close enough to the stores yet just far enough away from that whole shopping-tourist-traffic crunch. Just to make it officially great, it was significantly cheaper than some of the bigger hotels I was pricing, especially with its website deals. Mom really liked it and will recommend it to all of her high-maintenence ladies-who-lunch friends. Yee-haw!Pros + location, great value, exquisite pillowsCons – housekeeping iffy, parking
I booked 3 days at the Mondrian. The staff was ALWAYS FRIENDLY, everyone from the valet attendants to the people at check-in. The rooms are in definite need of a make-over (agree with previous postings). Our carpet had stains on the floor, and on our headboard, gross! The sheets are ok (250 thread count) but the down comforters and pillows are a plus. Since all the rooms face the pool/restaurant/bar, it tends to get a bit noisy at night.Will not stay here again.
I like modern and trendy which is why I chose to stay at SLS in Beverly Hill. This hotel is a severe disappointment. It reminded me of being thrown in the back closet of a contemporary art museum where all of the worst pieces are being stored. It is completely dark and cramped – lobby and rooms. Our room was small, with low ceilings. Worse yet, the decor was entirely black and gray with indistinct gray tiling and poor lighting. Low ceilings and a miniscule window with tinted glass contributed to the effect of being stuck in a prison cell (just why I came to sunny LA– to be locked in a darkened closet-like hotel room). I felt sorry for all of the cool modernist furniture which would have looked great anywhere else. Did I mention the long, boring maze-like halls that go on for ever (even the bell hop complained about them)? The nightclub aspect of this hotel may work but the overnight stay experience was beyond terrible and disappointing.Pros + Good location, nice furniture
