Urban Oasis with European Flair
An Unforgettable Stay in Ultra-Modern L.A.
by Stacie Stukin

Sleek glass façade on Beverly Boulevard

Even though the Sofitel Los Angeles sits on a busy intersection, the sound of cars whooshing by quickly becomes a nuisance of the past once you cross the glass and metal façade into the sleek lobby. This urban 295-room retreat just underwent a $40 million renovation and the result is a sophisticated and welcoming nod to the European roots of this Accor group property.

Located in one of Los Angeles’ best walking neighborhoods, the hotel is just a couple of blocks from the Robertson Boulevard stretch where the latest seen-on-starlet fashions are as omnipresent as the paparazzi who stalk them. The Beverly Center shopping center is across the street and if you walk in any direction, you’ll find an array of excellent dining choices.

The business center	The Suite room

But all you need is right on site. The SO boutique stocks everything from Pop Rocks candy to Calypso-scented candles. With a space-age Internet bar and business center and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, there’s no reason to miss correspondence. The SO Fit state-of-the-art fitness center has a team of personal trainers and indoor/outdoor feel with lots of open windows so you get plenty of fresh air while you pump iron. Or forget about muscle tone and head straight to the pool for some sun and a snack. If you like, get pampered at LeSpa at Sofitel, which will please those who covet Decléor and Carita luxury products.

SIMON L.A.	The Deluxe room

When you're hungry, SIMON L.A. (from Kerry Simon, the chef who created Simon Kitchen + Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino) offers comfort food with an international flair as well as 24-hour room service. The impressive zebra wood lattice panels, that cast a soothing naturalistic shadow, are a zen compliment to the chef’s signature ground pork and veal meatloaf and his “junk food platter” that's filled with gourmet versions of childhood treats like caramel corn and cotton candy. Then, there's the STONE ROSE Lounge opened by Rande Gerber (husband of Cindy Crawford) where the Hollywood set sips cocktails surrounded by leather and velvet.

For a respite from the hotel's nightlife bustle, settle into one of the guest rooms decorated in calming cream tones with splashes of subtle color. Enjoy the Roger & Gallet bath amenities, the rain shower heads, the flat-panel 32-inch LCD HDTV’s and the ultra-plush bed. For a prime view of the Hollywood hills, request a room that faces north.

Going to Los Angeles? Check out our guide.