Situated one minute from the famous Rodeo Drive, is more than 80 years of Hollywood history in the form of the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

The 5000-square foot grounds consist of 395 luxurious rooms and suites and our guide informed us that they never have a down season like most hotels.

Rooms and luxury suites are located in two wings: the 10-storey Wilshire Wing is the original building, while the 14-storey Beverly Wing is more contemporary and looks across the city.

 

The interior design of both is contemporary, with soft cream tones, full marble bathrooms and well-defined work areas at this five-star Los Angeles haven. As we maneuvered the expansive location we passed high-end fashion displays, some sampling stores along the drive and some retail outlets which are actually available inside the hotel.

 

Visit CUT for Wolfgang Puck's innovative twist on the American steakhouse, and The Blvd restaurant for all day dining and people watching on the outdoor patio in Beverly Hills. We chose the latter.

 

The Blvd is a sophisticated, all-day dining spot with lofty ceilings and large windows overlooking the famous shopping street. However we sat in the centre of the action to soak up the buzzing atmosphere. It encompasses a restaurant, lounge area, illuminated onyx bar and a large backlit wine display containing over 1,000 bottles. Lighting is clearly a big thing for the eatery, waiters deliver drinks menus with in-built bulbs so the room can remain dim.

 

As a nod to the luxury hotel's heritage, two of the original chandeliers continue to sparkle in The Blvd merging the classic with the contemporary.

We loved their specialty cocktails which include the Mikimoto, a Watermelon mandarin infused Ultimat Vodka with Cointreau and lychee drink.

 

Alternatively try the Rodeo Drive Margarita which includes the finest ingredients. We recommend the classic table starter of tuna tartar with avocado, ponzu and zoy vinaigrette. Lobster Au Gratin with juicy heirloom baby tomatoes, fennel artichoke gratin and watercress drizzled in Armagnac sauce as a main course.

 

And who could resist sharing the Chocolate Experience for desert? The platter comprised of sacher torte, warm fondant with cocoa nib ice cream and "after eight" semifreddo, spiced hot chocolate. Needless to say we felt very satisfied with our meal.

 

The restaurant is open from 6.30am to 11pm and the bar usually goes on until 1am or 2pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

 

Check in: 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90212

Ultimate Luxury:  Pamper yourself with breakfast in bed ordered through In-Room Dining. You can even pre-order your feast the night before so you can rise to the smell of coffee and an English Breakfast.

Most Indulgent Moment: Let the concierge know if you and your loved one is celebrating a milestone and champagne and chocolate will be provided upon arrival.

Insider Secrets: Even if you're not staying at the hotel, those who purchase a gym membership can still lap up the atmosphere. Overlooking the pool deck, the bi-level Fitness Center offers a wide range of cardiovascular equipment with individual televisions, an extensive variety of weight-training machines. There is also access to the outdoor heated pool.

The Little Things: Lazing in a poolside cabana while enjoying a cooling Evian spritz, chilled water or shot-glass smoothie offered by one of the attendants.

Junior Luxies: The hotel staff members go out of their way to make young guests feel at home. It begins with a gift from the toy wagon at check-in. Children and teenagers will also love the Alice in Wonderland, Iron Man and Twilight themed treatments in The Spa.

Dress code: Don't even think about running down to greet a friend in your slippers and robe. Visitors must have shoes on while in public areas. A jacket is required in the dining room and sweat suits and tank tops are not allowed in the bar or lobby.

Dent in the platinum:

Luxury Link: www.fourseasons. com/beverlywilshire/