Highlights: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

•Grand and classic hotel at intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive

•Impressive elegance throughout public and private spaces

•Exceptional staff service makes you feel like you’re the only guest

•Hotel rooms are divided between two wings and two styles -- historic and contemporary

•A new steakhouse and lounge by celebrated Chef Wolfgang Puck and architect Richard Meier

•Mediterranean-style pool and pool bar bring lounging to a new level

•New 8,000-square-foot spa designed to ease away your worries

Amenities: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

• 399 rooms, 12 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions. Complimentary continental breakfast. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Two restaurants, two bars. Fitness room, spa. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel is the grand dame of Beverly Hills hotels. This classically chic hotel stands at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. The hotel exemplifies elegance, and the service here exceeds all expectations. Movie lovers will recognize the hotel’s glorious lobby and sophisticated accommodations from the film Pretty Woman, and with its prime location, refined décor, and top-notch restaurants, it’s no wonder the production company chose this spot.

Like any good Beverly Hills grand dame, this hotel never tells its true age. While the look may be Old World, recent renovations have added a new see-and-be-seen steakhouse restaurant, newly designed pool area, and fantastic 8,000-square-foot spa. It’s clear that the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel never rests on its laurels.

Divided into two wings -- the historic Wilshire and the contemporary Beverly -- the hotel’s accommodations offer two distinct environments. Definitively sophisticated, this hotel appeals to adults with a penchant for the finer things in life, and it’s a favorite stomping ground of world-class shoppers. It’s equally well-suited to handle couples, single travelers, small groups, and business travelers. Baby-sitting and children’s amenities are provided for even the youngest guests, though the hotel’s regal overtones and lack of family-friendly activities may not be the best fit for families with small children.

(+) Legendary Los Angeles hotel with unmatched levels of service
(-) Kids are welcome; however, lack of family-friendly activities may not be suitable for guests traveling with young children

Guest Services: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

Since the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel is managed by the Four Seasons group of hotels, I expected good service before I arrived, but I never expected to be “wowed” so many times during one stay. My visit began with smooth, attentive service at check-in and proceeded to get better at every turn.

The concierge was particularly impressive. When I asked him for suggestions on walking tours of Rodeo Drive, he not only listed area points of interest off the top of his head, but he actually walked outside with me to point them out. Before taking off on my journey, he anticipated that I might need dinner reservations and offered several suggestions. He invited me to return to his desk for a moment before I left to secure reservations for that evening. To top it all off, when I called down to the desk the next morning, expecting to talk to someone different, the same concierge answered and immediately asked me how I enjoyed dinner the previous evening. I felt exceptionally pampered, and his memory for the smallest details made me feel as if I were the only guest at this hotel. When it was time to leave, the concierge extended a gracious goodbye and told me to call him whenever I was in town, even if I wasn’t staying at the hotel. His dedication was simply unparalleled, and it was wonderful being under his wing, even if just for a few short days.

The concierge wasn’t the only staff member who stood out for going the extra mile. Even the hostess at breakfast was wonderful. Instead of just showing me to a table and moving on, she visited my table during the meal to find out if I was enjoying myself and if anything was needed. She spoke eloquently, and it was a truly elegant experience.

The piece-de-la-resistance in service at this hotel is the complimentary chauffeur in a stretch limousine, available to guests traveling within three miles of the hotel.

(+) Unmatched and unbeatable levels of highly personalized service

Guest Rooms: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel treats its guests to two distinct experiences. The classic Wilshire wing has 147 rooms on 10 floors, while the contemporary Beverly Wing has 252 rooms over 14 floors. Rooms and suites in the Wilshire Wing share a slice of history with occupants--antique-style furnishings and artwork along with rich fabrics and jewel tones create formally elegant spaces. The Beverly Wing’s rooms and suites feature a striking, contemporary décor with modern art, unusual decorative objects, and simple furnishings. The suites in both Wings are especially large, with separate living and sleeping areas and multiple bathrooms. The hotel’s two Presidential suites are the last word in luxury, and like the rest of the hotel, are offered in either classic or contemporary style. The hotel’s butler service is an added bonus.

My room was located in the historic Wilshire Wing. I wanted to experience the grandeur of the classis design, and was pleased to find a welcoming space, however, the hotel’s age showed itself in my room’s awkward shape. It was very long and narrow, and while it didn’t take away from the experience too much, it did make certain activities, such as television watching, a bit clumsy. Still, it was clear that the rooms and suites were well cared for, and the bathrooms were clearly renovated with consistent upgrades.

(+) Old-world elegance and contemporary décor are available in two separate wings, ready to suit all guests
(-) Since it’s an older hotel, some rooms are uncomfortably shaped

Facilities & Activities: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

The Mediterranean-style pool and pool bar are among the latest additions to this fabled hotel. Overlooking the pool, the new 8,000-square-foot spa and fitness center calls to weary travelers and workout fanatics. This fantastic facility offers more than just massages and manicures, however. Guests can choose from aromatherapy crystal steam rooms, ice fountains, and showers to name just a few.

The spa’s treatment menu offers a mix of therapies with Eastern influences. Balinese, Thai, and Indian traditions are blended with native California materials to create a unique experience. The menu balances treatments between well-being and beauty, and guests are even offered the chance to simply block personal time rather than booking specific treatments. Offered in blocks of two, three, four, or five hours, this unique experience allows visitors to work with their therapists on individual needs.

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, just a few steps from Rodeo Drive, is perfectly positioned for shoppers, but this hotel also offers easy access to a variety of L.A. attractions to please everyone in your traveling group. Movie studios and museums, baseball and basketball games, and even Disneyland are all just a short ride away.

(+) Italian villa-style pool and first-rate spa with Rodeo Drive just a few steps away

Dining & Lounge: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel offers two different dining options and one bar. Cut, and Sidebar--the newest addition to the scene at this legendary hotel, is a joint venture from Wolfgang Puck and architect Richard Meier. This contemporary steakhouse and bar feature dazzling modern takes on design and food. All-day dining is available at The Blvd., where an 18-foot bar and a 12-foot backlit wine display with more than 1,000 bottles are eye-catching focal points. For guests who prefer dining in their room, 24-hour room service is also available.

I enjoyed breakfast at The Blvd. and was overwhelmed by the attentiveness of the staff. The hostess really made the experience shine. She was elegant and gracious, and went beyond the traditional seating task when she visited during the meal to see how I was enjoying myself.

(+) Service seals the deal at the hotel’s wonderful restaurants and bar

Business Services: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel is a business traveler’s dream with its round-the-clock services and in-room amenities. The business center, open 24 hours, will assist travelers with faxes, photocopies, and package deliveries, as well as provide secretarial and translation services. An airline ticketing service is available for jet setters that need to cancel or make new reservations, and the concierge is on hand 24 hours for any questions. Laptops may be borrowed for in-room use through the business center, and all guest rooms offer high-speed Internet and several multi-line phones for business use.

The hotel also entices groups, with more than 25,000 square feet of meeting space. From boardrooms to ballrooms, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel has a room to fit any company’s needs.

(+) Fantastic business services for groups or executives traveling alone