"Tell us a little about this place. Originally built in 1975 to be condos, this tucked-away Beverly Hills building eventually became the first all-suite hotel in the U.S.—a distinction that earned it near-instant patronage from the celeb set. For years, the five-star hotel drew the Hollywood crowd with its legendary attention to detail and privacy, until hard times hit in the 1990s. Following extensive renovations, the place was relaunched under various brands (including Raffles), before becoming a Viceroy in 2010. Today, the hotel that hosted Rod Stewart’s wedding and Brooke Shield’s 18th birthday party still sits on a quiet, tree-lined street and has an understated, elegant vibe—along with the modern touches required by contemporary jet-setters. Who else is staying here? The discreet, private club feel draws low-profile celebrities and CEOs, foreign dignitaries, and others who seek privacy, as well as luxury travelers who like the peaceful Beverly Hills location. How fluid was check-in, check out? How'd you find the service, overall? The hotel is consistently voted one of the best in both L.A. and the country, and a lot of that is due to the service—which starts with the seamless and efficient check-in. Once up in one of the 116 suites, it continues thanks to complimentary WiFi, bedside outlets and USB plugs, and flatscreens with Bose speakers and HDMI connectivity. Tell us all about the digs: What's it like to stay in them? The all-suite set-up means there’s plenty of room to spread out and feel at home, whether you choose a Studio or Junior Suite or larger Residential Suite (which includes Royal and Presidential options). All have a sophisticated, muted décor, work desks, Nespresso machines, marble bathrooms with mirror-inset TVs, seating areas (if not totally separate living rooms), and beds topped with Italian-made Sferra linens, as well as “runway”-style dressing rooms with vanity tables. Many also have balconies or terraces (though not all are furnished.) All guests enjoy complimentary local calls and local car service, while kids enjoy special amenities like bath and pool toys, pint-sized robes, play tents, kid-friendly menus, and more. Dogs are also welcomed in royal style with custom beds, leashes, and water bowls, plushy toys, and turn-down treats. Give us the lowdown on the F&B. In a chic space envisioned as a contemporary French bistro, Avec Nous is open all day for flavorful menus that celebrate the best of French Mediterranean cuisine, with subtle Italian and Spanish influences—now, you can enjoy those flavors in your room, too. Opt for the flatbreads, oysters, bouillabaisse, coq au vin, steak frites, and other signatures. Many of the more casual dishes and platters are also served in the lobby lounge. Any other features or services you'd like to shout out? The dedicated wellness level is outfitted with an outdoor heated pool ringed by cabanas, a fitness center, and steam rooms, while the small spa offers a curated menu of targeted services, including therapeutic massages, results-oriented facials, and body scrubs and peels that use ingredients like Himalayan super fruit and Brazilian propolis. Bottom line: Why is this place worth a stay? It's a true, time-honed luxury in a quiet corner of Beverly Hills." - Sandra Ramani
